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FIRST COURT-HOUSE, 1821. 



CONTENTS. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



MOl ND-BUILDERS 

ODIANS 

Illinois (."onfederacy 

Starved Rock '. 

Sacs and Foxf 

Manners and Customs 

Sinijle-lianded ( Omhat witii Indians. 
EARLY DIS OVliRIES 

Nicholas Perrot 

Joliet and ^larquctte 

LaSalleV Exploratio i8 

Great Battle of tlie Illiuois ■ 

Tonti Sale at Green Bay 

LaSal cV \ ssassinatioii 

FRENCH OCCUPATION 

First Settlements 

'I lie Mississippi Company 

ENGLISH RULE " 

Geu. Clark's Exploits 

ILLINOIS 

County of Mlinois 

NORTH\VESTERN I ERRI 1 ORY 

Ord nine ■ of 17-^" 

St. Clair Goveiiiorof N. W. Tor itory. 

ILLINOIS TERRITORY 

W AP OF ISl-J— I HE OU (BREAK 

Viass ere of Fort Dearborn 

Expeditious np tli • Mississippi 

ILLINOIS AS A STATE 

Or2;anization 

Deriyatiou of thij name " Illinois " . . . 

Stae B nk 

LiFayette'fi Visit 

Gramm ir aud Cook Contrasted 



17 
21 
23 

24 
27 
29 
31 
31 
31 
33 
34 
41 
43 
44 
44 
4.5 
47 
51 
55 
55 
55 
56 
59 
59 
59 
60 
71 
74 
74 
77 
78 
79 
88 



INDIAN TROUBLES .-.. 83 

W'inne'iawi) War 8^ 

BLACK HAWK WAR 84 

Siillmun's Ran 87 

Batile of Bad Axe 90 

Black Hawk Captured 91 

Bio<,'ra .Iticiil Sketch of Biack H wk. . . 92 

PROM 1-34 '10 1842 95 

Inter !:al Improve me uts 95 

Iliiioi-a d Michigan Canal 97 

Mirtyr for Liberty 98 

PRAIRIE PIRA I ES 102 

MORMON WAR. .. 104 

MEXICAN WAR 1)8 

Battle ot Bnetia Vistn 119 

THE WAR FOR THE UNION 125 

States Seceding 126 

The Fall ( f Sumpter 127 

Cal! for Troops Promptly Answered. . . 128 
The War Ended— The Uilion R^^t' red. 137 

Schedule i.f Regiments 138 

DUELS 141 

DRESS AND MANNERS Ii9 

PHYSICAL FEATURES OP ILLINOIS.. 154 

AGRICULTURE 155 

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS 157 

Licuiciinnt Go\eruors 160 

S ate OfBcials ICl 

U. S. Se. 1.1 tors 162 

Repres 'nt.itives in Congress 165 

CHICAGO 170 

The Great Fir 172 

Commerce of Chicago 173 

STATES OP THE UNION 177 



CHAPTER 1. 




EARLY SETTLEMENT.. 


191 


Iniroductorv 


191 


Ante-Pioneer History. . 


1H4 


First Ai erican Settle- 




ment. 


195 


Original Pike County.. 


195 


First Settle 1 en; ol 




Pike County 


199 


Franklin and Shinn... 


199 


The Kosses 


2'0 


See ev, McGiffin and 




others 


201 


Sickly Season 


202 


Public Improvement. . . 
Crimi al Drowned 


203 


204 


Col. Barney 


206 


James Ward Drowue 1. 


210 


1826 :.... 


211 


1827 


O^.l 


1828 


212 


1829 


213 


CHAPTER 11. 




EARLY' SETTLEMENT- 




CONTINUED 


'-'15 


Big Snow 


"^15 


First Negro Settlers . . . 


216 


NumerouB Settlers. . . . 


217 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Black HuwkW.ir 218 

James W. Whitney 218 

Prominent Cliara ters. 219 
Mr. Hinmau's L tt< r.. 234 
Mr. Garrison's Let(r.. 230 
Couu y-SeU Removed. 231 
The Beautiful Pnx'rics. 231 

Pra rie Fires 233 

Inrideuts of Pioneer 

Life 234 

Tr de 235 

Th- Gospel 237 

Education 238 

Miscellany 239 

First Things 240 

What tile Pioueer.s 

H.veDone 242 



CHAPTER III. 
ORGANIC HISTORY 246 

CHAPTER IV. 

IMPOR ANT LABORS 
OF THE COUNTY 
COMMISSIONERS' 

COITRT 253 

First Meetinj 253 

Tavern License 254 

First .justice of the 
Peace 254 



Living Out Roads. .. 

Various Proceedings 257- 

Difficulty in Selecting 
C unty-Seat 

County Divided into 
Townships.. 

Fearless Commission- 
ers 

Co :rt-Honse 

Comity-Seat Re-located 

The Clerk Resigns 

Ad Quod Damn iim 

First Coiirt-House at 
Pittsfield 

Pi-e-ont Court-House.. 

First Jail 

Last Meeting 



256 
260 

263 

264 

264 

265 
267 
268 
269 

269 
269 
272 
273 



CHAPTER V. 
GEOLOGY 274 

CHAPTER VI. 

ZOOLOGY 282 

CHAPTER VII. 
BOTANY 288 

CHAPTERVIII. 

ARCHAEOLOGY 303 



00NTENT8. 



CHAPTER iX. 

UOAKO OF SUPERVI- 
SORS 807 

Couiily C'(inrt 307 

Township Orj^aiiizdlloii :J07 

.Inii :«!» 

Sup'Tvisors 310 

I'HAPTERX. 

BLACK HAWK WAR 319 

I roops Rnised 3)J0 

The Siainpeile 332 

CHAPTER XI. 
CRIMINAL RECORD.... S'H 

CHAPTER XI I. 
PIONEER LIFE *J1 

CHAPTER XI 11 
OLD SETTLERS' ASSO- 
CIATION 355 

CHAPTER XIV. 

THE REBELLION 368 

The First I dicationo 

of the Wiir 3*18 

Fi 8l Ciill lor Troops... 371 

MeetiugH Hel'l 371 

Bounty 372 

Pikii Count v's Soldiers 375 
The Close.". 383 

Starved Rock 25 

An Iroquois (^hief 37 

Gen. (ieo. R. Clark 49 

G(!n. Arthur St. Cla r 58 

Old Fort D arborn 61 

01<1 Kiiizie Hi)iise. .. ... b!j 

Pontine 69 

Black Hawk 85 

Alkire. B. W 750 

Angle, II. C 803 

Biiruey, Beniami n 207 

Bolin,.J. O." 469 

Brakelie.d, James 527 

Brewster. Charles 878 

Brow n. H 635 

Chenosveth, J. H 478 

Clark, Samui'l 859 

Conbny, J. H 587 

Cnn all, E. A 8-i3 

Davis, Samuel 814 

Denm, D. \V 786 

Dorsey. B V...i 487 

.Kastmaii, Lycnrgus 538 

(iiiy, James 615 

Harrington, Mortin -JIX) 

Laws 919 

Jurisdiction of Courts 919 

Conntv Courts 9.0 

Com r "of Highways 920 

F'cnccB H22 

Drainage 924 

Trespass of Stock 924 

Estrav-8 JI35 

Horses 9. '6 

Marks and Brands 9i7 

,\rtieles of Agreement 927 

Notes »28 

Judgment Note 929 

Interi'St 929 

Wills icn 

Descent 93.'; 

Deeds 93<) 

Mortgages and Trust Deeds 937 

Trust Deeds 938 



CHAPTER XV. 

PIKE ( 'OirNTV BAR 385 

Pioneer Com ts 385 

Circuit Judges 386 

Prosecuting Attorn'-ys 390 

T.io Bar 392 

Bur of the P.ist 395 

The Present Bar 401 

CHAPTER XVI. 

TOWNSHIP HISTORIES 

Chamljersburg 

Flint 

Detroit 

Montezuma 

Pearl 

Perry 

Urigg-ville.. 

Newl)urg 

Hardin 

Sprin,' Creek 

P^airinuiiut 

New SahMii 

Pittsfleld 

Mirtin-burg 

Pleasant Hill 

Hadley 

Derry 

Atlas 

Ro^s 

B'lrrv 

Pleasant Vale 



404 
417 
427 
445 
468 
472 
513 
573 
586 
602 
610 
(i27 
649 
715 
723 
739 
7.54 
780 
195 
79fi 
835 



ILtUSTUATIONS. 



C. R. I. & P. R R. Dvot.. 99 

Eye and Ea ■ Infl niary 111 

D 'af and Dumb Insiiiuie.. 115 

Sc.'ne on F.)x River 221 

Lincoln .Monument 137 

As\lum for Fe hi -Minded 143 
Souther. 1 Normal Llniver- 



Kinderhook 8.53 

Levee .- 868 

CHAPTER XVII. 

COUNTY OFFICIALS... 870 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

POLITICAL 873 

Election Returns 875 

CHAPTER XIX. 

THE PRESS 889 

T eOld Flag 889 

Pik' Countv Democrat 881 
(Jriggsville Reflector.. 894 

Barry .\flage 895 

The Unic .rn (Green- 
back 896 

Milton Beacon 899 

Perrv Paragr iph 901 

The In 'epL'ndent Press 902 
Otier Pap ih. .. 905 

( HAPTER XX. 

MISCELLANEOUS 904 

Railroads 9<lt 

Sny Island Levee '.)09 

{'o. Treasurer's Rcpoit. 911 

Marriag' Licenses 911 

Agricultural Statistics 911 

Table. fDi.-tances 914 

Educational Statistics 915 
Agricultural Board 916 



Central Insane Hospital. .. I'iO 

Iiidustrl il Univers tv 160 

Tlie Ciib 176 

Court-Hou-c 190 

Map of P ke Countv 14-15 

Pros lit Jail 313 

Old Jail 505 



sity 151 First Court-House,F.ontlspiece 



PORTKAITS. 



688 



Helme, John 

II inman, .\ 225 

Hnikiis, Benjamin B 547 

Hull. D 900 

JefTres. Elijah 626 

Johnston, D 498 

Jones, Nathan W 352 

Manton, James 412 

M!iriin,Hut8on 279 

-Ma-sie. M. D 842 

Matthews, B. L 269 

McMahau, L. W 558 

McWilliams. James 261 

-Miller. James B. 598 

Reynolds, Thomas 423 

Ross, Col. W .-244 

Seaborn, Robert 517 

DIGEST OF STATE tAAVS. 

Liens 938 

Bill of Sale 940 

Days of Grace 941 

Limitation of Action 911 

Receipts 942 

Exemptions from Forced 

Sales 942 

Lai)diords anc^Tenants. . . . 943 

Criminal Law 946 

Taxes 948 

Subscription 949 

Contract for Personal Ser- 
vices 950 

Newspaper Libel 951 

Tender 951 

Drunkenness 953 

Marriage Contract 954 

School Months 956 



Shinn, William 695 

Simmons, Cephas 388 

Smith, Eugene 907 

Starkev, Jonathan 648 

Strnbiiiirer, J. H 316 

Sweet, I. A 917 

Thomas, J. A 731 

Watson, William 655 

Westlake, B. F 578 

Williams, S. R 767 

Wills, A. V 887 

Wills, sr., Willi I m R 298 

Wills, jr., William R 675 

Willsey, B. J 714 

Willsey, James G 666 

Yates, (Jeorgc 567 



Infants 95C 

Adoption of Children 957 

t'hiirch Orgaiiizaiious 957 

Game 958 

Millers 960 

Pauners 960 

Publie and Prj vate Ctmvey- 

nnces 962 

Wages and Stakeholders.. 91)3 

Sunday 964 

Deftniiion of Commercial 

Terms 964 

Legal Weights and Mi as- 

ures 964 

Bees 967 

Dogs 967 

Cruelty to Animals 968 

Names 968 



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HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



FORMER OCCUPANTS. 



MOUND-BUILDERS. 

The numerous and well-authenticated accounts of antiquities 
found in various parts of our country, clearly demonstrate that a 
people civilized, and even highly cultivated, occupied the broad 
surface of our continent before its possession by the present In- 
dians; but the date of their rule of the Western World is so re- 
mote that all traces of their history, their progress and u.v.«j\ lip 
buried in deepest obscurity. Nature, at the time the first Euro- 
peans came, had asserted her original dominion over the earth; the 
forests were all in their full luxuriance, the growth of many cen- 
turies; and naught existed to point out who and what they were 
who formerly lived, and loved, and labored, and died, on the conti- 
nent of America. This pre-historic race is known as the Mound- 
Builders, from the numerous large mounds of earth-works left by 
them. The remains of the works of this people form the most in- 
teresting class of antiquities discovered in the United States. Their 
character can be but partially gleaned from the internal evidences 
and the peculiarities of the only remains left,— the mounds. They 
consist of remains of what were apparently villages, altars, temples, 
idols, cemeteries, monuments, camps, fortifications, pleasure 
grounds, etc., etc. Their habitations must have been tents, struc 
tures of wood, or other perishable material; otherwise their remains 
would be numerous. If the Mound-Builders were not the ancestors 
of the Indians, who were they'^ The oblivion wliifli has closed over 
them is so complete that only conjecture can be given in answer to 
the question. Those who do not believe in the common parentage 
of mankind contend that they were an indigenous race of the West- 
ern hemisphere; others, with more plausibility, think they came 
from the East, and imagine they can see coincidences in the religion 
of the Hindoos and Southern Tartars and the supposed theology of 



18 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

the Mound-Builders. They were, no doubt, idolators, and it has 
been conjectured that the sun was theobjectof their adoration. The 
mounds were generally built in a situation affording a view of the 
rising sun: when enclosed in walls their gateways were toward the 
east; the caves in which their dead were occasionally buried always 
opened in the same direction; whenever a mound was partially en- 
closed by a serai-circular pavement, it was on the east side; when 
bodies were buried in graves, as was frequently the case, they were 
laid in a direction east and west; and, finally, medals have been 
found representing the sun and his rays of light. 

At what period they came to this country, is likewise a matter of 
speculation. From the comparatively rude state of the arts among 
them, it has .been inferred that the time was very remote. Their 
axes were of stone. Their raiment, judging from fragments which 
have been discovered, consisted of the bark of trees, interwoven 
,^ I tu leathers; and their military works were such as a people 
would erect who had just passed to the pastoral state of society 
from that dependent alone upon hunting and fishing. 

The mounds and other ancient earth-works constructed by this 
people are far more abundant than generally supposed, from the fact 
that while some are quite large, the greater part of them are small 
and inconspicuous. Along nearly all our water courses that are 
large enough to be navigated with a canoe, the mounds are almost 
invariably found, covering the base points and headlands of the 
bluffs which border the narrower valleys; so that when one finds him- 
self in such positions as to command the grandest views for river 
scenery, he may almost always discover that he is standing upon, 
or in close proximity to, some one or more of these traces of the 
labors of an ancient people. 

GALENA MOUNDS. 

On the top of the high bluffs that skirt the west bank of the Mis- 
sissippi, about two and a half miles from Galena, are a number of 
these silent monuments of a pre-historic age. The spot is one of 
surpassing beauty. From that point may be obtained a view of a 
portion of three States, — Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. A hundred 
feet below, at the foot of the perpendicular cliffs, the trains of the 
Illinois Central Railroad thunder around the curve, tlie portage is 
in full view, and the " Father of Waters," with its numerous bayous 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. . 19 

and islands, sketches a grand paraorania for miles above and below. 
Here, probably thousands of years ago, a race of men now extinct, 
and unknown even in the traditions of the Indians who inhabited 
that section for centuries before the discovery of America by Colum- 
bus, built these strangely wonderful and enigmatical mounds. At 
this point these mounds are circular and conical in form. The larg- 
est one is at least forty feet in diameter at the base, and not less 
than fifteen feet high, even yet, after it has been beaten by the 
storms of many centuries. On its top stands the large stump of an 
oak tree that was cut down about fifty years ago, and its annual 
rings indicate a growth of at least 200 years. 

One of the most sino^ular earth-works in the State was found on 
the top of a ridge near the east bank of the Sinsinawa creek in the 
lead region. It resembled some huge animal, the head, ears, nose, 
legs and tail, and general outline of which being as perfect as 
if made by men versed in modern art. The ridge on which it was 
situated stands on the prairie, 300 yards wide, 100 feet in height, 
and rounded on the top by a deep deposit of clay. Centrally, 
along the line of its summit, and thrown up in the form of an 
embankment three feet high, extended the outline of a quadruped 
measuring 250 feet from the tip of the nose to the end of the 
tail, anc^ having a width of IS feet at the center of the body. The 
head was 35 feet in length, the ears 10 feet, legs 60 and tail 75. The 
curvature in both the fore and hind legs was natural to an animal 
lying on its side. The general outline of the figure most nearly 
resembled the extinct animal known to geologists as the Megathe- 
rium. The question naturally arises, By whom and for what pur- 
pose was this earth figure raised? Some have conjectured that 
numbers of this now extinct animal lived and roamed over the prai- 
ries of Illinois when the Mound-Builders first made their appearance 
on the upper part of the Mississippi Valley, and that their wonder 
and admiration, excited by the colossal dimensions of these huge 
creatures, found some expression in the erection of this figure. 
The bones of some similar gigantic animals were exhumed on this 
stream about three miles from the same place. 

LARGE CITIES. 

Mr. Breckenridge, who examined the antiquities of the Western 
country in 1817, speaking of the mounds in the American Bottom, 
says: "The great number and extremely large size of some of 



20 lllSTOKV CM" ILLINOIS. 

them may be regarded as fnrnisliing, with other circumstances, 
evidences of their antiquity. 1 have sometimes been induced to 
think that at the period when they were constructed there was a 
population here as numerous as tliat wliich once animated the 
borders of the Nile or Euphrates, or of Mexico. The most num- 
erous, as well as considerable, of these remains are f')und in pre- 
cisely those parts of the country where the traces of a numerous 
population might be looked for, namely, from the mouth of the 
Ohio on the east side of the Mississippi, to the Illinois river, and 
on the west from the St. Francis to the Missouri. I am perfectly 
satisfied that cities similar to those of ancient Mexico, of several 
hundred thousand souls, have existed in this country." 

It must be admitted that whatever the uses of these mounds — 
whether as dwellings or burial places — these silent monumeuta 
were built, and the race who built them vanished from the face 
of the' earth, ages belbre the Indians occupied the land, but their 
date must probably forever baffle human skill and ingenuity. 

It is sometimes difficult to distinguish the places of sepulture 
raised by the Mound-Builders from the more modern graves of the 
Indians. The tombs of the former were in general larger than 
those of the latter, and were used as receptacles for a greater number 
of bodies, and contained relics of art, evincinjj: a higher degree of civ- 
ilization than that attained by the Indians. The ancient earth- 
works of the Mound-Builders have occasionally been appropriated 
as burial places by the Indians, but the skeletons of the latter may 
be distinguished from the osteological remains of the former by 
their greater stature. 

What finally became of the Mound-Builders is another query 
which has been extensively discussed. The tact that their works 
extend into Mexico and Peru has induced the belief that it was 
their posterity that dwelt in these countries when they were first 
visited by the Spaniards. The Mexican and Peruvian works, with 
the exception of their greater magnitude, are similar. Relics com- 
mon to all of them have been occasionally found, and it is believed 
that the religimis uses which they subserved were the same. If, 
indeed, the Mexicans and Peruvians were the progeny of the 
more ancient Mound-Builders, Spanish rapacity for gold was the 
cause of their overthrow and final extermination. 

A thousand other queries naturally arise respecting these nations 



HISTOKV OF ILLINOIS. 21 

which now repose under the ground, but the most searching investi- 
gation can give us only vagae speculations for answers. No histo- 
rian has preserved the names of their mighty chieftains, or given an 
account of their exploits, and even tradition is silent respecting 
them. 

INDIAjS"S. 

Following the Mound-Builders as inhabitants of North America, 
were, as it is su^^posed, the people who reared the magnificent 
cities the ruins of which are found in Central America. This peo- 
ple was far more civilized and advanced in the arts than were the 
Mound-Builders. The cities built by them, judging from the ruins 
of broken columns, fallen arches and crumbling walls of temples, 
palaces and pyramids, which in some places for miles bestrew the 
ground, must have been of great extent, magnificent and very pop- 
ulous. "When we consider the vast period of time necessary to erect 
such colossal structures, and, again, the time required to reduce 
them to their present ruined state, we can conceive something of 
their antiquity. These cities must have been old when many of 
the ancient cities of the Orient were being built. 

The third race inhabiting North America, distinct from the 
former tvvo in every particular, is the present Indians. They 
were, when visited by the early discoverers, without cultivation, 
refinement or literature, and far behind the Mound-Builders in 
the knowledge of the arts. The question of their origin has long 
interested archaeologists, and is the most difiicult they have been 
called upon to answer. Of their predecessors the Indian tribes 
knew nothing; they even had no traditions respecting them. It is 
quite certain that they were the successors of a race which had 
entirely passed away ages before the discovery of the New "World. 
One hypothesis is that the American Indians are an original race 
indigenous to the Western hemisphere. Those who entertain this 
view think their peculiarities of physical structure preclude the 
possibility of a common parentage with the rest of mankind. 
Prominent among those distinctive traits is the hair, which in the 
red man is round, in the white man oval, and in the black man fiat. 
A more common supposition, however, is that they are a derivative 
race, and sprang from one or more of the ancient peoples of Asia. 
In the absence of all authentic history, and when even tradition is 



22 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

wanting, any attempt to point out the particular location of their 
origin must prove unsatisfactory. Though the exact place of origin 
may never be known, yet the striking coincidence of physical 
organization between the Oriental type of mankind and the Indians 
point unmistakably to some part of Asia as the place whence they 
emigrated, which was originally peopled to a great extent by the 
children of Shem. In this connection it has been claimed that the 
meeting of the Europeans, Indians and Africans on the continent 
of America, is the fulfillment of a prophecy as recorded in Gen- 
esis ix. 27: "God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the 
tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant." Assuming the 
theory to be true that the Indian tribes are of Shemitic origin, 
they were met on this continent in the fifteenth century by the 
Japhetic race, after the two stocks had passed around the globe by 
directly different routes. A few years afterward the Hamitic 
branch of the human family were brought from the coast of Africa. 
During the occupancy of the continent by the three distinct races, 
the children of Japheth have grown and prospered, while the called 
and not voluntary sons of Ham have endured a servitude in the 
wider stretchinsr vallevs of the tents of Shem. 

When Christopher Columbus had finally succeeded in demon- 
strating the truth of his theory that by sailing westward from Eu- 
rope land would be discovered, landing on the Island of Bermuda 
he supposed he had reached the East Indies. This was an error, 
but it led to the adoption of the name of " Indians " for the inhab- 
itants of the Island and the main land of America, by which name 
the red men of America have ever since been known. 

Of the several great branches of North American Indians the 
only ones entitled to consideration in Illinois history are the Algon- 
quins and Iroquois. At the time of the discovery of America the 
former occupied the Atlantic seaboard, while the home of the 
Iroquois was as an island in this vast area of Algonquin popula- 
tion. The latter great nation spread over a vast territory, and various 
tribes of Algonquin lineage sprung up over the country, adopting, 
in time, distinct tribal customs and laws. An almost continuous 
warfare was carried on between tribes; but later, on the entrance of 
the white man into their beloved homes, every foot of territory 
was fiercely disputed by the confederacy of many neighboring tribes. 
The Algonquins formed the most extensive alliance to resist the 
encroachment of the whites, especially the English. Such was the 



HISTORY OF ILLINIOS. 23 

nature of King Philip's war. This King, with his Algonquin 
braves, spread terror and desolation throughout New England. With 
the Algonquins as the controlling spirit, a confederacy of conti- 
nental proportions was the result, embracing in its alliance the tribes 
of every name and lineage from the Northern lakes to the gulf. 
Pontiac, having breathed into them his implacable hate of the 
English intruders, ordered the conflict to commence, and all the 
British colonies trembled before the desolating fury of Indian 
vengeance. 

ILLINOIS CONFEDERACY. 

The Illinois confederacy, the various tribes of which comprised 
most of the Indians of Illinois at one time, was composed of five 
tribes: the Tamaroas, Michigans, Kaskaskias, Oahokas, and Peorias. 
The Illinois, Miamis and Delawares were of the same stock. As 
early as 1670 the priest Father Marquette mentions frequent visits 
made by individuals of this confederacy to the missionary station at 
St. Esprit, near the western extremity of Lake Superior. At that 
time they lived west of the Mississippi, in eight villages, whither 
they had been driven from the shores of Lake Michigan by the 
Iroquois. Shortly afterward they began to return to their old 
hunting ground, and most of them finally settled in Illinois. 
Joliet and Marquette, in 1673, met with a band of them on their 
famous voyage of discovery down the Mississippi. They were 
treated with the greatest hospitality by the principal chief. On their 
return voyage up the Illinois river they stopped at the principal 
town of the confederacy, situated on the banks of the river seven 
miles below the present town of Ottawa. It was then called Kas- 
kaskia. Marquette returned to the village in 1675 and established 
the mission of the Immaculate Conception, the oldest in Illinois. 
When, in 1679, LaSalle visited the town, it had greatly increase(3 
numbering 460 lodges, and at the annual assembly of the difterent 
tribes, from 6,000 to 8,000 souls. In common with other western 
tribes, they became involved in the conspiracy of Pontiac, although 
displaying no very great warlike spirit. Pontiac lost his life by 
the hands of one of the braves of the Illinois tribe, which so enraged 
the nations that had followed him as their leader that they fell upon 
the Illinois to avenge his death, and almost annihilated them. 

STARVED ROCK. 

Tradition states that a band of this tribe, in order to escape the 
general slaugliter, took refuge upon the high rock on the Illinois 



24 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, 

river since known as Starved Rock. Nature has made this one of 
tlie most formidable military fortresses in the world. From the 
waters which wash its base it rises to an altitude of 125 feet. Three 
of its sides it is impossible to scale, while the one next to the land 
may be climbed with difficulty. From its summit, almost as inac- 
cessible as an eagle's nest, the valley of the Illinois is seen as 
a landscape of exquisite beauty. The river near by struggles 
between a num-ber of wooded islands, while further below it quietly 
meanders through vast meadows till it disappears like a thread of 
light in the dim distance. On the summit of this rock the Illinois 
were besieged by a superior force of the Pottawatomies whom the 
great strength of their natural fortress enabled them to keep at bay. 
Hunger and thirst, however, soon accomplished what the enemy 
was unable to effect. Surrounded by a relentless foe, without food 
or water, they took a last look at their beautiful hunting grounds, 
and with true Indian fortitude lay down and died from starvation. 
Years afterward their bones were seen whitening in that place. 

At the beginning of the present century the remnants of this 
once powerful confederacy were forced into a small compass around 
Kaskaskia. A few years later they emigrated to the Southwest, 
and in 1850 they were in Indian Territory, and numbered but 8i 
persons. 

SACS AND FOXES. 

The Sacs and Foxes, who figured most conspicuously in the later 
history of Illinois, inhabited the northwestern portion of the State. 
By long residence together and intermarriage they had substan- 
tially become one people. Drake, in his "Life of Black Hawk," 
speaks of these tribes as follows: 'f The Sacs and Foxes fought their 
way from the waters of the St. Lawrence to Green Bay, and after 
teaching that place, not only sustained themselves against hostile 
tribes, but were the most active and courageous in the subjugation, 
or rather the extermination, of the numerous and powerful Illinois 
confederacy. They had many wars, offensive and defensive, with 
the Sioux, the Pawnees, the Osages, and other tribes, some of which 
are ranked among the most fierce and ferocious warriors of the 
whole continent; and it does not appear that in these conflicts, run- 
ning through a long period of years, they were found wanting in 
this, the greatest of all savage virtues. In the late war with Great 
Britain, a party of the Sacs and Foxes fought under the British 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 27 

standard as a matter of choice; and in the recent contest between a 
fragment of these tribes and the United States, although defeated 
and literally cat to pieces by an overwhelming force, it is very 
questionable whether their reputation as braves would suffer by a 
comparison with that of their victors. It is believed that a careful 
review of their history, from the period when they tirst established 
themselves on the waters of the Mississippi down to the present 
time, will lead the inquirer to the conclusion that the Sacs and 
Foxes were truly a courageous people, shrewd, politic, and enter- 
prising, with no more ferocity and treachery of character than is 
common amona; the tribes bv whom thev were surrounded." These 
tribes at the time of the Black Hawk War were divided into twenty 
families, twelve of which were Sacs and eight Foxes. The follow- 
ing were other prominent tribes occupying Illinois: the Kickapoos, 
Shawnees, Mascoulins, Piaukishaws, Pottawatomies, Chippewas, 
and Ottawas. 

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 

The art of hunting not only supplied the Indian with food, but, 
like that of war, was a means of gratifying his love of distinction. 
The male children, as soon as they acquired sufficient age and 
strength, were furnished with a bow and arrow and taught to shoot 
birds and other small game. Success in killing large quadrupeds 
required years of careful study and practice, and the art was as 
sedulously inculcated in the minds of the rising generation as are 
the elements of reading, writing and arithmetic in the common 
schools of civilized communities. The mazes of the forest and the 
dense, tall grass of the prairies were the best fields for the exercise 
of the hunter's skill. No feet could be impressed in the vieldino' 
soil but that the tracks were the objects of the most searching 
scrutiny, and revealed at a glance the animal that made them, the 
direction it was pursuing, and the time that had elayised since it 
had passed. In a forest country lie selected the valleys, because 
they were most frequently the resort of game. The most easily 
taken, perhaps, of all the animals of the chase was the deer. It is 
endowed with a curiosity which prompts it to stop in its flight and 
look back at the approaching hunter, who always avails himself of 
this opportunity to let fly the fatal arrow. 

Their general councils were composed of the chiefs and old men. 
When in council, they usually sat in concentric circles around the 



28 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

speaker, and each individual, notwithstandinor the fiery passions 
tliat rankled within, preserv^ed an exterior as immovable as if cast 
in bronze. Before commencing business a person appeared with 
the sacred pipe, and another with fire to kindle it. After being 
lighted, it was first presented to heaven, secondly to the earth, 
thirdly to the presiding spirit, and lastly the several councilors, 
each of whom took a whiff. These .formalities were observed with 
as close exactness as state etiquette in civilized courts. 

The dwellings of the Indians were of the simplest and rudest 
character. On some pleasant spot by the bank of a river, or near 
au ever-running spring, they raised their groups of wigwams, con- 
structed of the bark of trees, and easily taken down and removed 
to another spot. The dwelling-places of the chiefs were sometimes 
more spacious, and constructed with greater care, but of the same 
materials. Skins taken in the chase served them for repose. 
Though principally dependent upon hunting and fishing, the 
uncertain supply from those sources led them to cultivate small 
patches of corn. Eveiy family did everything necessary within 
itself, commerce, or an interchange of articles, being almost unknown 
to them. In cases of dispute and dissension, each Indian relied 
upon himself f jr retaliation. Blood for blood was the rule, and 
the relatives of the slain man were bound to obtain bloody revenge 
for his death. This principle gave rise, as a matter of course, to 
innumerable and bitter feuds, and wars of extermination where such 
were possible. War, indeed, rather than peace, was the Indian's 
glory and delight, — war, not conducted as civilization, but war 
where individual skill, endurance, gallantry and cruelty were prime 
requisites. For such a purpose as revenge the Indian would make 
great sacrifices, and display a patience and perseverance truly heroic; 
I)ut when the excitement was over, he sank back into a listless, un- 
occupied, well-nigh useless savage. During the intervals of his 
more exciting pursuits, the Indian employed his time in decorating 
liis person with all the refinement of paint and feathers, and in the 
manufacture of his arms and of canoes. These were constructed of 
bark, and so light that they could easily be carried on the shoulder 
from stream to stream. His amusements were the war-dance, ath- 
letic games, the narration of his exploits, and listening to the ora- 
tory of the chiefs; but during long periods of such existence he 
remained in a state of torpor, gazing listlessly upon the trees of 
the forests and the clouds that sailed above them ; and this vacancy 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 29^ 

imprinted an habitual gravity, and even melancholy, upon his gen- 
eral deportment. 

The main labor and drudgery of Indian communities fell upon 
the women. The planting, tending and gathering of the crops, 
making mats and baskets, carrying burdens, — in fact, all things of 
the kind were performed by them, thus making their condition but 
little better than that of slaves. Marriage was merely a matter of 
bargain and sale, the husband giving presents to the lather of the 
bride. In general they had but few children. They were sub- 
jected to many and severe attacks of sickness, and at times famine 
and pestilence swept away whole tribes. 

SINGLE-HANDED COMBAT WITH INDIANS. 

The most desperate single-handed combat with Indians ever 
fought on the soil of Illinois was that of Tom Higgins, August 21, 
1814-. Higgins was 25 years old, of a muscular and compact 
build, not tall, but strong and active. In danger he possessed a 
quick and discerning judgment, and was without fear. He was a 
member of Journey's rangers, consisting of eleven men, stationed 
at Hill's Fort, eight miles southwest of the present Greenville, Put- 
nam county. Discovering Indian signs near the fort, the company, 
ear^y the following morning, started on the trail. . They had not 
gone far before they were in an ambuscade of a larger party. At 
the first fire their commander. Journey, and three men fell, and 
six retreated to the fort; but Higgins stopped to "have another 
pull at the red-skins,'' and, taking deliberate aim at a straggling 
savage, shot him down. Higgins' horse had been wounded at the 
first fire, as he supposed, mortally. Coming to, he was about to 
eflfect his escape, when the familiar voice of Burgess hailed him 
from the long grass, "Tom, don't leave me." Pliggins told him to 
come along, but Bui-gess replied that his leg was smashed. Hig- 
gins attempted to raise him on his horse, but the animal took fright 
and ran away. Higgins then directed Burgess to limp ofif as well 
as he could; and by crawling through the grass he reached the fort 
while the former loaded his gun and remained behind to protect 
him against the pursuing enemy. When Burgess was well out of 
the way, Higgins took another route, which led by a small thicket, 
to throw any wandering enemy off the trail. Here he was con- 
fronted by three savages approaching. He ran to a little ravine 
near for shelter, but in the efibrt discovered for the first time that 



30 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

lie was badly wounded in the leg. lie was closely pressed by the 
largest, a powerful Indian, who lodged a ball in his thigh. He fell, 
but instantly rose again, only, however, to draw the fire of the other 
two, and again fell wounded. The Indians now advanced upon him 
with their tomahawks and scalping knives; but as he presented his 
gun first at one, then at another, from liis place in the ravine, each 
wavered in his purpose. Neither party had time to load, and the 
large Indian, supposingfinally that Higgins' gun was empty, rushed 
forward with uplifted tomahawk and a yell; but as he came near 
enough, was shot down. At this the others raised the war-whoop, 
and rushed upon the wounded Higgins, and now a hand-to-hand 
conflict ensued. They darted at him with their knives time and 
again, inflicting many ghastly flesh-wounds, which bled profusely. 
One of the assailants threw his tomahawk at him with such pre- 
cision as to sever his ear and lay bare his skull, knocking him down. 
They now rushed in on him, but he kicked them off", and grasping 
one of their spears thrust at him, was raised up by it. He quickly 
seized his gun, and by a powerful blow crushed in the skull of one, 
but broke his rifle. His remaining antagonist still kept up the^ con- 
test, making thrusts with his knife at the bleeding and exhausted 
Higgins, which he parried with his broken gun as well as he could. 
Most of this desperate engagement was in plain view of the fort; 
but the rangers, having been in one ambuscade, saw in this fight 
only a ruse to draw out the balance of the garrison. But a Mrs. 
Pursely, residing at the fort, no longer able to see so brave a man 
contend for his life unaided, seized a gun, mounted a horse, and 
started to his rescue. . At this the men took courage and hastened 
along. The Indian, seeing aid coming, fled. Higgins. being near- 
ly hacked to pieces, fainted from loss of blood. He was carried to 
the fort. Thei-e being no surgeon, his comrades cut two balls from 
his flesh; others remained in. For days his life was despaired of; 
but by tender nursing he ultimately regained his liealth, although 
badly crippled. He resided in Fayette county for many years after, 
and died in 1829. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 31 



EARLY DISCOVERIES 

NICHOLAS PERROT. 

« 

The first white man who ever set foot on the soil embraced within 
the boundary of the present populous State of Illinois was ISTicli- 
olas Perrot, a Frenchman. He was sent to Chicago in the year 1671 
by M. Talon, Intendant of Canada, for the purpose of inviting the 
"Western Indians to a great peace convention to be held at Green 
Bay. This convention had for its chief object the promulgation of 
a plan for the discovery of the Mississippi river. This great river 
had been discovered by De Soto, the Spanish explorer, nearly one 
hundred and fifty years previously, but his nation left the country 
a wilderness, without further exploration or settlement within its 
borders, in which condition it remained until the river was dis- 
covered by Joliet and Marquette in 1673. It was deemed a wise 
policy to secure, as far as possible, the friendship and co-operation 
of the Indians, far and near, before venturing upon an enterprise 
whici their hostility might render disastrous. Thus the great con- 
vention was called. 

JOLIET AND MARQUETTE. 

Although Perrot was the first European to visit Illinois, he was 
not the first to make any important discoveries. This was left for 
Joliet and Marquette, which they accomplished two years thereafter. 
The former, Louis Joliet, was born at Quebec in 1645. He was 
educated for the clerical profession, but he abandoned it to 
engage in the fur trade. His companion, Father Jacques Mai'- 
quette, was a native of France, born in 1637. He was a Jesuit 
priest by education, and a man of simple faith and great zeal and 
devotion in extending the Roman Catholic religion among the In- 
dians. He was sent to America in 1666 as a missionary. To con- 
vert the Indians he penetrated the wilderness a thousand miles 
in advance of civilization, and bv his kind attention in their afflic- 
tions he won their affections and made tliem his lasting friends. 
There were others, however, who visited Illinois even prior to the 
famous exploration of Joliet and Marquette. In 1672 the Jesuit 



32 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

missionaries, Fathers Claude Allouez and Claude Dablon, bore the 
standard of the Cross tVuin their mission at Green Bay through 
western "Wisconsin and northern Illinois. 

According to the pre-arranged plan referred to above, at the Jes- 
uit mission on the Strait of Mackinaw, Joliet joined Marquette, 
and with five otlier Frenclimen and a simple outfit the daring ex- 
plorers on the 17th of May, 1673, set out on their perilous voyage 
to discover the Mississippi. Coasting along the northern shore of 
Lake Michigan, they entered Green Bay, and passed thence np Fox 
river and Lake Winnebago to a village of the Muscatines and 
Miamis, where great interest was taken in the expedition by the 
natives. With guides they proceeded down the river. Arriving 
at the portage, they soon carried their liglit canoes and scanty bag- 
gage to the Wisconsin, about three miles distant. Their guides 
now refused to accompany them further, and endeavored, by re- 
citing the dangers incident to the voyage, to induce them to return. 
The}' stated that huge demons dwelt in the great river, whose voices 
could be heard a long distance, and who engulfed in the raging 
waters all who came within their reach. They also represented that 
if any of them should escape the dangers of the river, fierce tribes of 
Indians dwelt upon its banks ready to complete the work of de- 
strnction. They proceeded on their journey, however, and on the 
17tli of June pushed their frail barks on the bosom of the stately 
Mississippi, down which they smoothly glided for nearly a hundred 
miles. Here Joliet and Marquette, leaving their canoes in charge 
of their men, went on the western shore, where they discovered an. 
Indian village, and were kindly treated. They journeyed on down 
the unknown river, passing the mouth of the Illinois, then run- 
ning: into the current of the rauddv Missouri, and afterwaid the 
waters of the Ohio joined with them on their journey southward. 
Near the mouth of the Arkansas they discovered Indians who 
showed signs of hostility; but when Marquette's mission of peace 
was made known to them, they were kindly received. After pro- 
ceeding up the Arkansas a short distance, at the advice of the 
natives they turned their faces northward to retrace their steps. Af- 
ter several weeks of hard toil they reached the Illinois, up which 
stream they proceeded to Lake Michigan. Following the western 
shore of the lake, they entered Green Bay the latter part of Sep- 
tember, having traveled a distance of 2,500 miles. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 33 

On his way up the Illinois, Marquette visited the Kaskaskias, 
near what is now Utica, in LaSalle county. The following year 
he returned and established among them the mission of the Im- 
maculate Yirgin Mary. This was the last act of his life. He died 
in Michigan, May 18, 1675. • 

lasalle's explorations. 
The first French occupation of Illinois was eifectetl by LaSalle, 
in 1680. Having constructed a vessel, the " Grifiin," above the 
falls of Niagara, he sailed to Green Bay, and passed thence in 
canoe to the mouth of the St. Joseph river, by which and the Kan- 
kakee he reached the Illinois in January, 1680; and on the 3d he 
entered the expansion of the river now called Peoria lake. Here, 
at the lower end of the lake, on its eastern bank, now in Tazewell 
county, he erected Fort Crevecoeur. The place where this ancient 
fort stood may still be seen just below the outlet of Peoria lake. It 
had, however, but a temporary existence. From this point LaSalle 
determined, at that time, to descend the Mississippi to its mouth. 
This he did not do, however, until two years later. Keturning to 
Fort Frontenac for the purpose of getting material with which to 
rig his vessel, he left the fort at Peoria in charge of his lieutenant, 
Henri Tonti, an Italian, who had lost one of his hands by the 
explosion of a grenade in the Sicilian wars. Tonti had with him 
fifteen men, most of whom disliked LaSalle, and. were ripe for a 
revolt the first opportunity. Two men who had, previous to LaSalle's 
departure, been sent to look for the " Griffin " now returned and 
reported that the vessel was lost and that Fort Frontenac was in 
the hands of LaSalle's creditors. This disheartening intelligence 
had the effect to enkindle a spirit of mutiny among the garrison. 
Tonti had no sooner left the fort, with a few men, to fortify what 
was afterward known as Starved Kock, than the garrison at the 
fort refused longer to submit to authority. They destroyed the 
fort, seized the ammunition, provisions, and other portables of value, 
and fled. Only two of their number remained true. These hast- 
ened to apprise Tonti of what had occurred. He thereupon sent 
four of the men with him to inform LaSalle. Thus was Tonti in 
the midst of treacherous savages, with only five men, two of whom 
were the friars Eibourde and Membre. With these he immediately 
returned to the fort, collected what tools had not been destroyed, 
and conveyed them to the great town of the Illinois Indians. 



34 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

By this voluntary display of confidence he hoped to remove the 
jealousy created in tlie minds of the Illinois by the enemies of La- 
Salle. .Here he awaited, unmolested, the return of LaSalle. 

GREAT BATTLE OF THE ILLINOIS. 

Neither Tonti nor liis wild associates suspected that hordes of Iro- 
quois were gathering preparatory to rushing down upon their 
country and reducing it to an uninhabited waste. Already these 
hell-hounds of the wilderness had destroyed the Hurous, Eries, and 
other natives on the lakes, and were now directing their attention 
to the Illinois for new victims. Five hundred Iroquois warriors 
set out for the home of the Illinois. All was fancied security and 
idle repose in the great town of this tribe, as the enemy stealthily 
approached. Suddenly as a clap of thunder from a cloudless sky 
the listless inhabitants were awakened from their lethargy. A 
Shawnee Indian, on his return home after a visit to the Illinois, 
first discovered the invaders. To save his friends from the im- 
pending danger, he hurriedly returned and apprised them of the 
coming enemy. This intelligence spread with lightning rapidity 
over the town, and each wigwam disgorged its boisterous and as- 
tounded inmates. Women snatched their children, and in a delirium 
of f.ight wandered aimlessly about, rending the air with their 
screams. The men, more self-possessed, seized their arms ready 
for the coming fray. Tonti, long an object of suspicion, was soon 
surrounded by an angry crowd of warriors, who accused him of be- 
ing an emissary of the enem}'. His inability to defend himself 
properly, in consequence of not fully understanding their language 
left them still inclined to believe him guilty, and they seized his 
eifects from the fort and threw them into the river. The women 
and children were sent down the river for safety, and the wairiors, 
not exceeding four hundred, as most of their young men were off 
hunting, returned to the village. Along the shores of the river 
they kindled huge bonfires, and spent the entire night in greasing 
their bodies, painting their faces, and performing the war-dance, 
to pi'epare for the approaching enemy. At early dawn the scouts 
who had been sent out returned, closely followed by the Iroquois. 
The scouts had seen a chief arrayed in French costume, and re- 
ported their suspicions that LaSalle was in the camp of the enemy, 
and Tonti again became an object of jealousy. A concourse of 
wildly gesticulating savages immediately gathered about him, de- 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 35 

manding his life, and nothing saved him from their uplifted weap- 
ons but a promise that he and his men would go with them to meet 
the enemy. With their suspicions partly lulled, they hurriedly 
crossed the river and met the foe, when both commenced firing. 
Tonti, seeing that the Illinois were outnumbered and likely to 
be defeated, determined, at the imminent risk of his life, to stay 
the fight by an attempt at mediation. Presuming on the treaty of 
peace then existing between the French and Iroquois, he exchanged 
his gun for a belt of wampum and advanced to meet the savage 
'multitude, attended by thre^ companions, who, being unnecessarily 
exposed to danger, were dismissed, and he proceeded alone. A 
short walk brought him in the midst of a pack of yelping devils, 
writhing and distorted with fiendish rage, and impatient to shed 
his blood. As the result of his swarthy Italian complexion and 
half-savage costume, he was at first taken for an Indian, and before 
the mistake was discovered a young warrior approached and stabbed 
at his heart. Fortunately the blade was turned aside bv comino- 
in contact with a rib, yet a large flesh wound was inflicted, which 
bled profusely. At this juncture a chief discovered his true char- 
acter, and he was led to the rear and efl'orts were made to staunch 
his wound. When sufficiently recovered, he declared the Illinois 
were under the protection of the French, and demanded, in consid- 
eration of the treaty between the latter and the Iroquois, that they 
should be suffered to remain without further molestation. Durino- 
this conference a young warrior snatched Tonti's hat, and, fleeino- 
with it to the front, held it aloft on the end of his gun in view of 
the Illinois. The latter, judging that Tonti had been killed, 
renewed the fight with great vigor. Simultaneously, intelligence 
was brought to the Iroquois that Frenchmen were assistino- their 
enemies in the fight, when the contest over Tonti was renewed 
with redoubled fury. Some declared that he should be immediately 
put to death, while others, friendly to LaSalle, with equal earnest- 
ness demanded that he should be set at liberty. Durino- their 
clamorous debate, his hair was several times lifted by a huo-e sav- 
age who stood at his back with a scalping knife ready for execution. 
Tonti at length turned the current of the angry controversy in his 
favor, by stating that the Illinois were 1,200 strong, and that there 
were 60 Frenchmen at the village ready to assist them. This state- 
ment obtained at least a partial credence, and his tormentors now 



2g HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

determined to use him as an instrument to delude the I";""^ » 
pretended truco. The old warriors, therefore, advanced '« 'he fron 
and ordered the tiring to cease, while Tout,, d.zzy Irom the loss ol 
blood, was furnished with an emblem of peace and sent staggering 
a ros the plain to rejoin the Illinois. The two fr.ars who had just . 

.ned fVom a distlnt hut, whither they had repaired for prayer 
lud meditation, were the first to meet him and bless God for what 
they regarded as a miraculous deliveranee. With the assurance 
bronght by Tonti, the Illinois re-crossed the river to then- lodges, 
followed by the enemy as far as the opposite bank. Not long after 
Urge numbers of the latter, under the pretext of hunting also cross.^ 
the river and hung in threatening groups about the town. These 
hostile indications, and the well-known disregard which the Iroquo 
had always evinced for their pledges, soon convinced the Illinois 
that theif only safety was in flight. With this conviction they se 
tire to tlieir village, and while the vast volume of flames and smoke 
diverted the attention of the enemy, they quietly dropped down the 
river to join their women and children. As soon as the flames would 
permit, the Iroquois entrenched themselves on the site of the vil- 
lage Tonti and his men were ordered by the suspicious savages 
to leave their hut and take up their abode in the tort. 

At first the Iroquois were much elated at the discomfiture of the 
Illinois, but when two days afterward they discovered them recon- 
noitering their intrenchments, their courage greatly subsided. 
With fear they recalled the exaggerations of Tonti respecting their 
numbers, and concluded to send him with a hostage to make over 
tures of peace. He-and his hostage were received will delight by 
the Illinois, who readily assented to the proposal which he brought, 
and in turn sent back with him a hostage to the Iroquois. 0,i his 
return to the fort his life was again placed in jeopardy, and the 
treaty was with great difliculty ratified. The yonng and mexpe- 
rienced Illinois hostage betrayed to his crafty interviewers the nu- 
merical weakness of his tribe, and the savages immediately rushed 
upon Tonti, and charged him with having deprived them of the spoils 

and honors of victory. It now required all the tact of which he was 
master to escape. After much diflieulty however, the treaty was con- 
cluded, but the savages, to show their contempt for it, immediately 
commenced constructing canoes in which to descend the river and 
attack the Illinois. 




S^fi^"*^ 



AN IROQUOIS CHIEF. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 39 

FRENCHMEN DRIVEN AWAY. 

Tonti managed to apprise the latter of their designs, and he and 
Membre were soon after summoned to attend a council of the Iro- 
quois, who still labored under a wholesome fear of Count Frontenac, 
and disliking to attack the Illinois in the presence of the French, 
they thought to try to induce them to leave the country. At the 
assembling of the council, six packages of beaver skins were intro- 
duced, and the savage orator, presenting them separately to Tonti, 
explained the nature of each. "The first two," said he, " were to de- 
clare that the children of Count Frontenac, that is, the Illinois, 
should not be eaten; the next was a plaster to heal the wounds of 
Tonti; the next was oil wherewith to anoint him and Membre, 
that they might not be fatigued in traveling; the next proclaimed 
that the sun was bright; and the sixth and last required them to 
decamp and go home," 

At the mention of going home, Tonti demanded of them when 
they intended to set the example by leaving the Illinois in the 
peaceable possession of their country, which they had so unjustly in- 
vaded. The council grew boisterous and angry at the idea that 
they should be demanded to do what they required of the French, 
and some of its members, forgetting their previous pledge, declared 
that ihey would "eat Illinois flesh before they departed." Tonti, in 
imitation of the Indians' manner of expressing scorn, indignantly 
kicked away the presents of fur, saying, since they intended to de- 
vour the children of Frontenac with cannibal ferocity, he would not 
accept their gifts. This stern rebuke resulted in the expulsion of 
Tonti and his companion from the council, and the next day the 
chiefs ordered them to leave the country. 

Tonti had now, at the great peril of his life, tried every expedient 
to prevent the slaughter of the Illinois. There was little to be ac- 
complished by longer remaining in the country, and as longer delay 
might imperil the lives of his own men, he determined to depart, not 
knowing where or when he would be able to rejoin LaSalle. With 
this object in view, the party, consisting of six persons, embarked in 
canoes, which soon proved leaky, and they were compelled to land 
for the purpose of making repairs. While thus employed, Father Ri- 
bourde, attracted by the beauty of the surrounding landscape, wan- 
dered forth among the groves for meditation and prayer. Kot return- 
ing in due time, Tonti became alarmed, and started with a compan- 



40 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

ion to ascertain the cause of the long delay. They soon discovered 
tracks of Indians, by whom it was supposed he had been seized, and 
guns were fired to direct his return, in case he was alive. Seeing 
nothing of him during the day, at night they built fires along the 
bank of the river and retired to the opposite side, to see who might 
approach them. Near midnight a number of Indians were seen 
flitting about the light, by whom, no doubt, had been made the tracks 
seen the previous day. It was afterward learned that they were a 
band of^Kickapoos, who had for several days been hovering about 
the camp of the Iroquois in quest of scalps. They had fell in 
with the inoffensive old friar and scalped him. Thus, in the 65th 
3'ear of his age, the only heir to a wealthy Burgundian house per- 
ished under the war-club of the savages for whose salvation he had 
renounced ease and affluence. 

INHUMAN BUTCHERY. 

During this tragedy a far more revolting one was being enacted 
in tbe great town of Illinois. The Iroquois were tearing open the 
graves of the dead, and wreaking their vengeance upon the bodies 
made hideous by putrefaction. At this desecration, it is said, they 
even ate portions of the dead bodies,. while subjecting them to every 
indignity that brutal hate could inflict. Still unsated by their hell- 
ish brutalities, and now unrestrained by the presence of the French, 
they started in pursuit of the retreating Illinois. Day after day 
they and the opposing forces moved in compact array down the 
river, neither being able to gain any advantage over the other. At 
length the Iroquois obtained by falsehood that which number and 
prowess denied them. They gave out that their object was to pos- 
sess the country, not by destroying, but by driving out its present 
inhabitants. Deceived by this false statement, the Illinois separa- 
ted, some descending the Mississippi and others crossing to the 
western shore. The Tamaroas, more credulous than the rest, re- 
mained near the mouth of the Illinois, and were suddenly attacked 
by an overwhelming force of the enemy. The men fled in dismay, 
and the women and children, to the number of 700, fell into the 
hands of the ferocious enemy. Then followed the tortures, butch- 
eries and burnings which only the infuriated and imbruted Iroquois 
could perpetrate. LaSalle on his return discovered the half-charred 
bodies of women and children still bound to the stakes where they 
had sufi*ered all the torments hellish hate could devise. In addition 



HISTOBY OF ILLINOIS. 41 

to those who had been burnt,* the mangled bodies of women and 
children thickly covered the ground, many of which bore marks of 
brutality too horrid for record. 

After the ravenous horde had sufficiently glutted their greed for 
carnage, they retired from the country. The Illinois returned and 
rebuilt their town. 

TONTI SAFE AT GREEN BAY. 

After the death of Ribourde, Tonti and his men again resumed 
their journey. Soon again their craft became disabled, when they 
abandoned it and started on foot for Lake Michigan. Tiieir 
supply of provisions soon became exhausted, and they were 
compelled to subsist in a great measure on roots and herbs. 
One of their companions wandered off in search of game, and lost 
his way, and several days elapsed before he rejoined them. In his 
absence he was without flints and bullets, yet contrived to shoot 
some turkeys by using slugs cut from a pewter porringer and afire- 
brand to discharge his gun. Tonti fell sick of a fever and greatly 
retarded the progress of the march. Kearing Green Bay, the cold 
increased and the means of subsistence decreased and the party would 
have perished had they not found a few ears of corn and some froz- 
en squashes in the fields of a deserted village. JSTear the close of 
JS^ovember they had reached the Pottawatomies, who warmly greet- 
ed them. Their chief was an ardent admirer of the French, and 
was accustomed to say: " There were but three great captains in the 
world, — himself, Tonti and LaSalle." For the above account of 
Tonti's encounter with the Iroquois, we are indebted to Davidson 
and Stuve's History of Illinois. 

lasalle's return. 

LaSalle returned to Peoria only to meet the hideous picture of 
devastation. Tonti had escaped, but LaSalle knew not whither. Pass- 
ing down the lake in search of him and his men, LaSalle discov- 
ered that the fort had been destroyed ; but the vessel which he had 
partly constructed was still on the stocks, and but slightly injured. 
After further fruitless search he fastened to a tree a painting repre- 
senting himself and party sitting in a canoe and bearing a pipe of 
peace, and to the painting attached a letter addressed to Tonti. 

LaSalle was born in France in 1643, of wealthy parentage, and edu- 
cated in a college of the Jesuits, from which he separated and came 
to Canada, a poor man, in 1666. He was a man of daring genius, 



42 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, 

and outstripped all his competitors in exploits of travel and com- 
merce with the Indians. He was granted a large tract of land at 
LaChine, where he established himself in the fnr trade. In 1669 
he visited the headquarters of the great Iroquois confederacy, at 
Onondaga, New York, and, obtaining guides, explored the Ohio 
river to the falls at Louisville. 'For many years previous, it must 
be remembered, missionaries and traders wereobliored to make their' 
way to the Northwest through Canada on account of the fierce 
hostility of the Iroquois along the lower lakes and Niagara river, 
which entirely closed this latter route to the upper lakes. They 
carried on their commerce chiefly by canoes, paddling them through 
Ottawa river to Lake Nipissing, carrying them across the portage 
to French river, and descending that to Lake Huron. This being 
the route by which they reached the Northwest, we have an explana- 
tion of the fact that all the earliest Jesuit missions were established 
in the neighborhood of the upper lakes. LaSalle conceived the 
grand idea of opening the route by Niagara river and the lower 
lakes to Canada commerce by sail vessels, connecting it with the 
navigation of the Mississippi, and thus opening a magnificent water 
communication from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mex- 
ico. This truly grand and comprehensive purpose seems to have 
animated him in his wonderful achievements, and the matchless 
difliculties and hardships he surmounted. As the first step in the 
accomplishment of this object he established himself on Lake 
Ontario, and built and garrisoned Fort Frontenac, the site of the 
present city of Kingston, Canada. Here he obtained a grant of 
land from the French crown, and a body of troops, by which he 
repulsed the Iroquois and opened passage to Niagara Falls. Hav- 
ing by this masterly stroke made it safe to attempt a hitherto 
untried expedition, his next step, as we have seen, was to build a 
ship with which to sail the lakes. He was successful in this under- 
taking, though his ultimate purpose was defeated by a strange com- 
bination of untoward circumstances. The Jesuits evidently hated 
LaSalle and plotted against him, because he had abandoned them 
and united with a rival order. The fur traders were also jealous of 
his success in opening new channels of commerce. While they were 
plodding with their bark canoes through the Ottawa, he was con- 
structing sailing vessels to commaml the trade of the lakes and the 
Mississippi. These great plans excited the jealousy and envy of 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 4^ 

small traders, introduced treason and revolt into the ranks of his 
men, and finally led to the foul assassination bj which his great 
achievements were permanently ended. 

lasalle's assassination. 
Again visiting the Illinois in the year 1682, LaSalle de- 
scended the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico. He erected a 
standard upon which he inscribed the arms of France, and took 
formal possession of the whole valley of this mighty river in the 
name of Louis XIY., then reigning, and in honor of whom he named 
the country Louisiana. LaSalle then returned to France, was 
appointed Governor, and returned with a fleet of immigrants for the 
purpose of planting a colony in Illinois. They arrived in due time 
in the Gulf of Mexico, but failing to find the mouth of the Missis- 
sippi, up which they intended to sail, his supply ship, with the 
immigrants, was driven ashore and wrecked on Matagorda Bay. 
With the fragments of the vessel he constructed rude huts and 
stockades on the shore for the protection of his followers, calling 
the post Fort St. Louis. He then made a trip into New Mexico 
in search of silver mines, but, meeting with disappointment, 
returned to find his colony reduced to forty souls. He then resolved 
to travel on foot to Illinois. With some twenty of his men they 
filed out of their fort on the 12th of January, 1687, and after the part- 
ing,— which was one of sighs, of tears, and of embraces, all seeming 
intuitively to know that they should see each other no more.— they 
started on their disastrous journey. Two of the party, Du Haut 
and Leotot, when on a hunting expedition in company with a 
nephew of LaSalle, assassinated him while asleep. The long 
absence of his nephew caused LaSalle to go in search of him. On 
approaching the murderers of his nephew, they fired upon him kill- 
ing him instantly. They then despoiled the body of its clothing, 
anc left it to be devoured by the wild beasts of the forest. Thus' 
at the age of 43, perished one whose exploits have so greatly 
enriched the history of the New World. To estimate aright the 
marvels of his patient fortitude, one must follow on his track 
through the vast scene of his interminable journeyings, those thou- 
sands of weary miles of forest, marsh and river, where, again and 
again, in the bitterness of baifled striving, the untiring pilgrim 
pushed onward toward the goal he never was to attain. America 
owes him an enduring memory; for in this masculine figure, cas/ 



^4- HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

in iron, she sees the heroic pioneer who guided her to the possession 
of her richest heritage. , t„. • i 

Tonti who had been stationed at the fort on the Ilhnois, learning 
of LaSalle's unsuccessful voyage, immediately started down the 
Mississippi to his relief. Reaching the Gulf, he found no traces of 
the colony He then returned, leaving some of his men at the 
mouth of the Arkansas. These were discovered by the remnant of 
LaSalle's followers, who guided them to the fort on the Illinois 
where they reported that LaSalle was in Mexico. The little band 
left at Fort St. Louis were finally destroyed by the Indians, and the 
murderers of LaSalle were shot. Thus ends the sad chapter ot 
Eobert Cavalier de LaSalle's exploration. 

FRENCH OCCUPATION. 

FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 

The first mission in Illinois, as we have already seen, was com- 
menced by Marquette in April, 1675. He called the religious 
society which he established the " Mission of the Immaculate Con- 
ception," and the town Kaskaskia. The first military occupation of 
the country was at Fort Crevecoeur, erected in 1680; but there is no 
evidence that a settlement was commenced there, or at Peoria, on 
the lake above, at that early date. Th.e first settlement of which there 
is any authentic account was commenced with the building of l^ort 
St Louis on the Illinois river in 1682; but this was soon abandoned. 
The oldest permanent settlement, not only in Illinois, but m the val- 
ley of the Mississippi, is at Kaskaskia, situated six miles above the 
mouth of the Kaskaskia river. This was settled in 1690 by the 
removal of the mission from old Kaskaskia, or Ft. St. Louis, on the 
Illinois river. Cahokia was settled about the same time. The 
reason for the removal of the old Kaskaskia settlement and mission, 
was probably because the dangerous and difiicult route by Lake 
Michi<^an and the Chicago portage had been almost abandoned, and 
travelers and traders traveled down and up the Mississippi by the 
Fox and Wisconsin rivers. It was removed to the vicinity of the 
Mississippi in order to be in the line of travel from Canada to 
Louisiana, that is, the lower part of it, for it was all Louisiana then 
south of the lakes. Illinois came into possession ot the Irench in 
1682, and was a dependency of Canada and a part of Louisiana. 
During the period of French rule in Louisiana, the population 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 45> 

probably never exceeded ten thousand. To the year 1730 the fol- 
lowing five distinct settlements were made in the territory of 
Illinois, numbering, in population, 140 French families, about 600 
"converted " Indians, and many traders; Cahokia, near the mouth 
of Cahokia creek and about five miles below the present city of 
St. Louis; St. Philip, about forty-five miles below Cahokia; Fort 
Chartres, twelve miles above Kaskaskia; Kaskaskia, situated on the 
Kaskaskia river six miles above its confluence with the Mississippi, 
and Prairie du Rocher, near Fort Chartres. Fort Chartres was 
built under the direction of the Mississippi Company in 1718, and 
was for a time the headquarters of the military commandants of 
the district of Illinois, and the most impregnable fortress in JSIorth 
America. It was also the center of wealth and fashion in the West. 
For about eighty years the French retained peaceable possession 
of Illinois. Their amiable disposition and tact of ingratiating them- 
selves with the Indians enabled them to escape almost entirely the 
broils which weakened and destroyed other colonies, "Whether 
exploring remote rivers or traversing hunting grounds in pursuit 
of game, in the social circle or as participants in the religious exer- 
cises of the church, the red men became their associates and were 
treated with the kindness and consideration of brothers. For more 
than a hundred years peace between the white man and the red was 
unbroken, and when at last this reign of harmony terminated it 
was not caused by the conciliatory Frenchman, but b}'- the blunt 
and sturdy Anglo-Saxon. During this century, or until the coun- 
try was occupied by the English, no regular court was ever held. 
When, in 1765, the country passed into the hands of the English,. 
many of the French, rather than submit to a change in their insti- 
tutions, preferred to leave their homes and seek a new abode. 
There are, however, at tlie present time a few remnants of the old 
French stock in the State, who still retain to a great extent the 
ancient habits and customs of their fathers. 

THE MISSISSIPPI COM PANT. 

During the earliest period of French occupation of this country, 
M. Tonti, LaSalle's attendant, was commander-in-chief of all the 
territory embraced between Canada and the Gulf of Mexico, and 
extending east and west of the Mississippi as far as his ambition or 
imagination pleased to allow. He spent twenty-one years in estab- 
lishing forts and organizing the first settlements of Illinois. Sep- 



46 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

teniber 14, 1712, the French government granted a monopoly of all 
the trade and commerce of the country to M. Crozat, a wealthy 
merchant of Paris, who established a trading company in Illinois, 
and it was by this means that the early settlements became perma- 
nent and others established. Crozat surrendered his charter in 
1717, and the Company of the West, better known as the Missis- 
sippi Company, was organized, to aid and assist the banking system 
of John Law, the most famous speculator of modern times, and 
perhaps at one time the wealthiest private individual the world 
has ever known; but his treasure was transitory. LFnder the* 
Company of the West a branch was organized called the Company 
of St. Philip's, for the purpose of working the rich silver mines sup- 
posed to be in Illinois, and Philip Renault was appointed as its 
agent. In 1719 he sailed from France with two hundred miners, 
laborers and mechanics. During 1719 the Company of the AVest 
was by royal order united with the Royal Company of the Indies, 
and had the influence and support of the crown, who was deluded 
by the belief that immense wealth would flow into the empty treas- 
ury of France. This gigantic scheme, one of the most extensive 
and wonderful bubbles ever blown up to astonish, deceive and ruin 
thousands of people, was set in operation by the fertile brain of 
John Law. Law was born in Scotland in 1671, and so rapid had 
been his career that at the age of twenty-three he was a " bankrupt, 
an adulterer, a murderer and an exiled outlaw." But he possessed 
great financial ability, and by his agreeable and attractive manners, 
and his enthusiastic advocacy of his schemes, he succeeded in 
inflaming the imagination of the mercurial Frenchmen, whose greed 
for gain led them to adopt any plans for obtaining wealth. 

Law arrived in Paris with two and a half millions of francs, 
which he had gained at the gambling table, just at the right time. 
Louis XIY. had just died and left as a legacy empty coflers and an 
immense public debt. Every thing and everybody was taxed to 
the last penny to pay even the interest. All the sources of in- 
dustry were dried up; the very wind which wafted the barks of 
commerce seemed to have died away under the pressure of the 
time; trade stood still; the merchant, the trader, the artificer, once 
flourishins: in afilueuce, were transformed into clamorous bee:£:ars. 
The life-blood that animated the kingdom was stagnated in all 
its arteries, and tlie danger of an awful crisis became such that 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 47 

the nation was on the verge of bankruptcy. At this critical junc- 
ture John Law arrived and proposed his grand scheme of the 
Mississippi Company; 200,000 shares of stock at 500 livres each were 
at first issued. This sold readily and great profits were realized. 
More stock was issued, speculation became rife, the fever seized 
everybody, and the wildest speculating frenzy pervaded the whole 
nation. Illinois was thought to contain vast and rich mines of 
minerals. Kaskaskia, then scarcely more than the settlement of a 
few savages, was spoken of as an emporium of the most extensive 
trafiic, and as rivaling some of the cities of Europe in refinement, 
fashion and religious culture. Law was in the zenith of his glory, and 
the people in the zenith of their infatuation. The high and the low, 
the rich and the poor, were at once filled with visions of untold 
wealth,andeveryage, set, rank and condition were buying and selling 
stocks. Law issued stock again and again, and readily sold until 
2,235,000,000 livres were in circulation, equaling about $450,000,000. 
While confidence lasted an impetus was given to trade never before 
known. An illusory policy everywhere prevailed, and so dazzled 
the eye that none could see in the horizon the dark cloud announc- 
ing the approaching storm. Law at the time was the most influ- 
ential man in Europe. His house was beset from morning till 
night with eager applicants for stock. Dukes, marquises and 
counts, with their wives and daughters, waited for hours in the 
street below his door. Finding his residence too small, he changed 
it for the Place Yendome, whither the crowd followed him, and the 
spacious square had the appearance of a public market. The boule- 
vards and public gardens were forsaken, and the Place Vendome 
became the most fashionable place in Paris; and he was unable to 
wait upon even one-tenth part of his applicants. The bubble burst 
after a few years, scattering ruin and distress in every direction. 
Law, a short time previous the most popular man in Europe, fled 
to Brussels, and in 1729 died in Yenice, in obscurity and poverty. 

ENGLISH EULE. 

As early as 1750 there could be j^erceived the first throes of the 
revolution, which gave a new master and new institutions to Illi- 
nois. France claimed the whole valley of the Mississippi, and Eng- - 
land the right to extend her possessions westward as far as she 
might desire. Through colonial controversies the two mother 



48 HISTORY OK ILLINOIS, 

countries were precipitated into a bloody war within the North- 
western Territory, (leorge Washinj^tou firing the first gun of the 
military struggle which resulted in the overthrow of the French 
not only in Illinois but in North America. The French evinced a 
determination to retain control of the territory bordering the Ohio 
and Mississippi from Canada to the Gulf, and so long as the En- 
glish colonies were confined to the sea-coast there was little reason 
for controversy. As the English, however, became acquaintcid 
with this beautiful and fertile portion of our country, they not only 
learned the value of the vast territory, but also resolved to set up a 
counter claim to the soil. The French established numerous mili- 
tary and trading posts from the frontiers of Canada to New Or- 
leans, and in order to establish also their claims to jurisdiction over 
the country they carved the lilies of France on the forest trees, or 
sunk plates of metal in the ground. These measures did not, 
however, deter the English from going on with their explorations; 
and though neither party resorted to arms, yet the conflict was 
gathering, and it was only a question of tinie when the storm 
should burst upon the frontier settlement. The French based 
their claims upon discoveries, the English on grants of territory 
extending from ocean to ocean, but neither party paid the least 
attention to the prior claims of the Indians. From this posi- 
tion of affairs, it was evident that actual collision between the 
contending parties would not much longer be deferred. The En- 
glish Government, in anticipation of a war, urged the Governor 
of Virginia to lose no time in building two forts, which were 
equipped by arms from England. The French anticipated the 
English and gathered a considerable force to defend their possessions. 
The Governor determined to send a messenger to the nearest 
French post and demand an explanation. This resolution of the 
Governor brought into the history of our country for the first time 
the man of all others whom America most loves to honor, namely, 
George Washington. He was chosen, although not yet twenty- one 
years of age, as the one to perforin this delicate and difficult mission. 
With five companions he set out on Nov. 10, 1753, and after a per- 
ilous journey returned Jan. 6, 1754. The struggle commenced and 
continued long, and was bloody and fierce; but on the 10th of Octo- 
ber, 1765, the" ensign of France was replaced on the ramparts of 
Fort Chartres by the flag of Great Britain. This fort was the 




GEN. GEORGE ROGERS CLARK. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 51 

•depot of supplies and the place of rendezvous for the united forces 
of the French. At this time the colonies of the Atlantic seaboard 
were assembled in preliminary congress at New York, dreaming of 
liberty and independence for the continent; and Washington, who 
led the expedition against the French for the English king, in less 
than ten years was commanding the forces opposed to the English 
tyrant. Illinois, besides being constructively a part of Florida for 
over one hundred years, during which time no Spaniard set foot 
upon her soil or rested his eyes upon her beautiful plains, for nearly 
ninety years had been in the actual occupation of the French, their 
puny settlements slumbering quietly in colonial dependence on the 
distant waters of the Kaskaskia, Illinois and Wabash. 

GEN. CLAEk's exploits. 

The JSTorthwest Territory was now entirely under Englisli rule, 
and on the breaking out of the Revolutionary war the British held 
every post of importance in the West. While the colonists of the 
East were maintaining a fierce struggle with the armies of England, 
their western frontiers were ravaged by merciless butcheries of In- 
dian warfare. The jealousy of the savage was aroused to action by 
the rapid extension of American settlement westward and the im- 
proper influence exerted by a number of military posts garrisoned by 
Eritir.li troops. To prevent indiscriminate slaughters arising from 
tliese causes, Illinois became the theater of some of the most daring 
exploits connected with American history. The hero of the achieve- 
ments by which this beautiful land was snatched as a gem from 
the British Crown, was George Rogers Clark, of Virginia. He had 
closely watched the movements of the British throughout the 
Northwest, and understood their vrhole plan; he also knew the 
Indians were not unanimously in accord with the Euirlish, and 
therefore was convinced that if the British could be defeated and 
expelled from the Northwest, the natives might be easily awed into 
neutrality. Having convinced himself that the enterprise against 
the Illinois settlement might easily succeed, he repaired to the cap- 
ital of Virginia, arriving Nov. 6, 1777. While he was on his way, 
fortunately, Burgoyne was defeated (Oct. 17), and the spirits of the 
colonists were thereby greatly encouraged. Patrick Henry was 
Governor of Virginia, and at once entered heartily into Clark's 
plans. After satisfying the Vii'ginia leaders of the feasibility of 
his project, he received two sets of instructions, — one secret, the 



52 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

/ 

other open. The latter authorized him to enlist seven companies- 
to go to Kentucky, and serve three months after tlieir arrival in 
the West. The secret order authorized him to arm these troops, 
to procure his powder and lead of General Hand at Pittsburg, and 
to proceed at once to subjugate the countr3\ 

HE TAKES KASKASKIA. 

With these instructions Col. Clark repaired to Pittsburg, chooB- 
ino; rather to raise his men west of the mountains, as he well knew 
all were needed in the colonies in the conflict there. He sent Col. 
W. I>. Smith to Holstein and Captains Helm and Bowman to 
other localities to enlist men; but none of them succeeded in rais- 
ing the required number. The settlers in these parts were afraid 
to leave their own firesides exposed to a vigilant foe, and but few 
could be induced to join the expedition. With these companies 
and several private volunteers Clark commenced his descent of the 
Ohio, which he navigated as far as the falls, where he took posses- 
sion of and fortified Corn Island, a small island between the present 
cities of Louisville, Kj- ., and New Albany, Ind. Here, after having 
completed his arrangements and announced to the men their real 
destination, he left a small garrison; and on the 24th of June, dur- 
ing a total eclipse of the sun, which to tliem augured no good, they 
floated down the river. His plan was to go by water as far as Fort 
Massac, and thence march direct to Kaskaskia. Here he intended to 
sur])rise the garrison, and after its capture go to Cahokia, then to 
Yincennes, and lastly to Detroit. Should he fail, he intended to 
march directly to the Mississippi river and cross it into the Spanish 
country. Before his start he received good items of information: 
one that an alliance had been formed between France and the United 
States, and the other that the Indians throughout the Illinois 
country and the inhabitants at the various frontier posts had been leu 
by the British to believe that the " Long Knives," or Virginians, 
were the most fierce, bloodthirsty and cruel savages that ever scal})ed 
a foe. With this impression on tlieir minds, Clark saw that 
proper management would cause them to submit at once from fear, 
if surprised, and then from gratitude would become friendly, if 
treated with unexpected lenity. Tiie march to Kaskaskia was 
made through a hot July sun, they arriving on tlie evening of the 
4th of July, 1778. They captured the fort near the village and 
soon after the village itself, by surprise, and without the loss of 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 53 

a single man and without killing any of the enemy. After suffi- 
ciently working on the fears of the natives, Clark told them they 
were at perfect liberty to worship as they pleased, and to take 
whichever side of the great conflict they would; also he would pro- 
tect them against any barbarity from British or Indian foe. This 
had the desired effect; and the inhabitants, so unexpectedly and so 
gratefully surprised by the unlooked-for turn of affiiirs, at once 
swore allegiance to the American arms; and when Clark desired 
to go to Cahokia on the 6th of July, they accompanied him, and 
through their influence the inhabitants of the place surrendered 
and gladly placed themselves under his protection. 

In the person of M. Gibault, priest of Kaskaskia, Clark found a 
powerful ally and generous friend. Clark saw that, to retain pos- 
session of the ISTorthwest and treat successfully with the Indians, he 
must establish a government for the colonies he had taken. St. Vin- 
cent, the post next in importance to Detroit, remained yet to be 
taken before the Mississippi valley was conquered. M. Gibault 
told him that he would alone, by persuasion, lead Yincennes to 
throw off its connection with England. Clark gladly accepted this 
offer, and July 14th, in company with a fellow-townsman, Gibault 
started on his mission of peace. On the 1st of August he returned 
witl: the cheerful intelligence that everything was peaceably ad- 
justed at Vincennes in favor of the Americans. During the inter- 
val, Col. Clark established his courts, placed garrisons at Kaskaskia 
and Cahokia, successfully re-enlisted his men, and sent word to 
have a fort (which proved the germ of Louisville) erected at the 
falls of the Ohio. 

While the American commander was thus neofotiatino- with the 
Indians, Hamilton, the British Governor of Detroit, heard of Clark's 
invasion, and was greatly incensed because the countrv which he 
had in charge should be wrested from him by a few ragged militia. 
He therefore hurriedly collected a force, marched by wav of the 
Wabash, and appeared before the fort at Yincennes. The inhabi- 
tants made an effort to defend the town, and when Hamilton's 
forces arrived, Captain Helm and a man named Henry were the 
only Americans in the fort. These men had been sent by Clark. 
The latter charged a cannon and placed it in the open gateway, and 
the Captain stood by it with a lighted match and cried out, as Ham- 
ilton came in hailing distance, "Halt!" The British officer, not 



54 IIISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

knowing the strength of the garrison, stopped, and demanded the 
surrender of tlie fort. Hehn exclaimed, " No man sliall enter here 
till I know the terms." Hamilton responded, " You shall have the 
honors of war." The entire garrison consisted of one officer and one 
private. 

VINCENNES CAPTURED. 

On taking Kaskaskia, Clark made a prisoner of Rocheblave, 
commander of the place, and got possession of all his written 
instructions for the conduct of the war. From these papers he 
received important information respecting the plans of Col. Ham- 
ilton, Governor at Detroit, who was intending to make a vigorous 
and concerted attack upon the frontier. After arriving at Vin- 
cennes, however, he gave up his intended campaign for the winter, 
and trusting to his distance from danger and to the difficulty of 
approaching him, sent off his Indian warriors to prevent troops from 
coming down the Ohio, and to annoy the Americans in all ways. Thus 
he sat quietly down to pass the winter with only about eighty soldiers, 
but secure, as he thought, from molestation. But he evidently did 
not realize the character of the men with whom he was contendin 
Clark, although he could muster only one hundred and thirty men 
determined to take advantaije of Hamilton's weakness and securitv, 
and attack him as the onlj^ means of saving himself; for unless he 
captured Hamilton, Hamilton would capture him. Accordingly, 
about the beginning of February, 1779, he dispatched a 6n:iall galley 
which he had fitted out, mounted with two four-pounders and four 
swivels and manned with a company of soldiers, and carrying stores 
for his men, with orders to force her way up the Wabash, to take 
her station a few miles below Vincennes, and to allow no person to 
pass her. He himself marched with his little band, and spent six- 
teen days in traversing the country from Kaskaskia to Vincennes, 
passing with incredible fatigue through woods and marshes. He 
was five days in crossing the bottom lands of the Wabash; and for 
five miles was frequently up to the breast in water. After over- 
coming difficulties which had been thought insurmountable, he 
appeared before the place and completely surprised it. The inhab- 
itants readily submitted, but Hamilton at first defended himself in 
the fort. Next day, however, he surrendered himself and his gar- 
rison prisoners-of-war. By his activity in encouraging the hostili- 
ties of the Indians and, by the revolting enormities perpetrated by 



g- 



HIBTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 00 

those savages, Hamilton had rendered himself so obnoxious that he 
was thrown in prison and put in irons. During his command of 
the British frontier posts he offered prizes to the Indians for all the 
scalps of the Americans thej would bring him, and earned in con- 
sequence thereof the title, "Hair-Bujer General," by which he was 
ever afterward known. 

The services of Clark proved of essential advantage to his coun- 
trymen. They disconcerted the plans of Hamilton, and not only saved 
the western frontier from depredations by the savages, but also 
greatly cooled the ardor of the Indians for carrying on a contest in 
which they were not likely to be the gainers. Had it not been for 
this small army, a union of all the tribes from Maine to Georgia 
against the colonies might have been effected, and the whole current 
of our historv changed. 

ILLINOIS. 

COUNTY OF ILLINOIS. 

In October, 1778, after the successful campaign of Col. Clark, the 
assembly of Virginia erected the conquered country, embracing all 
the territory northwest of the Ohio river, into the County of Illi- 
nois, which was doubtless the largest county in the world, exceeding 
in its dimensions the whole of Great Britian and Ireland, To speak 
more definitely, it contained the territory now embraced in the great 
States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. On the 
12th of December, 1778, John Todd was appointed Lieutenant- 
Corainandant of this county by Patrick Henry, then Governor of 
Virginia, and accordingly, also, the first of Illinois County. 

NOETHWESTERjST territoey. 

Illinois continued to form a part of Virginia until March 1, 1784, 
when that State ceded all the territory north of the Ohio to the 
United States. Immediately the general Government proceeded to 
establish a form of government for the settlers in the territories 
thus ceded. This form continued until the passage of the ordi- 
nance of 1787, for the government of the Northwestern Terri- 
tory. No man can study the secret history of this ordinance and 
not feel that Providence was guiding with sleepless eye the des- 



56 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tinies of these unborn States. American legislation has never 
achieved anything more admirable, as an internal government, 
than this comprehensive ordinance. Its provisions concerning the 
ditftribution of property, the principles of civil and religious liberty 
which it laid at the foundation of the communities since established, 
and the efficient and simple organization by which it created the 
first machinery of civil society, are worthy of all the praise that has 
ever been given them. 

ORDINANCE OF 1787. 

This ordinance has a marvelous and interesting history. Con- 
siderable controversy has been indulged in as to who is entitled to 
the credit for framing it. This belongs, undoubtedly, to Kathan 
Dane; and to Rufus King and Timothy Pickering belong the 
credit for suggesting the proviso contained in it against slavery, 
and also for aids to religion and knowledge, and for assuring for- 
ever the common use, without charge, of the great national high- 
ways of the Mississippi, the St. Lawrence and their tributaries to 
all the citizens of the United States. To Thomas Jeflferson is also 
due much credit, as some features of this ordinance were embraced 
in his ordinance of 17S4. But the part taken by each in the long, 
laborious and eventful struggle which had so glorious a consum- 
mation in the ordinance, consecrating forever, by one imprescript- 
ible and uncliangeable monument, the very heart of our country to 
Freedom, Knowledge, and Union, will forever honor the names of 
those illustrious statesmen. 

Mr. Jefferson had vainly tried to secure a system of government 
for the Northwestern Territory. He was an emancipationist and 
favored the exclusion of slavery from the territory, but the South 
voted him down every time he proposed a measure of this nature. 
In 17S7, as late as July 10, an organizing act without the anti- 
slavery clause was pending. This concession to the South was 
expected to carry it. Congress was in session in New York. On 
July 5, Rev. Manasseh Cutler, of Massachusetts, came into New 
York to lobby on the Northwestern Territory. Everything 
seemed to fall into his hands. Events were ripe. The state of the 
public credit, the growing of Southern prejudice, the basis of his 
mission, his personal character, all combined to complete one of 
those sudden and marvelous revolutions of public sentiment that 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 57 

once in five or ten centuries are seen to sweep over a country like 
the breath of the Ahiiighty. 

Cutler was a graduate of Yale. He had studied and taken de- 
grees in the three learned professions, medicine, law, and divinity. 
He had published a scientific examination of the j)lants of New 
England. As a scientist in America his name stood second only to 
that of Franklin He was a courtly gentleman of the old style, 
a man of commanding presence and of inviting face. The Southern 
members said they had never seen such a gentleman in the North. 
He came representing a Massachusetts company that desii-ed to 
purchase a tract of land, now included in Ohio, for the purpose of 
planting a colony. It was a speculation. Government money was 
worth eighteen cents on the dollar. This company had collected 
enough to purchase 1,500,000 acres of land. Other speculators in 
New York made Dr. Cutler tlieir agent, which enabled him to 
represent a demand for 5,500,000 acres. As this would reduce the 
national debt, ai:d Jefferson's policy was to provide for the public 
credit, it presented a good opportunity to do something. 

Massachusetts then owned the territory of Maine, which she was 
crowding on the market. She was opposed to opening the North- 
western region. This fired the zeal of Virginia. The South caught 
the inspiration, and all exalted Dr. Cutler. The entire South ral- 
lied around him. Massachusetts could not vote against him, be- 
cause many of the constituents of her members were interested 
personally in the "Western speculation. Thus Cutler, makino- 
friends in the South, and doubtless using all the arts of the lobby, 
was enabled to command the situation. True to deeper convic- 
tions, he dictated one of the most compact and finished documents 
of wise statesmanship that has ever adorned any human law book. 
He borrowed from Jefierson the term "Articles of Compact," which 
preceding the federal constitution, rose into the most sacred char- 
acter. He then followed very closely the constitution of Massa- 
chusetts, adopted tliree years before. Its most prominent points 
were : 

1. The exclusion of slavery from the territory forever. 

2. Provision for public schools, giving one township for a semi- 
nary and every section numbered 16 in each township; that is, one 
thirty-sixth of all the land for public schools. 

3. A provision prohibiting the adoption of any constitution or 



58 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

the enactment of any law that ehould nullity pre-existing contracts. 
Beit forever remembered that this compact declared that "re- 
ligion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good govern- 
ment and the hajipiness of maidvind, schools and the means of edu- 
cation shall always be encouraged." Dr. Cutler planted himself 
on this platform and would not yield. Giving his unqualified dec- 
laration that it was that or nothing, — that unless they could make 
the land desirable they did not want it, — he took his horse and buggy 
and started fur the-constitntional convention at Philadelphia. On 
July 13, 1787, the bill was put upon its passage, and was unani- 
mously adopted. Thus the great States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, 
Michigan, and Wisconsin, a vast empire, were consecrated to free- 
dom, intelligence, and morality. Thus the great heart of the nation 
was prepared to save the union of States, for it was this act that was 
the salvation of the republic and the destruction of slaver3^ Soon 
the South saw their great blunder and tried to have the compact 
repealed. In 1803 Congress referred it to a committee, of which 
John Eandolph w'as chairman. He reported that this ordinance 
was a compact and opposed repeal. Thus it stood, a rock in the 
way of the on-rushing sea of slavei-y. 

SYMPATHY WITH SLAVERY. 

With all this timely aid it was, however, a most desperate and 
protracted struggle to keep the soil of Illinois sacred to freedom. 
It was the natural battle-field for the irrepressible conflict. In the 
southern end of the State slavery preceded the compact. It ex- 
isted among the old French settlers, and was hard to eradicate. 
That portion was also settled from the slave States, and this popu- 
lation brought their laws, customs, and institutions with them. A 
stream of population from the North poured into the northern part 
of the State. These sections misunderstood and hated each other 
perfectl}'. The Southerners regarded the Yankees as a skinning, 
tricky, penurious race of peddlers, tilling the country with tinware, 
brass clocks, and wooden nutmegs. The Northerner thought of the 
Southerner as a lean, lank, lazy creature, burrowing in a hut, and 
rioting in whisky, dirt, and ignorance. These causes aided in 
making the struggle long and bitter. So strong was the sympathy 
with slavery that, in spite of the ordinance of 1787, and in spite of 
the deed of cession, it was determined to allow the old French set- 
tlers to retain their slaves. Planters from tiie slave States might 




GEN. ARTHUR ST. CLAIR. 



HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 59 

bring tlieir slaves if they would give them an opportunity to choose 
freedom or years of service and bondage for their cliildren till tliey 
should become thirty years of age. If they chose freedom tliey 
must leave the State within sixty days, or be sold as fugitives. 
Servants were whipped for offenses for which white men were fined. 
Each lash paid forty cents of the fine. A negro ten miles from 
home without a pass was whipped. These famous laws w^ere im- 
ported from the slave States, just as the laws for the inspection of 
flax and wool were imported w^lien there was neither in the State. 

ST. CLAIK, GOVERNOR OF NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY. 

On October 5, 17S7, Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair was, by Congress, 
elected Governor of this vast territory. St. Clair was born in Scot- 
land and emigrated to America in 1755. He served in the French 
and English war, and was major general in the Revolution. In 
1786 he was elected to Congress and chosen President of that body. 

ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 

After the division of the Northwestern Territory Illinois became 
one of the counties of the Territory of Indiana, from which it was 
separated by an act of Congress Feb. 3, 1809, forming the Territory 
of Illinois, with a population estimated at 9,000, and then included 
the present State of Wisconsin. It was divided, at the time, into 
two counties, — St. Clair and Randolph. John Boyle, of Ken- 
tucky, was appointed Governor, by the President, James Madison, 
but declining, Ninian Edwards, of the same State, was then 
appointed and served with distinction; and after the organization 
of Illinois as a State he served in the same capacity, being its third 
Governor. 

WAR OF 1812. THE OUTBREAK. 

For some years previous to the war between the United States 
and England in 1812, considerable trouble was experienced with the 
Indians. Marauding bands of savages would attack small settle- 
ments and inhumanly butcher all the inhabitants, and mutilate 
their dead bodies. To protect themselves, the settlers organized 
companies of rangers, and erected block houses and stockades in 
every settlement. The largest, strongest and best one of these was 
Fort Russell, near the present village of Edwardsville. This stockade 



60 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

was made the main rendezvous for troops and military stores, and 
Gov. Edwards, who^diiring the perilous times of 1812, when Indian 
hostilities threatened on every hand, assumed command of the Illi- 
nois forces, established his headquarters at this place. The Indians 
were incited to many of these depredations by English emissaries, 
who for years continued their dastardly work of "setting the red 
men, like dogs, upon the whites." 

In the summer of 1811 a peace convention was held with the 
Pottawatomies at Peoria, when they promised that peace should 
prevail; but their promises were soon broken. Tecumseh, the great 
warrior, and fit successor of Pontiac, started in the spring of 1811, 
to arouse the Southern Indians to war against the whites. The pur- 
pose of this chieftain was well known to Gov. Harrison, of Indiana 
Territory, who determined during Tecumseh's absence to strike and 
disperse the hostile forces collected at Tippecanoe. This he success- 
fully did on Nov. 7, winning the sobriquet of " Tippecanoe," by 
which he was afterwards commonly known. Several peace councils 
were held, at which the Indians promised good behavior, but only 
to deceive the whites. Almost all the savaa^es of the Northwest 
were thoroughly stirred up and did not desire peace. The British 
agents at various points, in anticipation of a war with the United 
States, sought to enlist the favor of the savages by distributing to 
them large supplies of arms, ammunition and other goods. 

The English continued their insults to our flag upon the high 
seas, and their government refusing to relinquish its otfensive course, 
all hopes of peace and safe commercial relations were abandoned, 
and Congress, on the 19th of June, 1812, formally declared war 
against Great Britain. In Illinois the threatened Indian troubles 
had already caused a more thorough organization of the militia and 
greater protection by the erection of forts. As intimated, the In- 
dians took the war-path long before the declaration of hostilities 
between the two civilized nations, committing great depredations, 
the most atrocious of which was the 

MASSACKE AT FORT DEARBORN. 

During the war of 1812 between the United States and England, 
the greatest, as well as the most revolting, massacre of whites that 
ever occurred in Illinois, was perpetrated by the Pottawatomie In- 
dian's, at Fort Dearborn. This fort was built bv the Government, 
in 1804, on the south side of the Chicago river, and was garrisoned 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Gi 



bj 64 men under command of Capt. Kathan Heald, assisted by 
Lieutenant Helm and Ensign Ronan; Dr. Voorhees, surgeon. Tlie 
residents at tlie post at that time were the wives of officers Heald 
and Hehu and a few of the soldiers, Mr. Kinzie and his familv, and 
a tew Canadians. The soldiers and Mr. Kinzie were on the^no8t 
friendly terms with the Pottawatomies and Winnebagoes, the prin- 
cipal tribes around them. 

On the Yth of August, 1812, arrived the order from Gen. Hull, at 
Detroit, to evacuate Fort Dearborn, and distribute all United States 
property to the Indians. Chicago was so deep in the wilderness 




OLD FORT DEARBORN. 

that this was the first intimation the garrison received of the dec- 
laration of war made on the 19th of June. The Indian chief who 
brought tlie dispatch advised Capt. Heald not to evacuate, and 
that it he should decide to do so, it be done immediately, and by 
forced marches ehide the concentration of the savages before the 
news could bs circulated among them. To this most' excellent ad- 
vice the Captain gave no heed, but on the 12th held a council with 



02 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

the Indians, apprising them of the orders received, and offering a 
liberal reward for an escort of Pottawatomies to Fort Wayne. The 
Indians, with many professions of friendship, assented to all he 
proposed, and promised all he required. The remaining officers re- 
fused to join in the council, for they had been informed that treach- 
ery was designed, — that the Indians intended to murder those in 
the council, and then destroy those in the fort. The port holes were 
open, displaying cannons pointing directly upon the council. This 
action, it is supposed, prevented a massacre at that time. 

Mr. Kinzie, who knew the Indians well, begged Capt. Ileald 
not to confide in their promises, or distribute the arms and ammu- 
nitions among them, for it would only put power in their hands to 
destroy the whites. This argument, true and excellent in itself, 
was now certainly inopportune, and would only incense the treach- 
erous foe. But the Captain resolved to follow it, and accordingly on 
the night of the 13th, after the distribution of the other property, the 
arms were broken, and the barrels of whisky, of which there was a 
large quantity, were rolled quietly through the sally-port, their 
heads knocked in and their contents emptied into the river. On that 
night the lurking red-skins crept near the fort and discovered tbe 
destruction of the promised booty going on within. The next morn- 
ing the powder was seen floating on the surface of the river, and 
the Indians asserted that such an abundance of " fire-water" had 
been emptied into the river as to make it taste " groggy." Many 
of them drank of it freely. 

On the 14th the desponding garrison was somewhat cheered by 
the arrival of Capt. TVells, with 15 friendly Miamis. Capt. Wells 
heard at Fort Wayne of the order to evacuate Fort Dearborn, and 
knowing the hostile intentions of the Indians, made a rapid march 
through the wilderness to protect, if possible, his niece, Mrs. Ileald, 
and the officers and the garrison from certain destruction. But 
he came too late. Every means for its defense had been destroyed 
the night before, and arrangements were made for leaving the foi^t 
on the following morning. 

The fatal morning of the 16th at length dawned brightly on the- 
world. The sun shone in unclouded splendor upon the glassy waters 
of Lake Michigan. At 9 a. m., the party moved out of the south- 
ern gate of the fort, in military array. The band, feeling the solem- 
nity of the occasion, struck up the Dead March in Saul. Capt. 



HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 63 

• 

Wells, with his face blackened after the manner of the Indians, led 
the advance guard at the head of his friendly Miamis, the garrison 
with loaded arms, the baggage wagons with the sick, and the women 
and children following, while the Pottawatomie Indians, about 600 
in number, who had pledged their honor to escort the whites in 
safety to Fort Wayne, brought up the rear. The party took the 
road along the lake shore. On reaching the range of sand-hills 
separating the beach from the prairie, about one mile and a half- 
from the fort, the Indians defiled to the right into the prairie, bring 
ing the sand-hills between them and the whites. This divergence 
was scarcely effected when Capt. Wells, who had kept in advance 
with his Indians, rode furiously back and exclaimed, "They are 
about to attack us. Form instantly and charge upon them!" 
These words were scarcely uttered before a volley of balls from 
Indian muskets was poured in upon them. The troops were hastily 
formed into line, and charged up the bank. One veteran of 70 fell 
as they ascended. The Indians were driven back to the prairie, and 
then the battle was waged by 54 soldiers, 12 civilians, and three or 
four women — the cowardly Miamis having fled at the outset — 
against 500 Indian warriors. The whites behaved gallantly, and 
sold their lives dearly. They fought desperately until two-thirds 
of their number were slain; the remaining 27 surrendered. And 
now the most sickening and heart-rending butchery of this calam- 
itous day was committed by a young savage, who assailed one of 
the baggage wagons containing 12 children, every one of which fell 
beneath his murderous tomahawk. When Capt. Wells, who with 
the others had become prisoner, beheld this scene at a distance, he 
exclaimed in a tone loud enough to be heard by the savages, " If 
this be your game, I can kill too;" and turning his horse, started 
for the place whei'e the Indians had left their squaws and children. 
The Indians hotly pursued, but he avoided their deadly bullets for 
a time. Soon his horse was killed and he severely wounded. With 
a yell the young braves rushed to make him their prisoner and re- 
serve him for torture. But an enraged warrior stabbed him in the 
back, and he fell dead. His heart was afterwards taken out, cut in 
pieces and distributed among the tribes. Billy Caldwell, a half- 
breed Wyandot, well-known in Chicago long afterward, buried his 
remains the next day. Wells street in Chicago, perpetuates his 
memory. 



64: HISTOiiV OF ILLINOIS. 

In this fearful combat women bore a conspicuous part. A wife 
of one of the soldiers, who had frequently heard that the Indians 
subjected their prisoners to tortures worse than death, resolved not 
to be taken alive, and continued tightiug until she was literally cut 
to ])ieces. Mrs. lleald was an excellent equestrian, and an expert 
in the use of the rifle. She fought bravely, receiving several wounds. 
Though faint from loss of blood, she managed to keep in her saddle. 
A savage raised his tomahawk to kill her, when she looked him full 
in the face, and with a sweet smile and gentle voice said, in his 
own language, " Surely you will not kill a squaw." The arm of 
of the savage fell, and the life of this heroic woman was saved. 
Mrs. Helm had an encounter with a stalwart Indian, who attempted 
to tomahawk her. Springing to one side, she received the glancing 
blow on her shoulder, and at the same time slie seized the savage 
round the neck and endeavored to get his scalping-knife which 
hung in a sheath at his breast. While she was thus struggling, she 
was dragged from his grasp by another and an older Indian. The 
latter bore her, struggling and resisting, to the lake and plunged 
her in. She soon ])erceived it was not liis intention to drown her, 
because he held her in such a position as to keep her head out of 
the water. She recognized him to be a celebrated chief called 
Black Partridge. When the firing ceased she was conducted up 
the sand-bank. 

SLAUGHTER OF PRISONERS. 

The prisoners were taken back to the Indian camp, when a new 
scene of horror was enacted. The wounded not beins; included in 
the terms of the surrender, as it was interpreted by the Indians, 
and the British general. Proctor, having offered a liberal bounty for 
American scalps, nearly all the wounded were killed and scalped, 
and the price of the trophies was afterwards paid by the British 
general. In the stipulation of surrender, Capt. Ileald had not 
particularly mentioned the wounded. These helpless sufferers, on 
reaching the Indian camp, were therefore regarded by the brutal 
savages as fit subjects upon which to display their cruelty and satisfy' 
their desire for blood. Referring to the terrible butchery of the 
prisoners, in an account given by Mrs. Helm, she says: "An old 
squaw, infuriated by the loss of friends or excited by the sanguin- 
ary scenes around lier, seemed possessed of demoniac fury. Slie 
seized a stable-fork and assaulted one miserable victim, who lay 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Go 



groaning and writhing in the agonies of his wounds, aggravated by 
the scorching beams of the sun. With a delicacy of feeling, scarcely 
to have been expected under such circumstances, Wan-bee-nee-wan 
stretched a mat across two poles, between me and this dreadful scene. 
I was thus spared, in some degree, a view of its horrors, although I 
could not entirely close my ears to the cries of the sufferer. The 
following, night Hve more of the wounded prisoners were toma- 



KINZIE FAMILY SAVED. 



That evening, about sundown, a council of chiefs was held to 
decide the fate of the prisoners, and it was agreed to deliver them 




OLD KINZIE HOUSE. 

to the British commandei- at Detroit. After dark, many warriors 
from a distance came into camp, who were thirs^ng for blood, and 
were determined to murder the prisoners regardless of the terms of 
surrender. Black Partridge, with a few of his friends, surrounded 
Kinzie's house to protect the inmates from the tomahawks of the 
bloodthirsty savages. Soon a band of hostile warriors rushed by 
them into the house, and stood with tomahawks and scalping-knives, 
awaiting the signal from their chief to commence the work of death. 



66 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Black Partridge said to Mrs. Kinzie: "We are doing everything 
in oiir power to save yon, bnt all is now lost; you and your friends, 
together with all the prisoners of the camp, will now be slain." At 
that moment a canoe was heard approaching the shore, when Black 
Partridge ran down to the river, trying in the darkness to make out 
the new comers, and at the same time shouted, "Who are you?" 
In the bow of the approaching canoe stood a tall, manly personage, 
with a rifle in his hand. He jumped ashore exclaiming, " I am 
Sau-ga-nash." "Then make all speed to the house; our friends are 
in danger, and you only can save them." It was Billy Caldwell, 
the half-breed Wyandot. He hurried forward, entered the house 
with a resolute step, deliberately removed his accouterments, placed 
his rifle behind the door, and saluted the Indians: " How now, my 
friends! a good day to you. I was told there were enemies here, 
but am glad to find only friends." Diverted by the coolness of his 
manner, they were ashamed to avow their murderous purpose, and 
simply asked for some cotton goods to wrap their dead, for burial. 
And thus, by his presence of mind, Caldwell averted the murder of 
the Kinzie family and the prisoners. The latter, with their wives 
and children, were dispersed among the Pottawatomie tribes along 
the Illinois, Rock and Wabash rivers, and some to Milwaukee. 
The most of them were ransomed at Detroit the following spring. 
A part of them, however, remained in captivity another year. 

EXPEDITION AGAINST THE INDIANS. 

By the middle of August, through the disgraceful surrender of 
Gen. Hull, at Detroit, and the evacuation of Fort Dearborn and 
massacre of its garrison, the British and Indians were in possession of 
the whole Northwest. The savages, emboldened by their successes, 
penetrated deeper into the settlements, committing great depre- 
dations. The activity and success of the enemy aroused the people 
to a realization of the great danger their homes and families were 
in. Gov. Edwards •collected a force of 350 men at Camp Russell, 
and Capt. Russell came from Vincennes with about 50 more. Being 
officered and equipped, they proceeded about the middle of October 
on horseback, currying with them 20 days' rations, to Peoria. Capt. 
Craig was sent with two boats up the Illinois, with provisions 
and tools to build a fort. The little army proceeded to Peoria 
Lake, where was located a Pottawatomie village. They arrived late 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 67 

at night, within a few miles of the village, without their presence 
being known to the Indians. Four men were sent out that night 
to reconnoiter the position of the village. The four brave men who 
volunteered for this perilous service were Thomas Carlin (after- 
ward Governor), and Robert, Stephen and Davis Whiteside. Thej 
proceeded to the village, and explored it and the approaches to it 
thorou^^hlj, without starting an Indian or provoking the bark of a 
■dog. The lov^r lands between the Indian village and the troops were 
covered with a rank growth of tall grass, eo high>nd dense as to 
readily conceal an Indian on horseback, until within a few feet of 
liim. The ground had become still more yielding by recent rains, 
rendering it almost impassable by mounted men. To prevent de- 
tection, the soldiers had camped without lighting the usual camp- 
fires. The men lay down in their cold and cheerless camp, with 
many misgivings. They well remembered how the skulking sav- 
ages fell upon Harrison's men at Tippecanoe during tlie night. To 
add to their fears, a gun in the hands of a soldier was carelessly 
discharged, raising great consternation in the camp. 

AN INDIAN KILLP:D. 

Through a dense fog which prevailed the'following morning, the 
army took up its line of march for the Indian town, Capt. Judy 
witli his corps of spies in advance. In the tall grass they came up 
with an Indian and his squaw, both mounted. The Indian wanted 
to eurrender, but Judy observed that he "did not leave home to take 
prisoners,"' and instantly shot one of them. With the blood 
streaming from his mouth and nose, and in his agony " singing the 
death song," the dying Indian raised his gun, shot and mortally 
wounded a Mr. Wright, and in a few minutes expired. Many guns 
were immediately discliarged at the other Indian, not then known 
to be a squaw, all of which missed her. Badly scared, and her hus- 
band killed by her side, the agonizing wails of the squaw were 
heart-rending. She was taken prisoner, and afterwards restored 

to her nation. 
• * 

TOWN BUENED. 

On rearing the town a general charge was made, the Indians 
fleeing to the interior wilderness. Some of their warriors made a 
■stand, when a sharp engagement occurred, but the Indians were 
Touted. In their flight they left behind all their winter's store of 



68 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

provisions, which was taken, and their town burned. Some Indian 
children were found who had been left in ihe hurried tlight, also 
some disabled adults, one of whom was in a starving condition and 
with a voracious appetite partook of the bread given him. lie is 
said to have been killed by a cowardly trooper straggling behind, 
after the main army had resumed its retrograde march, who wanted 
to be able to boast that he had killed an Indian. 

About the time Gov. Edwards started with his little band against 
the Indians, Gen. Hopkins, with 2,000 Kentucky riflemen, left 
Vincennes to cross the prairies of Illinois and destroy the Indian 
villages along the Illinois river. Edwards, with his rangers, ex- 
pected to act in concert with Gen. Hopkins' riflemen. After 
marching 80 or 90 miles into the enemy's country, Gen. Hopkins' 
men became dissatisfied, and on Oct. 20 the entire army turned 
and retreated homeward before even a foe had' been met. After the 
victory of the Illinois rangers they heard nothing of Gen. Hopkins 
and his 2,000 mounted Kentucky riflemen ; and apprehensive that a 
large force of warriors would be speedily collected, it was deemed 
prudent not to protract their stay, and accordingly the retrograde 
march was commenced the very day of the attack. 

PEORIA BURNED. 

The force of Capt. Craig, in charge of the provision boats, was 
not idle during this time. They proceeded to Peoria, where they 
were fired on by ten Indians during the night, who immediately 
fled. Capt. Craig discovered, at daylight, their tracks leading up 
into the French town. He inquired of the French their where- 
abouts, who denied all knowledge of them, and said they " had 
heard or seen nothing; " but he took the entire number prisoners, 
burned and destroyed Peoria, and bore the captured inhabitants 
away on his boats to a point below the present city of Alton, where 
he landed and left them in the woods, — men, women, and children, — 
in the inclement month of November, without shelter, and without 
food other than the slender stores they had themselves gathered up 
before their departure. They found their way to St. Louis in an 
almost starving condition. The burning of Peoria and taking its- 
inhabitants prisoners, on the mere suspicion that they sympathized 
with the Indians, was generally regarded as a needless, if not 
wanton, act of military power. 




PONTIAC. THE OTTAWA CHIEF. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. Tl 

SECOND EXPEDITION AGAINST THE INDIANS. 

In the early part of 1813, the country was put in as good defense 
as the sparse popuhition admitted. In spite of the precaution taken, 
numerous depredations and murders were committed by the In- 
dians, wliich again aroused the whites, and another expedition was 
sent against the foe, who had collected in large numbers in and 
around Peoria. This army was composed of about 900 men, collect- 
ed from both Illinois and Missouri, and under command of Gen. 
Howard. They marched across the broad prairies of Illinois to 
Peoria, where there was a small stockade in charge of United States 
troops. Two days previously the Indians ]nade an attack on the 
fort, but were repulsed. Being in the enemy's country, knowing 
their stealthy habits, and the troops at no time observing a high de- 
gree of discipline, many unnecessary night alarms occurred, yet the 
enemy were far aw^ay. The army marched up the lake to Cliili- 
cothe, burning on its way two deserted villages. At the present 
site of Peoria the troops remained in camp several weeks. While 
there they built a fort, which they named in honor of Gen. George 
Rogers Clark, who with his brave Virginians wrested Illinois from 
the English during the Revolutionary struggle. This fort was de- 
stroyed by fire in 1818. It gave a name to Peoria which it wore for 
several years. After the building of Fort Crevecoeur, in 1680, Peo- 
ria lake was very familiar to "Western travel and history; but there 
is no authentic account of a permanent European settlement there 
until 1778, when Laville de Meillet, named after its founder, was 
started. Owing to the quality of the water and its greater salu- 
brity, the location was changed to the present site of Peoria, and by 
1796 the old had been entirely abandoned for the new^ village. 
After its destruction in 1812 it was not settled again until 1819, 
and then by American pioneers, though in 1813 Fort Clark was 
built there. 

t 

EXPEDITION UP THE MISSISSIPPI. 

The second campaign against the Indians at Peoria closed with- 
out an engagement, or even a sight of the enemy, yet great was the 
benefit derived from it. It showed to the Indians the power and 
resources of his white foe. Still the calendar of the horrible deeds 
of butchery of the following year is long and blood3^ A joint ex- 
pedition again moved against the Indians in ISli, under Gov. 



72 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Clark of Missouri. This time tliej went up the Mississippi in 
l)arges, Prairie du Cliieu being tlie point of destination. There tliey 
found a small garrison of British troops, which, however, soon fled, 
as did the inhabitants, leaving Clark in full possession. He im- 
mediately set to work and erected Fort Shelby. The Governor 
returned to St. Louis, leaving his men in peaceable possession of 
the place, but a large force of British and Indians came down upon 
them, and the entire garrison surrendered. In the mean time Gen. 
Howard sent 108 men to strengthen the garrison. Of this number 
66 were Illinois rangers, under Capts. Rector and Riggs, who oc- 
cupied two boats. The remainder were with Lieut. Campbell. 

A DESPERATE FIGHT. 

At Rock Island Campbell was warned to turn back, as an attack 
was contemplated. The other boats passed on up the river and 
were some two miles ahead when Campbell's barge was struck by a 
strong gale which forced it against a small island near the Illinois 
shore. Thinking it best to lie to till the wind abated, sentinels 
were stationed while the men went ashore to cook breakfast. At 
this time a large number of Indians on the main shore under 
Black Hawk commenced an attack. The savages in canoes passed 
rapidly to the island, and with a war-whoop rushed upon the men, 
who retreated and sought refuge in the barge. A battle of brisk 
musketry now ensued between the few regulars aboard the stranded 
barge and the hordes of Indians under cover of trees on the island, 
with severe loss to the former. Meanwhile Capt. Rector and Riggs, 
ahead with their barges, seeing the smoke of battle, attempted to 
return ; but in the sti*ong gale Riggs' boat became unmanageable 
and was stranded on the rapids. Rector, to avoid a similar disaster, 
let go his anchor. The rangers, however, opened with good aim 
and telling effect upon the savages. The unequal combat having 
raged for some time and about closing, the commander's barge, 
with many wounded and several dead on board, — among the former 
of whom, very badly, was Campbell himself, — was discovered to be 
on fire. Now Rector and his brave Illinois rangers, comprehending 
the horrid situation, performed, without delay, as cool and heroic a 
deed — and did it well — as ever imperiled the life of mortal man. 
In the howling gale, in full view of hundreds of infuriated savages, 
and within range of their rifles, they deliberately raised anchor. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. T3 

liglitened their barge by casting overboard quantities of provisions, 
and guided it with the utmost labor down the swift current, to the 
windward of the burning barge, and under the galling fire of the 
enemy rescued all the survivors, and removed the wounded and 
dying to their vessel. This was a deed of noble daring and as 
heroic as any performed during the war in the West, Rector hur- 
ried with his over-crowded vessel to St. Louis. 

It was now feared that Riggs and his company were captured 
and sacrificed by the savages. Plis vessel, which was strong and well 
armed, was for a time surrounded by the Indians, but the whites 
on the inside were well sheltered. The wind becoming allayed in 
the e^T-ening, the boat, under cover of the night, glided safely down 
the river without the loss of a sinWe man. 

STILL ANOTHER EXPEDITION. 

Notwithstanding the disastrous termination of the two expedi- 
tions already sent out, during the year 1814, still another was pro- 
jected. It was under Maj. Zachary Taylor, afterward President. 
Rector and Whiteside, with the Illinoisan, were in command of 
boats. The expedition passed Rock Island unmolested, when it 
was learned the country was not only swarming with Indians, but 
that the English were there in command with a detachment of regu- 
lars and artillery. The advanced boats in command of Rector, White- 
side and Hempstead, turned about and began to descend the rapids, 
lighting with great gallantry the hordes of the enemy, who were 
pouring their fire into them from the shore at every step. 

Near the mouth of Rock river Maj. Taylor anchored his fleet out 
in the Mississippi. During the nig;ht the English planted a battery 
of six pieces down at the water's edge, to sink or disable the boats, 
and filled the islands with red-skins to butcher the whites, who 
might, unarmed, seek refuge there. But in this scheme they were 
frustrated. In the morning Taylor ordered all the force, except 20 
boatmen on each vessel, to the upper island to dislodge the enemy. 
The order was executed with great gallantry, the island scoured, 
many of the savages killed, and the rest driven to the lower island. 
In the meantime the British cannon told with eflPect upon the fleet. 
The men rushed back and the boats were dropped down the stream 
out of range of the cannon. Capt. Rector was now ordered with 
his company to make a sortie on the lower island, which he did, 



74 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

driving the Indians back among the willows ; but they being re-in- 
forced, in turn hurled Kector buck upon the sand-beach. 

A council of officers called by Taylor had by this time decided 
that their force was too small to contend with the enemy, who 
outnumbered them three to one, and the boats were in full retreat 
down the river. As Rector attempted to get under way his boat 
grounded, and the savages, with demoniac yells, surrounded it, 
when a most desperate hand-to-hand conflict ensued. The gallant 
ranger, Samuel Whiteside, observing the imminent peril of his 
brave Illinois comrade, went immediately to his rescue, who but for 
his timely aid would undoubtedly have been overpowered, with all 
his force, and murdered. 

Thus ended the last, like the two previous expeditions up the 
Mississippi during the war of 1812, in defeat and disaster. The 
enemy was in undisputed posession of all the country north of the 
Illinois river, and tlie prospects respecting those territories boded 
nothing but gloom. With the approach of winter, however, Indian 
depredations. ceased to be committed, and the peace of Ghent, Dec. 
24, 1814, closed the war. 

ILLINOIS AS A STATE. 

ORGANIZATION. 

In January of 1818 the Territorial Legislature forwarded to 
Nathaniel Pope, delegate in Congress from Illinois, a petition pray- 
ing for admission into the national Union as a State. On April 
18th of the same year Congress passed the enabling act, and Dec. 
3, after the State government had been organized and Gov. Bond 
had signed the Constitution, Congress by a resolution declared Illi- 
nois to be "one of the United States of America, and admitted into 
the Union on an equal footing with the original States in all 
respects." 

The ordinance of 1787 declared that there should be at least three 
States carved out of the Northwestern Territory. The boundaries 
of the three, Olno, Indiana and Illinois, were fixed by this law. 
Congress reserved the power, however, of forming two other States 
out of the territory which lies north of an east and v/est line drawn 
through the southern boundary of Lake Michigan. It was generally 
conceded that this line would be the northern boundary of Illinois ; 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 75 

but as this would give the State no coast on Lake Michigan; and 
rob her of the port of Chicago and the noithern terminus of the 
Illinois & Michigan canal which was then contemplated, Judge 
Pope had the northern boundary moved fifty miles further north. 

BOUNDARY CHANGED. 

Not only is Illinois indebted to Nathaniel Pope for the port where 
now enter and depart more vessels during the year than in any 
other port in the world, for the northern terminus of the Illinois 
& Micliigan canal, and for the lead mines at Galena, but the nation, 
the undivided Union, is largely indebted to him for its perpetuity. 
It was he, — his foresight, statesnjanship and energy, — that bound 
our confederated Union with bands of iron that can never be broken. 
The geographical position of Illinois, with her hundreds of miles 
of water-courses, is such as to make her the key to the grand arch 
of Northern and Southern States. Extending from the great chain 
of lakes on the north, with snow and ice of the arctic region, to the 
cotton-fields of Tennessee ; peopled, as it is, by almost all races, 
classes and conditions of the human familv : guided bv the various 
and diversified political, agricultural, religious and educational 
teachings common to both North and South, — Illinois can control, 
and has controlled, the destinies of our united and beloved republic. 
Pope seemingly foresaw that a struggle to dissolve the Union would 
be made. With a prophetic eye he looked down the stream of time 
for a half century and saw the great conflict between the South and 
North, caused by a determination to dissolve the confederation of 
States; and to preserve the Union, he gave to Illinois a lake coast. 

Gov. Ford, in his History of Illinois, written in 1847, while 
speaking of this change of boundary and its influence upon our 
nation, says: 

"What, then, was the duty of the national Government? Illinois 
was certain to be a great State, with any boundaries which that 
Government could give. Its great extent of territory, itis unrivaled 
fertility of soil and capacity for sustaining a dense population, 
together with its commanding position, would in course of time 
give the new State a verv controlling influence with her sister 
States situated upon the Western rivers, either in sustaining the 
federal Union as it is, or in dissolving it and establishing new gov- 
ernments. If left entirely upon the waters of these great rivers, it 



76 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

was plain that, in case of threatened disruption, the interest of the 
new State would be to join a Southern and Western confederacy; 
but if a large portion of it could be made dependent upon the com- 
merce and navigation of the great nortiiern lakes, connected as they 
are with the Eastern States, a rival interest would be created to 
check the wish for a Western and Southern confederacy. 

"It therefore became the duty of the national Government not 
only to make Illinois strong, but to raise an interest inclining and 
binding her to the Eastern and Northern portions of the Union. 
This could be done only through an interest in the lakes. At that 
time the commerce on the lakes was small, but its increase was con- 
fidently expected, and, indeed, it has exceeded all anticij^ations, 
and is yet only in its infancy. To accomplish this object eft'ectually, 
it w^as not only necessary to give to Illinois the port of Chicago and 
a route for the canal, but a considerable coast on Lake Michigan, 
with a country back of it sufficiently extensive to contain a popu- 
lation capable of exerting a decided influence upon the councils of 
the State. 

"There would, therefore, be a large commerce of the north, west- 
ern and central portion of the State afloat on the lakes, for it was 
then foreseen that the canal would be made; and this alone would 
be like turning one of the many mouths of the Mississippi into 
Lake Michigan at Chicago. A very large commerce of the center 
and south would be found both upon the lakes and rivers. Asso- 
ciations in business, in interest, and of friendship would be formed, 
both with the Korth and the South. A State thus situated, having 
such a decided interest in the commerce, and in the preservation of 
the whole confederacy, can never consent to disunion; for the Union 
cannot be dissolved without a division and disruption of the State 
itself. These views, urged by Judge Pope, obtained the unquali- 
fied assent of the statesmen of 1818. 

" These facts and views are worthy to be recorded in history as 
a standing and ])erpetual call upon lUinoisans of every age to 
remember the great trust which has been reposed in them, as the 
peculiar champions and guardians of the Union by the great men 
and patriot sages who adorned and governed this country in the 
earlier and better days of the Republic." 

During the dark and trying days of the Ilebellion, well did she 
remember this sacred trust, to protect which two hundred thousand 



V 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, 77 

of her sons went to the bloody field of battle, crowning their arms 
with the laurels of war, and keeping inviolate the solemn obliga- 
tions bequeathed to them by their fathers. 

FIRST CONSTITUTION. 

In July and August of 1818 a convention was held at Kaskaskia 
for the purpose of drafting a constitution. This constitution was 
not submitted to a vote of the people for their approval or rejection, 
it being well known that they would approve it. It was about the 
first organic law of any State in the Union to. abolish imprisonment 
for debt. The first election under the constitution was held on the 
third Thursday and the two succeeding days in September, 1818. 
Sliadrach Bond was elected Governor, and Pierre Menard Lieuten- 
ant Governor. Their term of office extended four years. At this 
time che State was divided into fifteen counties, the population being 
about 40,000. Of this number by far the larger portion were from 
the Southern States. The salary of the Governor was $1,000, v/hile 
that of the Treasurer was $500. The Legislature re-enacted, ver- 
batim, the Territorial Code, the penalties of which were unneces- 
sarily severe. Whipping, stocks and pillory were used for minor 
offenses, and for arson, rape, horse-stealing, etc., death by hanging 
was the penalty. These laws, however, were modified in 1821. 

The Legislature first convened at Kaskaskia, the ancient seat of 
empire for more than one hundred and fifty years, both for the 
French and Americans. Provisions were made, however, for the 
removal of the seat of government by this Legislature. A place in the 
wilderness on the Kaskaskia river was selected and named Yandalia. 
From Yandalia it was removed to Springfield in the year 1837. 

DERIVATION OF THE NAME ILLINOIS. 

The name of this beautiful "Prairie State" is derived from 
Illini, an Indian word signifying superior men. It has a French 
termination, and is a symbol of the manner in which the two races, 
the French and Indians, were intermixed during the early history 
of the country. Tiie appellation was no doubt well applied to the 
primitive inhabitants of the soil, whose prowess in savage warfare 
long withstood the combined attacks of the fierce Iroquois on the 
one side, and the no less savage and relentless Sacs and Foxes on the 
other. The Illinois were once a powerfnl confederacy, occupying 
the most beautiful and fertile region in the great valley of the 



78 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Mississippi, wliicli tlieir enemies coveted and struggled long and 
hard to wrest from them. By the fortunes of war they were dimin- 
ished in number and finally destroyed. "Starved Rock," on the 
Illinois river, according to tradition, commemorates tlieir last trag- 
edy, where, it is said, the entire tribe stf.rved rather than surrender. 

The low cognomen of " Sucker," as applied to Illinoisans, is said 
to have had its origin at the Galena lead mines. In an early day, 
when these extensive mines were being worked, men would run up 
the Mississippi river in steamboats in the spring, work the lead 
mines, and in the fall return, thus establishing, as was supjiosed, asira- 
ilitude between their migratory habits and those of the fishy tribe 
called "Suckers." For this reason the Illinoisans have ever since 
been distinguished by the epithet " Suckers." Those who stayed 
at the mines over winter were mostlj'' from Wisconsin, and were 
called " Badgers." One spring the Missonrians poured into the 
mines in such numbers that the State was said to have taken a puke, 
and the oifensive appellation of " Pukes" was afterward applied to 
all Missonrians. 

The southern part of the State, known as " Egypt," received this 
appellation because, being older, better settled and cultiv^ited, grain 
was had in greater abundance than in the central and northern por- 
tion, and the immigrants of this region, after the manner of the 
children of Israel, went "thither to buy and to bring from thence 
that they might live and not die." 

STATE BANK. 

The Legislature, during the latter years of territorial existence, 
granted charters to several banks. The result was that paper money 
became very abundant, times flush, and credit unlimited; and every- 
bodv invested to the utmost limit 'of his credit, with confident 
expectation of realizing a handsome advance before the expiration 
of his credit, from the throng of immigrants then pouring into the 
countr3\ By 1819 it became apparent that a day of reckoning 
would approach before their dreams of fortune could be realized. 
Banks everywhere began to waver, paper money became depreci- 
ated, and gold and silver driven out of the country. The Leojisla- 
ture sought to bolster up the times by incorporating the '* Bank 
of Illinois," which, with several branches, was created by the ses- 
sion of 1821. This bank, being wholly supported by the credit of 
the State, was to issue one, two, three, five, ten and twenty-dollar 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 79 

notes. It was the duty of the bank to advance, upon personal prop- 
erty, money to the amount of $100, and a larger amount upon real 
estate. All taxes and public salaries could be paid in such bills ; 
and if a creditor refused to take them, he had to wait three years 
longer before he could collect his debt. The people imagined that 
simply because the government had issued the notes, they would 
remain at par; and although this evidently could not be the case, 
they were yet so infatuated with their project as actually to request 
the United States government to receive them in payment for their 
public lands! Although there were not wanting men who, like 
John McLean, the Speaker of the House of Kepresentatives, fore- 
saw the dangers and evils likely to arise from the creation of such 
a bank, by far the greater part of the people were in favor of it. 
The new bank was therefore started. The new issue of bills by the 
bank of course only aggravated the evil, heretofore so grievously 
felt, of the absence of specie, so that the people were soon com- 
pelled to cut their bills in halves and quarters, in order to make 
small change in trade. Finally the paper currency so rapidly depre- 
ciated that three dollars in these bills were considered worth only 
one in specie, and the State not only did not increase its revenue, 
but lost full two-thirds of it, and expended three times tlie amount 
required to pay the expenses of the State government. 

Lafayette's visit. 
In the spring of 1825 the brave and generous LaFayette visited 
Illinois, accepting the earnest invitation of the General Assembly, 
and an affectionately written letter of Gov. Cole's, who had formed 
his personal acquaintance in France in 1817. The General in reply 
said: " It has been my eager desire, and it is now my earnest inten- 
tion, to visit the Western States, and particularly the State of Illi- 
nois. The feelings which jonr distant welcome could not fail to 
excite have increased that patriotic eagerness to admire on that 
blessed spot the happy and rapid results of republican institutions, 
public and domestic virtues. I shall, after the 22d of February 
(anniversary day), leave here for a journey to the Southern States, 
and from New Orleans to the Western States, so as to return to 
Boston on the 14th of June, when the corner-stone of the Bunker 
Hill monument is to be laid, — a ceremony sacred to the whole Union 
and in which I have been engaged to act a peculiar and honorable 
part." 



80 HISTOUY (,'F ILLINOIS. 

General LaFayette and suite, attended bj a large delegation of 
prominent citizens of Missouri, made a visit by the steamer Natch- 
ez to the ancient town of Kaskaskia. No military parade was 
attempted, but a multitude of patriotic citizens made him welcome. 
A reception was held, Gov. Cole delivering a glowing address of 
welcome. During the progress of a grand ball held that night, a 
very interesting interview took place between the honored General 
and an Indian squaw whose father had served under him in the 
Revolutionary war. The squaw, learning that the great white chief 
was to be at Kaskaskia on that night, had ridden all day, from early 
dawn till sometime in the night, from her distant home, to see 
the man whose name had been so often on her father's tongue, and 
with which she was so familiar. In identification of her claim to 
his distinguished acquaintance, she brought with her an old, worn 
letter which the General had written to her father, and which the 
Indian chief had preserved with great care, and finally bequeathed 
on hia death-bed to his daughter as the most precious legacy he had 
to leave her. 

By 12 o'clock at night Gen. LaFayette returned to his boat and 
started South. The boat was chartered by the State. 

EARLY GOVERNORS. 

In the year 1822 the term of office of the first Governor, Shadracli 
Bond, expired. Two parties sprung up at this time, — one favorable, 
the other hostile, to the introduction of slavery, each proposing a 
candidate of its own for Governor. Both parties worked hard to 
secure the election of their respective candidates; but the people at 
large decided, as they ever have been at heart, in favor of a free 
State. Edward Coles, an anti-slavery man, was elected, although a 
majority of the Legislature were opposed to him. The subject of 
principal interest during his administration was to make Illinois a 
slave State. The greatest effort was made in 1824, and the propo- 
sition was defeated at the polls by a majority of 1,800. The aggre- 
gate vote polled was 11,612, being about 6,000 larger than at the 
previous State election. African slaves were first introduced into 
Illinois in 1720 by Renault, a Frenchman. 

Senator Duncan, afterward Governor, presented to the Legisla- 
ture of 1824-5 a bill for the support of schools bv a public tax; and 
William S. Hamilton presented another bill requiring a tax to be 



HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. §1 

nsed for the purpose of constructing and repairing the roads.— both 
of which bills passed and became laws. But although these laws 
conferred an incalculable benefit upon the public, the verj name of 
a tax was so odious to the people that, rather than pay a tax of the 
smallest possible amount, thej preferred working as thej formerly 
did, five days during the year on the roads, and would allow their 
• children to grow up without any instruction at all. Consequently 
both laws were abolished in 1826. 

In the year 1826 the office of Governor became again vacant 
^inian Edwards, Adolphus F. Hubbard and Thomas C. Sloe were 
candidates. Edwards, though the successful candidate, had made 
lumself many enemies by urging strict inquiries to be made into 
the corruption of the State bank, so that had it not been for his 
talents and noble personal appearance, he would most probably not 
liave been elected. Hubbard was a man of but little personal merit 
Ot hira tradition has preserved, among other curious sayino-s, a 
speech on a bill granting a bounty on wolf-scalps. This "speech 
delivered before the Legislature, is as follows: "Mr. Speaker I rise 
before the question is put on this bill, to say a word for my constit- 
uents. Mr. Speaker, I have never seen a wolf. I cannot say that 
I am very well acquainted with the nature and habits of wolves 
Mr. Speaker, I have said that I had never seen a wolf; but now I 
remember that once on a time, as Judge Brown and I were ridinc. 
across the Bonpas prairie, we looked over the prairie about three 
miles, and Judge Brown said, 'Hubbard, look! there goes a wolf- ' 
and I looked, and I looked, and I looked, and I said, 'Judge, whereV 
and he said, 'There! ' And I looked again, and this time in th'e 
edge of a hazel thicket, about three miles across the prairie, I think 
saw the wolf's tail. Mr. Speaker, if I did not see a wolf that 
time, I think I never saw one; but I haVe heard much, and read 
mor^ about this animal. I have studied his natural historv 

"By the bye, history is divided into two parts. There is first 
the history of the fabulous; and secondly, of the non-fabulous, or 
unknown age Mr. Speaker, from all these sources of information 
1 learn that the wolf is a very noxious animal; tliat he goes prowl- 
ing about, seeking something to devour; that he rises up in the 
dead and secret hours of night, when all nature reposes in silent 
Oblivion, and then commits the most terrible devastation upon the 
nsmg generation of hogs and sheep. 



82 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

" Mr. Speaker, I have done; and I returu my thanks to the house 
for tlieir kind attention to inj remarks." 

Gov. Edwards was a large and v/ell-made man, with a noble, 
princely appearance. Of him Gov. Ford says: "He never con- 
descended to the commbn low art of electioneering. Whenever he 
went out among the people he arrayed himself in the style of a 
gentleman of the olden time, dressed in fine broadcloth, with short 
breeches, long stockings, and high, fair-topped boots; was drawn in 
a fine carriage driven by a negro; and for success he relied upon his 
speeches, wliich were delivered in great pomp and in style of diffuse 
and florid eloquence. When he was inaugurated in 1826, he 
appeared before the General Assembly wearing a golden-laced cloak, 
and with great pomp pronounced his first message to the houses 
of the Legislature." 

GRAMMAR AND COOK CONTRASTED. 

Demagogism had an early development. One John Grammar, 
who was elected to the Territorial Legislature in 1816, and held the 
position for about twenty years, invented the policy of opposing 
every new thing, saying, "If it succeeds, no one will ask who 
voted against it: if it proves a failure, he could quote its record." 
When first honored with a seat in the Assembly, it is said that 
he lacked the apparel necessary for a member of the Legislatui-e, 
and in order to procure them he and his sons gathered a large 
quantity of hazel-nuts, which were taken to the Ohio Saline and 
sold for cloth to make a coat and pantaloons. The cloth was the 
blue strouding commonly used by the Indians. 

The neighboring women assembled to make up the garments; the 
cloth was measured every way, — across, lengthwise, and from corner 
to corner, — and still was found to be scant. It was at last con- 
cluded to make a very short, bob-tailed coat and a long pair of leg- 
gins, which being finished, Mr. Grammar started for the State 
ca|)ital. In sharp contrast with Grammar Avas the character of D. 
P. Cook, in honor of whom Cook county was named. Such was 
his transparent integrity and remarkable ability that his will was 
almost the law of the State. In Congress, a voung man and from 
a poor State, he was made Chairman of the Ways and Means Com- 
raittoe. He was pre-eminent for standing by his committee, regard- 
less of consequences. It was his integrity that elected John Quincy 



HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 83 

Adams to the Presidency. There were four candidates in 1824, 
Jackson, Clay, Crawford and Adams. There being no choice by 
the people, the election was thrown into the House. It was so bal- 
anced that it turned on his vote, and that he cast for Adams, elect- 
ing him. He then came home to face the wrath of the Jackson 
party in Illinois. 

The first mail route in the State was established in 1805. This 
was from Vincennes to Cahokia. In 1824 there was a direct mail 
route from Yandalia to Springfield. Tlie first route from the central 
part of the State to Chicago was established in 1832, from Shelby- 
ville. The difliculties and dangers encountered by the early mail 
carriers, in time of Indian troubles, were very serious. The bravery 
and ingenious devices of Harry Milton are mentioned with special 
commendation. When a boy, in 1812, he conveyed the mail on a 
wild French pony from Shawneetowu to St. Louis, over swollen 
streams and through the enemy's country. So infrequent and 
irregular were the communications by mail a great part of the time, 
that to-day, even the remotest part of the United States is unable to 
appreciate it by example. 

The first newspaper published in Illinois was the Illinois Herald, 
established at Kaskaskia by Mathew Duncan, There is some va- 
riance as to the exact time of its establishment. Gov. Reynolds 
claimed it was started in 1809. Wm. H. Brown, afterwards its 
editor, gives the date as 1814. 

In 1831 the criminal code was first adapted to penitentiary pun- 
ishment, ever since which time the old system of whipping and 
pillory for the punishment of criminals has been disused. 

There was no legal rate of interest till 1830. Previously the rate 
often reached as high as 150 per cent., but was usually 50 per cent. 
Then it was reduced to 12, then to 10, and lastly to 8 per cent. 

INDIAN TKOUBLES. 

WINNEBAGO "WAR. 

The Indians, who for some years were on peaceful terms with 
the whites, became troublesome in 1827. The Winuebagoes, Sacs 
and Foxes and other tribes had been at war for more than a hun- 
dred 3'ears. In the summer of 1827 a war party of the Winnebagoes 
surprised a party of Chippewas and killed eight of them. Four 



84 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

of tlie inui-derers were arrested and delivered to the Chippewas, 
by whom they were immediately shot. This was the first irritation 
of the Winiiebaijoes. Red Bird, a chief of this tribe, in order to 
avenge the execution of the four warriors of his own people, attacked 
the Chippewas, but was defeated; and being determined to satisfy 
his thirst for revenge by some means, surprised and killed several 
white men. Upon receiving intelligence of these murders, the 
whites who were working the lead mines in the vicinity of Galena 
formed a body of volunteers, and, re-inforced by a company of United 
States troops, marched into the country of the Winnebagoes. To 
save their nation from the miseries of war, Red Bird and six other 
men of his nation voluntarily surrendered themselves. Some of 
the number were executed, some of them imprisoned and destined, 
like Red Bird, ingloriously to pine away within the narrow confines 
of a jail, when formerly the vast forests had proven too limited for 
them. 

JOHN REYNOLDS ELECTED GOVERNOK. 

In August, 1830, another gubernatorial election was held. The 
candidates were William Kinney, then Lieutenant Governor, and 
John Reynolds, formerly an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, 
both Jackson Democrats, The opposition brought forward no can- 
didate, as they were in a helpless minority. Reynolds was the 
successful candidate, and under his administration was the famous 

BLACK HAWK WAR. 

In the year of 180i a treaty was concluded between the United 
States and the chiefs of the Sac and Fox nations. One old chief of 
the Sacs, however, called Black Hawk, who had fought with great 
bravery in the service of Great Britain during the war of 1812, had 
always taken exceptions to this treaty, pronouncing it void. In 1831 
he established himself, with a chosen band of warriors, upon the dis- 
puted territory, ordering the whites to leave the country at once. The 
settlers complaining, Gov. Reynolds dispatched Gen. Gaines, with a 
company of regulars and 1,500 volunteers, to the scene of action. 
Taking the Indians by surprise, the troops burnt their villages and 
forced them to conclude a treaty, by which they ceded all lands east 
of the Mississippi, and agreed to remain on the western side of the 
river. Necessity forced the proud spirit of Black Hawk into 
submission, which made him nmre than ever determined to be 




BLACK HAWK. THE SAC CHIEF, 



Bfir^ 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 87 

avenged upoi: his enemies. Having rallied around him the warlike 
braves of the Sac and Fox nations, he crossed the Mississippi in the 
spring of 1832. Upon hearing of the invasion, Gov. Reynolds 
hastily collectp'"' a body of 1,800 volunteers, placing them under the 
command oi iiiig-Gen. Samuel Whiteside. 

stillman's run. 

The army marched to the Mississippi, and having reduced to 
ashes the Indian village known as ''Prophet's Town," proceeded 
for several miles up the river to Dixon, to join the regular forces 
under Gen. Atkinson. They found at Dixon two companies of 
volunteers, who, sighing for glory, were dispatched to reconnoiter 
the enemy. They advanced under command of Maj. Stillman, to a 
creek afterwards called "Stillman's run;" and while encamping 
there saw a party of mounted Indians at the distance of a mile. 
Several of Stillman's party mounted their horses and charged the 
Indians, killing three of them; but, attacked by the main body 
under Black Hawk, they were routed, and by their precipitate 
flight spread such a panic through the camp that the whole company 
ran off to Dixon as fast as their legs could carry them. On their 
arrival it was found that there had been eleven killed. The party 
came straggling into camp all night long, four or five at a time, 
each squad positive that all who were left behind were massacred. 

It is said that a big, tall Kentuckian, with a loud voice, who 
was a colonel of the militia but a private with Stillman, upon his 
arrival in camp gave to Gen. Whiteside and the wondering multi- 
tude the followino^ glowino^ and bombastic account of the battle: 
"Sirs," said lie, "our detachment was encamped among some scat- 
tering timber on the north side of Old Man's creek, with the prairie 
from the north gently sloping down to our encampment. It was 
just after twilight, in the gloaming of the evening, when we dis- 
covered Black Hawk's army coming down upon us in solid column; 
they displayed in the form of a crescent upon the brow of the prai- 
rie, and such accuracy and precision of military mov^ements were 
never witnessed Dy man; they were equal to the best troops of 
Wellington in Spain, j. have said that the Indians came down in 
solid columns, and displayed in the form of a crescent; and what was 
most wonderful, there were large squares of cavalry resting upon 
the points of the curve, which squares were supported again by 



88 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

other columns fifteen deep, extending back tlirongh the woods and 
over a swamj) three-quarters of a mile, which again rested on the 
main body of Black Hawk's army bivouacked upon the banks of the 
Kishwakee. It was a terrible and a glorious sight to see the tawny 
warriors as they rode along our flanks attempting to outflank us, 
with the glittering moonbeams glistening from their polished blades 
and burnished spears. It was a sight well calculated to strike con- 
sternation in the stoutest and boldest heart; and accordingly our 
men soon began to break in small squads, for tall timber. In a 
very little time the rout became general, the Indians were soon 
upon our flanks and threatened the destruction of our entire detach- 
ment. About this time Maj. Still man. Col. Stephenson, Maj. 
Perkins, Capt. Adams, Mr. llackelton, and myself, with some 
others, threw ourselves into the rear to rally the fugitives and pro- 
tect the retreat. But in a short time all my companions fell 
bravely fighting hand-to-hand with the savage enemy, and I alone 
was left upon the field of battle. About this time I discovered not 
far to the left a corps of horsemen which seemed to be in tolerable 
order. I immediately deployed to the left, when, leaning down and 
placing my body in a recumbent posture upon the mane of my 
horse so as to bring the heads of the horsemen between my eye 
and the horizon, I discovered by the light of the moon that they 
were gentlemen who did not wear hats, by which token I knew they 
were no friends of mine. I therefore made a retrogade movement 
and recovered my position, where I remained some time meditating 
what further I could do in the service of my country, when a ran- 
dom ball came whistling by my ear and plainly whispered to me, 
' Stranger, you have no further business here.' Upon hearing this I 
followed the example of my companions in arras, and broke for 
tall timber, and the way I ran was not a little." 

For a long time afterward Maj. Stillnan and his men were sub- 
jects of ridicule and merriment, which was as undeserving as their 
expedition was disastrous. Stillman's defeat spread consternation 
throusrhout the State and nation. The number of Indians M-as 
greatly exaggerated, and the name of Black Ilawk carried with it 
associations of great military talent, savage cunning and cruelty. 

ASSAULT ON APPLE RIVER FORT. 

A regiment sent to spy out the country between Galena and Rock 
Island was surprised by a party of seventy Indians, and was on the 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 89 

point of being thrown into disorder when Gen. Whiteside, then 
serving as a private, shouted out that he would shoot the first man 
who should turn his back to the enemy. Order being restored, the 
battle began. At its very outset Gen. Whiteside shot the leader of 
the Indians, who thereupon commenced a hasty retreat. 

In June, 1832, Black Hawk, with a band of 150 warriors, attack- 
ed the Apple Eiver Fort, near Galena, defended by 25 men. This 
fort, a mere palisade of logs, was erected to afford protection to the 
miners. For fifteen consecutive hours the garrison had to sustain 
the assault of the savage enemy ; but knowing very well that no 
quarter would be given them, they fought with such fury and des- 
peration that the Indians, after losing many of their best warriors, 
were compelled to retreat. 

Another party of eleven Indians murdered two men near Fort 
Hamilton. They were afterwards overtaken by a company of 
twenty men and every one of them was killed. 

EOCK RIVER EXPEDITION. 

A new regiment, under the command of Gen. Atkinson, assem- 
bled on the banks of the Illinois in the latter part of J une. Maj. 
Dement, with a small party, was sent out to reconnoiter the move- 
men ♦■s of a large body of Indians, whose endeavors to surround him 
made it advisable for him to retire. Upon hearing of this engage- 
ment. Gen. Atkinson sent a detachment to intercept the Indians, 
while he with the main body of his army, moved north to meet the 
Indians under Black Hawk. They moved siuwly and cautiously 
through the country, passed through Turtle village, and marched 
up along Rock river. On their arrival news was brought of the 
discovery of the main trail of the Indians. Considerable search 
was made, but they were unable to discover any vestige of Indians 
save two who had shot two soldiers the day previous. 

Hearing that Black Hawk was encamped on Rock river, at the 
Manitou village, thej'^ resolved at once to advance upon the enemy; 
but in the execution of their design they met with opposition from 
their officers and men. The officers of Gen. Henry lianded to him 
a written protest; but he, a man equal to any emergency, ordered 
the officers to be arrested and escorted to Gen. Atkinson. Within 
a few minutes after the stern order was given, the officers all collected 
around the General's quarters, many of them with tears in their 



90 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

eyes, pledging themselves that if forgiven they would return to duty 
and never do the like again. The General rescinded the order, and 
they at once resumed duty. 

THE BATTLE OF BAD-AXE. 

Gen. Henry marclied on the loth of July in pursuit of the 
Indians, reaching Rock river after three days' journey, where he 
learned Black Hawk was encamped further up the river. On July 
19th the troops were ordered to commence their march. After 
havino- made tifty miles, they were overtaken by a terrible thunder- 
storm which lasted all night. Nothing cooled, however, in their 
courage and zeal, they marched again fifty miles the next day, 
encamping near the place where the Indians had encam])ed the 
m<r\\t before. Hurrying along as fast as they could, the infantry 
keeping up an equal pace with the mounted force, the troops on the 
morning of the 2 1st crossed the river connecting two of the four 
lakes, by which the Indians had been endeavoring to escape. They 
found, on their way, the ground strewn with kettles and articles of 
bao-o-ao-e, which the haste of their retreat had obliged the Indians 
• to throw away. The troops, inspired with new ardor, advanced so 
rapidly that at noon they fell in with the rear guard of the Indians. 
Those who closely pursued them were saluted with a sudden 
lire of musketry by a body of Indians who had concealed them- 
selves in the high grass of the prairie. A most desperate charge 
was made upon the Indians, who, unable to resist, retreated 
obliquely, in order to out-flank the volunteers on the right; but the 
latter charged the Indians in their ambush, and expelled them 
from their thickets at the point of the bayonet, and dispersed them. 
Niirht set in and the battle ended, having cost the Indians 6S of 
their bravest men, while the loss of the Illinoisans amounted to but 
one killed and 8 wounded. 

Soon after this battle Gens. Atkinson and Henry joined their 
forces and pursued the Indians. Gen. Henry struck the main trail, 
left his horses behind, formed an advance guard of eight men, 
and marched forward upon their trail. When these eight men 
came within sight of the river, they were suddenly tired upon and 
five of them killed, the remaining three maintaining their ground 
till Gen. Henry came up. Then tlie Indians, charged upon witii 
the bayonet, fell back upon their main force. The battle now 



UISTOKY OF ILLIKOIS. 91 

became general; the Indians fought with desperate valor, but were 
furiously assailed by the volunteers with their bayonets, cutting 
many of the Indians to pieces and driving the rest into the river. 
Those who escaped from being drowned took refuge on an island. On 
hearing the frequent discharge of musketry, indicating a general 
engagement, Gen. Atkinson abandoned the pursuit of the twenty 
Indians under Black Hawk himself, and hurried to the scene of 
action, where he arrived too late to take part in the battle. He 
immediately forded the river with his troops, the water reaching 
up to their necks, and landed on the island where the Indians had 
secreted tliemselves. The soldiers rushed upon the Indians, killed 
several 'of them, took others prisoner, and chased the rest into 
the river, where they were either drowned or shot before reaching 
the opposite shore. Thus ended the battle, the Indians losing 300 
besides 50 prisoners; the whites but 17 killed and 12 wounded. 

INCIDENTS OF THE BATTLE. 

Many painful incidents occurred during this battle. A Sac 
woman, the sister of a warrior of some notoriety, found herself in 
the thickest of the fight, but at length succeeded in reaching the 
river, when, keeping her infant child safe in its blankets by means 
of her teeth, she plunged into the water, seized the tail of a horse 
with I.er hands whose rider was swimming the stream, and was 
drawn safely across. A young squaw during the battle was stand- 
ing in the grass a short distance from the American line, holding 
her child — a little girl of four years — in her arms. In this posi- 
tion a ball struck the right arm of the child, shattering the bone, 
and passed into the breast of the young mother, instantly killing 
her. She fell upon the child and confined it to the ground till the 
Indians were driven from that part of the field. Gen. Anderson, 
of the United States army, hearing its cries, went to the spot, took 
it from under the dead body and carried it to the surgeon to have 
its wound dressed. The arm was amputated, and during the oper- 
ation the half-starved child did not cry, but sat quietly eating a 
hard piece of biscuit. It was sent to Prairie du Ohien, where it 
entirely recovered. 

BLACK HAWK CAPTURED. 

Black Hawk, with his twenty braves, retreated up the Wisconsin, 
river. The Winnebagoes, desirous of securing the friendship of 



l>2 IIISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

tlie wliites, went in pursuit and captured and delivered tlietn to 
Gen. Street, the United States Indian agent. Among the prisoners 
were the son of Black Hawk and the i)ropliet of the tribe. These 
with Elack Ilawk were taken to Washington, D. C, and soon con- 
signed as prisoners at Fortress Monroe. 

At the interview Black Hawk had with the President, he closed 
his speech delivered on the occasion in the following words: " We 
did not expect to conquer the whites. They have too many houses, 
too many men. I took up the hatchet, for my part, to re\ enge 
injuries which my people could no longer endure. Had I borne 
them longer without striking, my people would have said, ' Black 
Hawk is a woman; he is too old to be a chief; he is no Sac' These 
retlections caused me to raise the war-whoop. I say no more. It 
is known to you. Keokuk once was here; you took him by the 
hand, and when he wished to return to his home, you were willing. 
Black Hawk expects, like Keokuk, he shall be permitted to return 
too." 

BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCH OF BLACK HAWK. 

Black Hawk, or Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah, was born in the prin- 
cipal Sac village, near the junction of Kock river with tlie Missis- 
sippi, in the year 1767. His father's name was Py-e-sa. Black 
Hawk early distinguished himself as a warrior, and at the age of 
fifteen was permitted to paint, and was ranked among the braves. 
About the year 1783 he went on an expedition against the enemies 
of his nation, the Osages, one of whom he killed and scalped; and 
for this deed of Indian brav^ery he was permitted to join in the 
scalp dance. Three or four years afterward he, at the head of two 
hundred braves, went on another expedition against the Osages, to 
avenije the murder of some women and children belono^ingr to his 
own tribe. Meeting an equal number of Osage warriors, a fierce 
battle ensued in which the latter tribe lost one-half their number. 
The Sacs lost only about nineteen warriors. He next attacked the 
Cherokees for a similar cause. In a severe battle with them near 
the present city of St. Louis his father was slain, and Black Hawk, 
taking possession of the " Medicine Bag," at once announced him- 
self chief of the Sac nation. He had now conquered the Cherokees, 
and about the year 1800, at the head of five hundred Sacs and 
Foxes and a hundred lowas, he waged war against the Osage 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 93 

nation, and subdued it. For two years he battled successfully with 
other Indian tribes, all of which he conquered. 

The year following the treaty at St. Louis, in ISOi, the United 
States Government erected a fort near the head of Des Moines 
Rapids, called Fort Edwards. This seemed to enrage Black Hawk, 
who at once determined to capture Fort Madison, standing on the 
west side of the Mississippi, above the mouth of the Des Moines. 
The fort was garrisoned by about fifty men. Here he was defeated. 
The difficulties with the British Government arose about this time, 
and the war of 1812 followed. That government, extending aid to 
the Western Indians, induced them to remain hostile to the Ameri- 
cans. In August, 1812, Black Hawk, at the head of about five 
hundred braves, started to join the British forces at Detroit, passing 
on his way the site of Chicago, where the famous Fort Dearborn 
massacre had a few days before been perpetrated. Of his con- 
nection with the British but little is known. 

In the early part of 1815, the Indians west of the Mississippi 
were notified that peace had been declared between the United 
States and England, and nearly all hostilities, had ceased. Black 
Hawk did not sign any treaty, however, until May of the following 
year. From the time of signing this treaty, in 1816, until the 
breaking out of the Black Hawk war, he and his band passed their 
time in the common pursuits of Indian life. 

Ten years before the commencement of this war, the Sac and 
Fox Indians were urged to move to the west of the Mississippi. 
All were agreed, save the band known as the British Band, of which 
Black Hawk was leader. He strongly objected to the removal, and 
was induced to comply only after being threatened by the Govern- 
ment. This action, and various others on the part of the white 
settlers, provoked Black Hawk and his band to attempt the capture 
of his native village, now occupied by the whites. The war fol- 
lowed. He and his actions were undoubtedly misunderstood, and 
had his wishes been complied with at the beginning of the struggle, 
much bloodshed would have been prevented. 

BLACK HAWK SET AT LIBERTY. 

Bj order of the President, Black Hawk and his companions, 
who were in confinement at Fortress Monroe, were set free on the 
4th day of June, 1833. Before leaving the fort Black Hawk 



94 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

made the following farewell speech to the commander, wliich is not 
only eloquent but shows that within his chest of steel there beat a 
heart keenly alive to the emotions of gratitude: 

" Brother, I have come on my own part, and in behalf of my 
companions, to bid you farewell. Our great father has at length 
been pleased to permit iis to return to our hunting grounds. We 
have buried the tomahawk, and the sound of the rifle hereafter will 
only bring death to the deer and the buffalo. Brothers, you have 
treated the red man very kindly. Your squaws have made them 
presents, and you have given them plenty to eat and drink. The 
memory of your friendship will remain till the Great Spirit says it 
is time for Black Hawk to sing his death song. Brother, your 
houses are as numerous as the leaves on the trees, and j^nr young 
warriors like the sands upon the shore of the big lake that rolls 
before us. The red man has but few houses and few warriors, but 
the red man has a heart which throbs as warmly as the heart of his 
white brother. The Great Spirit has given us our hunting grounds, 
and the skin of the deer which we kill there is his favorite, for its 
color is white, and this is the emblem of peace. This hunting 
dress and these feathers of the eagle are white. Accept them, my 
brother. I have given one like this to the White Otter. Accept it as 
a memorial of Black Hawk. When he is far away this will serve 
to remind you of him. May the Great Spirit bless you and your 
children. Farewell." 

After their release from prison they were conducted, in charge 
of Major Garland, through some of the principal cities, that 
thev might witness the power of the United States and learn 
their own inability to cope with them in war. Great multitudes 
flocked to see them wherever they were taken, and the attention 
paid them rendered their progress through the country a triumphal 
procession, instead of the transportation of prisoners by an officer. 
At E-ock Island the prisoners were given their liberty, amid great 
and impressive ceremony. In 1S38 Black Hawk built him a 
dwellino- near Des Moines, Iowa, and furnished it after the manner 
of the whites, and engaged in agricultural pursuits and hunting and 
fishing. Here, with his wife, to whom he was greatly attached, he 
passed the few remaining days of his life. To his credit, it may be 
said that Black Hawk remained true to his wife, and served her 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 95 

with a devotion uncommon among Indians, living with her up- 
ward of fortv years. 

BLACK hawk's DEATH AND BT]-RIAL. 

At all times when Black Hawk visited the whites he was 

received with marked attention. He was an honored guest at the 

old settlers' re-union in Lee county, Illinois, at some of their 

meetings and received many tokens of esteem. In September, 

1838, while on his way to Ptock Island to receive his annuity from 

the Government, he contracted a severe cold which resulted in a 

fatal attack of bilious fever, and terminated his life October 3. 

After his death, he was dressed in the uniform presented to him by 

the President while in Washington. He was buried in a grave six 

feet in depth, situated upon a beautiful eminence. The body was 

placed in the middle of the grave, in a sitting posture upon a seat 

constructed for the purpose. On his left side the cane given him 

by Henry Clay was placed upright, with his right hand resting 

upon it. Thus, after a long, adventurous and shifting life, Black 

Hawk was gathered to his fathers. 

FROM 1834 TO 1842. 

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 

JSTo sooner was the Black Hawk war concluded than settlers 
began rapidly to pour into the northern part of Illinois, now free 
from Indian depredations. Chicago, from a trading post, had 
grown into a commercial center, and was rapidly coming into 
prominence. 

At the general election in 1834 Joseph Duncan was chosen 
Governor, by a handsome majority. His principal opponent was 
ex-Lieutenant Governor Kinney. A reckless and uncontrollable 
desire for internal public improvements seized the minds of the 
people. In his message to the Legislature, in 1835, Gov. Duncan 
said: " When we look abroad and see the extensive lines of inter- 
communication penetrating almost every section of our sister States ; 
when we see the canal boat and the locomotive bearing with seem- 
ing triumph the rich productions of the interior to the rivers, lakes 
and ocean, almost annihilating time, burthen and space, what 
patriot bosom does not beat liigh with a laudable ambition to give 
Illinois her full share of those advantages which are adoruing'lier 



96 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

sister States, and which a magnificent Providence seems to invite 
by a wonderful adaptation of our whole country to such improve- 
ments?" 

STUPENDOUS SYSTEM OF IMPROVEMENTS INAUGURATED. 

The Legislature responded to the ardent words of the Govertior, 
and enacted a system of internal improvements without a parallel 
in the grandeur of its conception. They ordered the construction 
of 1,3()0 miles of railroad, crossing the State in all directions. 
This was surpassed by the river and canal improvements. There 
were a few counties not touched by railroad, or river or canal, and 
they were to be comforted and compensated by the free distribution 
of $200,000 among them. To inflate this balloon beyond credence, it 
was ordered that work should commence on both ends of each of these 
railroads and rivers, and at each river-crossing, all at the same time. 
This provision, which has been called the crowning folly of the 
entire system, was the result of those jealous combinations ema- 
nating from the fear that advantages might accrue to one section 
over another in the commencement and completion of the works. 
We can appreciate better, perhaps, the magnitude of this grand 
system by reviewing a few figures. The debt authorized for these 
improvements in the first instance was $10,230,000. But this, as 
it was soon found, was based upon estimates at least too low by 
half. This, as we readily see, committed the State to a liability of 
over $20,000,000, equivalent to $200,000,000, at the present time, 
with over ten times the population and more than ten times the 
wealth. 

Such stupendous undertakings by the State naturally engendered 
the fever of speculation among individuals. That particular form 
known as the town-lot fever assumed the malignant type at first in 
Chicago, from whence it spead over the entire State and adjoining 
States. It was an epidemic. It cut up men's farms without regard 
to locality, and cut up the purses of the purchasers without regard 
to consequences. It was estimated that building lots enough were 
sold in Indiana alone to accommodate every citizen then in the 
United States. 

Chicago, which in 1830 was a small trading-post, had within a 
few years grown into a city. This was the starting point of the 
wonderful and marvelous career of that city. Improvements, 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 97 

unsurpassed by individual efforts in the annals of the world, were 
then begun and have been maintained to this day. Though visited 
by the terrible fire fiend and the accumulations of years swept 
away in a night, yet she has arisen, and to-day is the best built city 
in the world. Keports of the rapid advance of property in Chicago 
spread to the East, and thousands poured into her borders, bringing 
money, enterprise and industry. Every ship that left her port 
carried with it maps of splendidly situated towns and additions, 
and every vessel that returned was laden with immigrants. It was 
said at the time that the staple articles of Illinois export were town 
plots, and that there was danger of crowding the State with towns 
to the exclusion of land for agriculture. 

ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL. 

The Illinois and Michigan canal again received attention. This 
enterprise is one of the most important in the early development 
of Illinois, on account of its magnitude and cost, and forming 
as it does the connecting link between the great chain of lakes and 
the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Gov. Bond, the first Governor, 
recommended in his first message the building of the canal. In 
1831 the Legislature appropriated $10,000 for surveying the route. 
This work was performed by two young men, who estimated the 
cost at $600,000 or $700,000. It cost, however, when completed, 
$8,000,000. In 1825 a law was passed to incorporate the Canal 
Company, but no stock was sold. In 1826, upon the solicitation of 
Daniel P. Cook, Congressman from this State, Congress gave 
800,000 acres of land on the line of the work. In 1828 commis- 
sioners were appointed, and work commenced with a new survey 
and new estimates. In 1831:-5 the work was again pushed forward, 
and continued until 1848, when it was completed. 

PANIC — REPUDIATION ADVOCATED. 

Bonds of the State were recklessly disposed of both in the East 
and in Europe. Work was commenced on various lines of railroad, 
but none were ever completed. On the Northern Cross Railroad, 
from Meredosia east eight miles, the first locomotive that ever 
turned a wheel in the great valley of the Mississippi, was run. 
The date of this remarkable event was N"ov. 8, 1838. Large sums 
of money were being expended with no assurance of a revenue, 



98 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

and consequently, in 1840, the Legislature repealed the improve- 
ment laws passed three years previously, nut, however, until the 
State had accumulated a debt of nearly $15,00(>,000. Thus fell, 
after a short but eventful life, by the hands of its creator, the most 
stupendous, extravagant and almost ruinous folly of a grand sys- 
tem of internal improvements that any civil community, perhaps, 
ever eno-a^-ed in. The State banks failed, specie was scarce, an 
enormous debt was accumulated, the interest of which could not 
be paid, people were disappointed in the accumulation of wealth, 
and real estate was worthless. All this had a tendency to create a 
desire to throw off the heavy burden of State debt by repudiation. 
This was boldly advocated by some leading men. The fair fame 
and name, however, of the State was not tarnished by repudiation. 
Men, true, honest, and able, were placed at the head of affairs; and 
thouofh the hours were dark and gloomv, and the times most try- 
ing, yet our grand old State was brought through and prospered, 
until to-day, after the expenditure of millions for public improve- 
ments and for carrying on the late war, she has, at present, a debt 
of only about $300,000. 



MARTYK FOR LIBERTY. 



The year 1837 is memorable for the death of the first martyr for 
liberty, and the abolishment of American slavery, in the State. 
Elijah P. Lovejoy was shot by a mob in Alton, on the night of the 
7th of November of that year. lie was at the time editor of the 
Alton Ohisermr^ and advocated anti-slavery principles in its 
columns. For this practice three of his presses had been destroyed. 
On the arrival of the fourth the tragedy occurred which cost him 
his life. In anticipation of its arrival a series of meetings were 
held in which the friends of freedom and of slavery were represented. 
The object was to effect a compromise, but it was one in which 
liberty was to make concessions to oppression. In a speech made 
at one of these meetings, Lovejoy said: "Mr. Chairman, what 
have I to compromise? If freel}' to forgive those who have so greatly 
injured me; if to pray for their temporal and eternal happiness; if 
still to wish for the prosperity of your city and State, notwith- 
standing the indignities I have suffered in them, — if this be the 
compromise intended, then do I willingly make it. I do not admit 
that it is the business of any body of men to say whether I shall 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 101 

or shall not publish a paper in this city. That right was given to 
me by my Creator, and is solemnly guaranteed W the Constitution 
of the United States and of this State. But if by compromise is 
meant that 1 shall cease from that which duty requires of me, I 
cannot make it, and the reason is, that I fear God more than man. 
It is also a very different question, whether 1 shall, voluntarily or 
at the request of my friends, yield up my position, or whether 
I shall forsake it at the hands of a mob. The former I am readv at 
all times to do when circumstances require it, as I will never put 
my personal wishes or interests in competition with the cause of 
that Master whose minister I am. But the latter, bo assured I 
never will do. You have, as lawyers say, made a false issue. There 
are no two parties between whom there can be a compromise. I 
plant myself down on my unquestionable rights, and the ques- 
tion to be decided is, whether I shall be protected in those rights. 
You may hang me, as the mob hung the individuals at Vicksburg; 
you may burn me at the stake, as they did old Mcintosh at St. 
Louis; or, you may tar and feather me, or throw me into the Mis- 
sissippi as you have threatened to do; but you cannot disgrace me. 
I, and I alone, can disgrace myself, and the deepest of all disgrace 
would be at a time like this to deny my Maker by forsaking his 
cause. He died for me, and I were most unworthy to bear his 
name should I refuse, if need be, to die for him.''^ IS^ot long 
afterward Mr. Lovejoy was shot. His brother Owen, being pres- 
ent on the occasion, kneeled down on the spot beside the corpse, 
and sent up to Cod, in the hearing of that very mob, one of the 
most eloquent prayers ever listened to by mortal ear. He was bold 
enough to pray to God to take signal vengeance on the infernal 
institution of slavery, and he then and there dedicated his life to 
the work of overthrowing it, and hoped to see the day when slavery 
existed no more in this nation. He died, March 24, 18G4, nearly 
three months after the Emancipation Proclamation of President 
Lincoln took effect. Thus he lived to see his most earnest and 
devout prayer answered. But few men in the nation rendered bet- 
ter service in overthrowing the institution of slavery than Elijah 
P. and Owen Lovejoy. 

CARLIN ELECTED GOVERNOR. 

Thomas Carlin, Democrat, was elected Governor in 1838, over 
Cyrus Edwards, Whig. In 18-42 Adam W. "Snyder was nominated 



102 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

for Governor on the Democratic ticket, but died before election. 
Thomas Ford was phiced in nomination, and was elected, ex-Gov- 
ernor Duncan being his opponent. 

PRAIRIE PIRATES. 

The northern part of the State also had its mob experiences, but 
of an entirely different nature from the one just recounted. There 
lias always hovered around the frontier of civilization bold, desper- 
ate men, who prey upon the unprotected settlers rather than gain 
a livelihood by honest toil. Theft, robbery and murder were car- 
ried on by regularly organized bands in Ogle, Lee, Winnebago and 
DeKalb counties. The leaders of these gangs of cut-throats were 
among the first settlers of that portion of the State, and conse- 
quently had the choice of location. Among the most prominent of 
the leaders were John Driscoll, William and David, his sons; John 
Brodie and three of his sons; Samuel Aikens and three of his sons; 
William K. Bridge and Norton B. Boyce. 

These were the representative characters, those who planned 
and controlled the movements of the combination, concealed them 
when danger threatened, nursed them when sick, rested them when 
worn by fatigue and forced marches, furnished hiding places for 
their stolen booty, shared in the spoils, and, under cover of darkness 
and intricate and devious ways of travel, known only to themselves 
and subordinates, transferred stolen horses from station to station; 
for it came to be known as a well-established fact that they had 
stations, and agents, and watchmen scattered throughout the coun- 
try at convenient distances, and signals and pass-words to assist 
and govern them in all their nefarious transactions. 

Ogle county, particularly, seemed to be a favorite and chosen 
field for the operations of these outlaws, who could not be convicted 
for their crimes. By getting some of their number on the juries, 
by producing hosts of w^itnesses to sustain their defense by per- 
jured evidence, and by changing the venue from one county to 
another, and by continuances from term to term, they nearly alwaj'S 
managed to be acquitted. At last these depredations became too 
common for longer endurance; patience ceased to be a virtue, and 
determined desperation seized the minds of honest men, and they 
resolved that if there were no statute laws that could protect them 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 103 

against the ravages of thieves, robbers and counterfeiters, they 
would protect themselves. It was a desperate resolve, and desper- 
ately and bloodily executed. 

BURNING OF OGLE COUNTY COURT-HOUSE. 

At the Spring term of court, 1841, seven of the "Pirates of the 
Prairie," as they were called, were confined in the Ogle county jail 
to await trial. Preparatory to holding court, the judge and lawyers 
assembled at Oregon in their new court-house, which had just 
been completed. Near it stood the county jail in which were the 
prisoners. The "Pirates" assembled Sunday night and set the 
court-house on fire. In the hope that as the prisoners would have to 
be removed from the jail, they might, in the hurry and confusion 
of the people in attending to the fire, make their escape. The 
whole population were awakened that dark and stormy night, to 
see their new court edifice enwrapped in flames. Although the 
building was entirely consumed, none of the prisoners escaped. 
Three of them were tried, convicted and sent to the penitentiary 
for a year. They had, however, contrived to get one of their num- 
ber on the jury, who would not agree to a verdict until threatened 
to be lynched. The others obtained a change of venue and were 
not convicted, and finally they all broke jail and escaped. 

Thus it was that the law was inadequate to the protection of the 
people. The best citizens held a meeting and entered into a solemn 
compact with each other to rid the country of the desperadoes that 
infested it. They were regularly organized and known as " Regu- 
lators." They resolved to notify all suspected parties to leave the 
country within a given time; if they did not comply, they would 
be severely dealt with. Their first victim was a man named Hurl, 
who was suspected of having stolen his neighbor's horse. He was 
ordered to strip, his hands were tied, when thirty-six lashes of a 
raw-hide were applied to his bare back. The next was a man 
named Daggett, formerly a Baptist preacher. He was sentenced 
to receive five hundred lashes on his bare back. He was stripped, 
and all was ready, when his beautiful daughter rushed into the 
midst of the men, begging for mercy for her father. Her appeals, 
with Daggett's promise to leave the country immediately, secured 
his release. That night, new crimes having been discovered, he 
was taken out and whipped, after which he left the country, never 
again to be heard from. 



104 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The friends and comrades of the men who had been whipped 
were fearfully enra^^ed, and swore eternal and bloody vengeance 
Eighty of them assembled one night soon after, and laid plans to 
visit White Hock and murder every num, woman and child in that 
liamlet. They started on this bloody mission, but were prevailed 
upon by one of their number to disband. Their coming, however, 
had been anticipated, and every man and boy in the town was 
armed to protect himself and his family. 

CAMPBELL KILLED — THE MURDERERS SHOT. 

John Campbell, Captain of the '"Regulators," received a letter 
from William Driscoll, filled with most direful threats, — not only 
threatening Campbell's life, but the life of any one who should 
oppose their murderous, thieving operations. Soon after the re- 
ceipt of this letter, two hundred of the "Regulators" marched to 
Driscoll's and ordered him to leave the county within twenty days, 
but he refused to comply with the order. One Sunday evening, 
just after this, Campbell was shot down in his own door-yard by 
David Driscoll. He fell in the arms of his wife, at which time 
Taylor Driscoll raised his rifle and pointed it toward her, but low- 
ered it without firing. 

News of this terrible crime spread like wild-fire. The very air 
was filled with threats and vengeance, and nothing but the lives of 
the murderous gang would pay the penalty. Old John Driscoll 
was arrested, was told to bid his family good-bye, and then with 
his son went out to his death. The "Regulators," numbering 111, 
formed a large circle, and gave the Driscoll s a fair hearing. They 
were found guilty, and the "Regulators" divided into two "death 
divisions," — one, consisting of fifty-six, with rifles dispatched the 
father, the other fifty-five riddled and shattered the body of the 
son with balls from as many guns. The measures thus inaugu- 
rated to free the country from the dominion of outlaws was a last 
desperate resort, and proved effectual. 

MORMON WAR. 

In April, 1S40, the "Latter-Day Saints," or Mormons, came in 
large numbers to Illinois and purchased a tract of land on the east 
side of the Mississippi river, about ten miles above Keokuk. Here 
they commenced building the city of Nauvoo. A more picturesque 
or eligible site for a city could not have been selected. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 105 

The origin, rapid development and prosperity of this religious 
sect are the most remarkable and instructive historical events of 
the present century. That an obscure individual, without money, 
education, or respectability, should persuade hundreds of thousands 
of people to believe him inspired of God, and cause a book, con- 
temptible as a literary production, to be received as a continuation 
of the sacred revelation, appears almost incredible; yet in less than 
half a century, the disciples of this obscure individual have in- 
creased to hundreds of thousands; have founded a State in the dis- 
tant wilderness, and compelled the Government of the United 
States to practically recognize them as an independent people. 

THE FOUNDER OF MORMONISM. ' 

The founder of Mormonism was Joseph Smith, a native of Ver- 
mont,* who emigrated while quite young with his father's family to 
western New York. Here his youth was spent in idle, vagabond 
life, roaming the woods, dreaming of buried treasures, and in en- 
deavoring to learn the art of finding them by the twisting of a 
forked stick in his hands, or by looking through enchanted stones. 
Both he and his father became famous as " water wizards," always 
ready to point out the spot where wells might be dug and water 
fomd. Such was the character of the young profligate when he 
made the acquaintance of Sidney Rigdon, a person of considerable 
talent and information, who had conceived the desio-n of founding 
a new religion. A religious romance, written by Mr. Spaulding, a 
Presbyterian preacher of Ohio, then dead, suggested the idea, and 
finding in Smith the requisite duplicity and cunning to reduce it 
to practice, it was agreed that he should act as prophet; and the 
two devised a story that gold plates had been found buried in the 
earth containing a record inscribed on them in unknown characters, 
which, when deciphered by the power of inspiration, gave the his- 
tory of the ten lost tribes of Israel. 

ATTEMPT TO ARREST JOE SMITH. 

After their settlement in and about Nauvoo, in Hancock county, 
great depredations were committed by them on the " Gentiles." 
The Mormons had been received from Missouri with arreat kind- 
ness by the people of this State, and every possible aid granted 
thera. The depredations committed, however, soon made them 



106 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

odious, when the question of getting rid of them was agitated. In 
the fall of 1841, the Governor of Missouri made a demand on Gov. 
Carlin for the arrest and delivery of Joe Smith as a fugitive from 
justice. An executive warrant issued for that purpose was placed 
in the hands of an agent to be executed, but was returned without 
being complied with. Soon afterward the Governor handed tlie 
same writ to his agent, who this time succeeded in arresting Joe 
Smith. He was, however, discharged by Judge Douglas, upon the 
grounds that the writ upon which he had been arrested had been 
once returned before it was executed, and was fimotus officio. In 
1842 Gov. Carlin again issued his writ, Joe Smith was arrested 
again, and again escaped. Thus it will be seen it was impossible 
to reach and putfish the leader of this people, who had been driven 
from Missouri because of their stealing, murdering and nnjust 
dealing, and came to Illinois but to continue their depredations. 
Emboldened by success, the Mormons became more arrogant and 
overbearing. Many people began to believe that they were about 
to set up a separate government for themselves in defiance of the 
laws of the State. Owners of property stolen in other counties 
made pursuit into Nauvoo, and were fined by the Mormon courts 
for daring to seek their property in the holy city. But that which 
made it more certain than anything else that the Mormons con- 
templated a separate government, was that about this time they 
petitioned Congress to establish a territorial government for them 
in Nauvoo. 

ORIGIN OF rOLYGAMY. 

To crown the whole folly of the Mormons, in the Spring of 1844 
Joe Smith announced himself as a candidate for President of the 
United States, and many of his followers were confident he would 
be elected. He next caused himself to be anointed king and 
priest, and to give character to his pretensions, he declared his 
lineage in an unbroken line from Joseph, tlie son of Jacob, and 
that of his wife from some other important personage of the ancient 
Hebrews. To strengthen his political power he also instituted a 
body of police styled the " Danite band," who were sworn to \^vo- 
tect his person and obey his orders as the commands of God. A 
female order previously existing in the church, called " Spiritual 
wives," was modified so as to suit the licentiousness of the prophet. 
A doctrine was revealed that it was impossible for a woman to get 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 107 

to heaven except as the wife of a Mormon elder; that each elder 
might marry as many women as he could maintain, and that any 
female mig-lit be sealed to eternal life by becoming their concubine. 
This licentiousness, the origin of polygam^'^ in that church, they 
endeavored to justify by an appeal to Abraham, Jacob and other 
favorites of God in former ages of the world. 

JOE SMITH AS A TYRANT. 

Smith soon began to play the tyrant over his people. Among 
the first acts of this sort was an attempt to take the wife of Wil- 
liam Law, one of his most talented disciples, and make her his 
spiritual wife. He established, without authority, a recorder's 
ofHce, and an office to issue marriage licenses. He proclaimed that 
none could deal in real estate or sell liquor but himself. He 
ordered a printing office demolished, and in many ways controlled 
the freedom and business of the Mormons. Not only did he stir up 
some of the Mormons, but by his reckless disregard for the laws of 
the land raised up opposition on every hand. It was believed that 
he instructed the Danite band, which he had chosen as the ministers 
of his vengeance, that no blood, except that of the church, was to 
be regarded as sacred, if it contravened the accomplishment of his 
object. It was asserted that he inculcated the legality of perjury 
and other crimes, if committed to advance the cause of true believ- 
ers; that God had given the world and all it contained to his saints, 
and since they were kept out of their rightful inheritance by force, 
it was no moral offense to get possession of it by stealing. It was 
reported that an establishment existed in Nauvoo for the manufac- 
ture of counterfeit money, and that a set of outlaws was maintained 
for the purpose of putting it in circulation. Statements were cir- 
culated to the effect that a reward was offered for the destruction of 
the Warsaw Signal, an anti-Mormon paper, and that Mormons dis- 
persed over the country threatened all persons who offered to assist 
the constable in the execution of the law, with the destruction of 
their property and the murder of their families. There were rumors 
also afloat that an alliance had been formed with the Western 
Indians, and in case of war they would be used in murdering their 
enemies. In short, if only one-half of these reports were true the 
Mormons must have been the most infamous people that ever ex- 
isted. 



108 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

MILITARY FORCES ASSEMBLING. 

William Law, one of the proprietors of the printing-press 
destroyed by Smith, went to Carthage, the county-scat, and 
ol)tained warrants for the arrest of Smith and the members of the 
City Council, and others connected with the destruction of the 
press. Some of the parties having been arrested, but discharged 
by the authorities in Nauvoo, a convention of citizens assembled at 
Carthage and a])pointed a committee to wait upon the Governor for 
the purpose of procuring military assistance to enforce the law. 
The Governor visited Carthage in person. Previous to his arrival 
the militia had been called out and armed forces commenced assem- 
bling in Carthage and Warsaw to enforce the service of civil process. 
All of them, however, signified a willingness to co-operate with the 
Governor in preserving order. A constable and ten men were then 
sent to make the arrest. In the meantime, Smith declared martial 
law; his followers residing in the country were summoned to his 
assistance; the Legion was assembled and under arms, and the 
entire city was one great military encampment. 

THE SMITHS ARRESTED. 

The prophet, his brother Iliram, the members of the City Coun- 
cil and others, surrendered themselves at Carthage June 24, 1845, 
on the charge of riot. All entered into recognizance before a Jus- 
tice of the Peace to appear at court, and were discharged. A new 
writ, however, was immediately issued and served on the two 
Smiths, and both were arrested and thrown into prison. The 
citizens had assembled from Hancock, Schuyler and McDonough 
counties, armed and ready to avenge the outrages that had been 
committed by the Mormons. Great excitement prevailed at Car- 
thage. The force assembled at that place amounted to 1,200 men, 
and about 500 assembled at Warsaw. Nearly all were anxious to 
march into Nauvoo. This measure was supposed to be necessary 
to search for counterfeit money and the apparatus to make it, and 
also to strike a salutary terror into the Mormon people by an exhi- 
bition of the force of the State, and thereby prevent future out- 
rages, murders, robberies, burnings, and the like. The 27th of 
June was appointed for the march; but Gov. Ford, who at the 
time was in Carthage, apprehended trouble if the militia should 
attempt to invade Nauvoo, disbanded the troops, retaining only a 
guard to the jail. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 109 

JOE SMITH AND HIS BROTHER KILLED. 

Gov. Ford went to Kauvoo on the 27th. The same morning 
about 200 men from Warsaw, manj being disguised, hastened to 
Carthage. On learning that one of the companies left as a guard 
had disbanded, and the other stationed 150 yards from the jail while 
eight men were left to guard the prisoners, a communication was 
soon established between the Warsaw troops and the guard; and it 
was arranged that the guard should have their guns charged with 
blank cartridges and hre at the assailants when they attempted to 
enter the jail. The conspirators came up, jumped the fence around 
the jail, were fired upon by the guard, which, according to arrange- 
ment, was overpowered, and the assailants entered the prison, to 
the door of the room where the two prisoners were confined. An 
attempt ;was made to break open the door; but Joe Smith, being 
armed with a pistol, fired several times as the door was bursted 
open, and three of the assailants were wounded. At the same time 
several shots were fired into the room, by some of which John 
Taylor, a friend of the Smiths, received four wounds, and Hiram 
Smith was instantly killed. Joe Smith, severely wounded, attempt- 
ed to escape by jumping out of a second-story window, but was so 
stunned by the fall that he was unable to rise. In this position he 
was dispatched by balls shot through his body. Thus fell Joe 
Smith, the most successful impostor of modern times. Totally ignor- 
ant of almost every fact in science, as well as in law, he made up in 
constructiveness and natural cunning whatever in him was want- 
ing of instruction. 

CONSTERNATION AT QUINCY. 

Great consternation prevailed among the anti-Mormons at 
Carthage, after the killing of the Smiths. They expected the Mor- 
mons would be so enraged on hearing of the death of their leaders 
that they would come down in a body, armed and equipped, to 
seek revenge upon the populace at Carthage. Messengers were 
dispatched to various places for help in case of an attack. The 
women and children were moved across the river for safety. A 
committee was sent to Quincy and early the following morning, 
at the rmging of the bells, a large concourse of people assembled 
to devise means of defense. At this meeting, it was reported that 
the Mormons attempted to rescue the Smiths; that a party of Mis- 
sourians and others had killed them to prevent their escape; that 



IIQ HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

the Governor and liis party were at ^Nauvoo at the time when intel- 
ligence of the fact was brought there; that they had been attacked 
by the Nauvoo Legion, and had retreated to a house where they 
were closely besieged; that the Governor had sent out word that 
he could maintain his position for two days, and would be certain 
to be massacred if assistance did not arrive by that time. It is 
unnecessary to say that this entire story was fabricated. It was 
put in circulation, as were many other stories, by the anti-Mormons, 
to influence the public mind and create a hatred for the Mormons. 
The effect of it, however, was that by 10 o'clock on the 28th, 
between two and three hundred men from Quincy, under command 
of Maj. Flood, went on board a steamboat for Nauvoo, to assist in 
raising the siege, as they honestly believed. 

VARIOUS DEPREDATIONS. 

It was thought by many, and indeed the circumstances seem to war- 
rant the conclusion, that the assassins of Smith had arranged that the 
murder should occur while the Governor was in Nauvoo; that the 
Mormons would naturally suppose he planned it, and in the first out- 
pouring of their indignation put him to death, as a means of retalia- 
tion. They thought that if they could have the Governor of the State 
assassinated by Mormons, the public excitement would be greatly 
increased against that people, and would cause their extermination, 
or at least their expulsion from the State. That it was a brutal and 
premeditated murder cannot be and is not denied at this day; but 
the desired effect of the murder was not attained, as the Mormons 
did not evacuate Nauvoo for two years afterward. In the meantime, 
the excitement and prejudice against this people were not allowed 
to die out. Ilorse-stealing was quite common, and every case that 
occurred was charged to the Mormons. That they were guilty of 
such thefts cannot be denied, but a great deal of this work done at 
that time was by organized bands of thieves, who knew they could 
carry on their nefarious business with more safety, as long as sus- 
picion could be placed upon the Mormons. In the summer and 
fall of 1845 were several occurrences of a nature to increase the 
irritation existing between the Mormons and their neighbors. A 
suit was instituted in the United States Circuit Court against one 
of the apostles, to recover a note, and a marshal sent to summons 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS,. 113 

the defendant, who refused to be served with the process. Indig- 
nation raeetins's were held bv the saints, and the marshal threat- 
ened for attempting to serve the writ. About this time, General 
Denning, sheriff, was assaulted by an anti-Mormon, whom he killed. 
Denning was friendly to the Mormons, and a great outburst of 
passion was occasioned among the friends of the dead man. 

INCENDIARISM. 

It was also discovered, in trying the rights of property at Lima, 
Adams county, that the Mormons had an institution connected 
with their church to secure their effects from execution. Incensed 
at this and other actions, the anti-Mormons of Lima and Green 
Plains, held a meeting to devise means for the expulsion of the 
Mormons from that part of the country. It was arranged that a 
number of their own party should fire on the building in which 
they were assembled, in such a manner as not to injure anyone, 
and then report that the Mormons had commenced the work of 
plunder and death. This plot was duly executed, and the startling 
intelligence soon called together a mob, which threatened the Mor- 
mons with iire and sword if they did not immediately leave. T.he 
Mormons refusing to depart, the mob at once executed their threats 
by burning' 125 houses and forcing the inmates to flee for their 
lives. The sheriff of Hancock county, a prominent Mormon 
armed several hundred Mormons and scoured the country, in search 
of the incendiaries, but they had fled to neighboring counties, and 
he was unable either to bring them to battle or make any arrests. 
One man, however, was killed without provocation; Smother 
attempting to escape was shot and afterwards hacked and muti- 
lated; and Franklin A. Worrell, who had charge of the jail when 
the Smiths were killed, was shot by some unknown person con- 
cealed in a thicket. The anti-Mormons committed one murder. 
A party of them set fire to a pile of straw, near the barn of an old 
Mormon, nearly ninety years of age, and when he appeared to ex- 
tinguish the flames, he was shot and killed. 

The anti-Mormons left their property exposed in their hurried 
retreat, after having burned the houses of the Mormons. Those 
who had been burned out sallied forth from Nauvooand plundered 
the whole country, taking whatever they could carry or drive 
away. By order of the Governor, Gen. Hardin raised a iorce of 
350 men, checked the Mormon ravages, and recalled the fugitive 
anti-Mormons home. 



214 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

MAKING rUEPARATION TO LEAVE. 

At this time a convention, consisting of delegates from eight of 
the adjoining counties, assembled >o concert measures for the expul- 
sion of the Mormons from the State. The Mormons seriously c n- 
templated emmio-ratiou westward, believing the times forboded 
evil ibr them. Accordingly, during the winter ot 18-to-'-i6, the 
most stupendous preparations were made by the Mormons tor 
removal All the principal dwellings, and even the temple, were 
converted into work-sliops, and before spring, 12,000 wagons were 
in readiness; and by the middle of February the leaders, with 2,000 
of their followers, had crossed the Mississippi on the ice. 

Before the spring of 1846 the majority of the Mormons had left 
Nauvoo, but still a large number remained. , 

THE BATTLE OF NAUVOO. 

In September a writ was issued against several prominent Mor- 
mons, and placed in the hands of John Carlin, of Carthage, for 
execution. Carlin called out a posse to help make the arrest, which 
brought together quite a large force in the neighborhood of Nauvoo. 
Carlili, not being a military man, placed in command of the posse, 
first. Gen. Singleton, and afterward Col. Brockman, who proceeded 
to invest the city, erecting breastworks, and taking other means for 
defensive as well as offensive operations. What was then termed a 
battle next took place, resulting in the death of one Mormon and 
the woundin*'- of several others, and loss to the anti-Mormons ot 
three kflled Sid four wounded. At last, through the intervention 
of an anti-Mormon committee of one hundred, from Quincy, the 
Mormons and their allies were induced to submit to such terms as 
the posse chose to dictate, which were that the Mormons should 
immediatelv give up their arms to the Quincy committee, and re- 
move from th^e State. The trustees of the church and five ot their 
clerks were permitted to remain for the sale of Mormon property, 
and the posse were to march in unmolested, and leave a sufficient 
force to guarantee the performance of their stipulations. Accord- 
imrly, the constable's ])osse marched in with Brockman at their 
he'ad.' It consisted of about 800 armed men and GOO or TOO 
unarmed, who had assembled from all the country around, through 
motives of curiosity, to see the once proud city of Nauvoo hum- 
bled and delivered up to its enemies. They proceeded into the 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 117 

city slowly and carefallj, examiuin,^ the way for fear of tlie explo- 
sion of a mine, many of which had been made by the Mormons, 
by burying kegs of powder in the ground, with a man stationed at 
a distance to pull a string communicating with the trigger of a 
percussion lock affixed to the keg. This kind of a contrivance was 
called by the Mormons " hell's half-acre." When the posse 
arrived in the city, the leaders of it erected themselves into a tri- 
bunal to decide who should be forced away and who remain. 
Parties were dispatched to hunt for fire-arms, and for Mormons, and 
to bring them to judgment. When brought, they received their 
doom from the mouth of Brockman, who sat a grim and unawed 
tyrant for the time. As a general rule, the Mormons were ordered 
to leave within an hour or two; and by rare grace some of them 
were allowed until next day, and in a few cases longer time was 
granted. 

MALTREATMENT OF NEW CITIZENS. 

Nothing was said in the treaty in regard to the new citizens, who 
had with the Mormons defended the city; but the posse no sooner 
had obtained possession than they commenced expelling them. 
Some of them were ducked in the river, and were in one or two 
instances actually baptized in the name of some of the leaders 
of the mob; others were forcibly driven into the ferry-boats to be 
taken over the river before the bayonets of armed ruffians. Many 
of these new settlers were strangers in the country from various 
parts of the United States, who were attracted there by the low 
price of property; and they knew but little of previous difficulties 
or the merits of the quarrel. They saw with their own eyes that 
the Mormons were industriously preparing to go away, and they 
knew " of their own knowledge " that any effort to expel them by 
force was gratuitous and unnecessary cruelty. They had been trained, 
by the States whence they came, to abhor mobs and to obey the law, 
and they volunteered their services under executive authority to 
defend their town and their property against mob violence, and, as 
they honestly believed, from destruction; but in this they were parti v 
mistaken; for although the mob leaders in the exercise of unbridled 
power were guilty of many injuries to the persons of individuals, 
although much personal property was stolen, yet they abstained 
from materially injuring houses and buildings. 



116 IllSTOliV OF ILLINOIS. 



THE MORMONS KEACH SALT LAKE. 



The fugitives proceeded westward, takino^ the road throu^^h Mis- 
souri, but were forcibly ejected from that State and compelled to 
move indirectly through Iowa. After innumerable hardships the 
advance guard reached the Missouri river at Council Bluffs, when 
a United States officer presented a requisition for 500 men to 
serve in the war with Mexico. Compliance with this order so di- 
minished their number of effective men, that the expedition was 
again delayed and the remainder, consisting mostly of old men, 
women and children, hastily prepared habitations for winter. 
Their rudely constructed tents were hardly completed before winter 
set in with great severit}-, the bleak prairies being incessantly swept 
by piercing winds. While here cholera, fever and other diseases, 
aggravated by the previous hardships, the want of comfortable 
quarters and medical treatment, hurried many of them to prema- 
ture graves, yet, under the influence of religious fervor and fanati- 
cism, they looked death in the face with resignation and cheerful- 
ness, and even exhibited a gayety which manifested itself in music 
and dancing during the saddest hours of this sad winter. 

At length welcome spring made its appearance, and by April 
they were again organized for the journey; a pioneer party, con- 
sisting of Brigham Young and 140 others, was sent in advance to 
locate a home for the colonists. On the 21 of July, 18-i7, a day 
memorable in Mormon annals, the vanguard reached the valley of 
the Great Salt Lake, having been directed thither, according to 
their accounts, by the hand of the Almighty. Here in a distant wil- 
derness, midway between the settlements of the East and the Pacific, 
and at that time a thousand miles from the utmost verge of civili- 
zation, they commenced preparations for founding a colony, which 
has since grown into a mighty empire. 

MEXICAN WAR. 

During the month of May, 181:6, the President called for four 
regiments of volunteers from Illinois for the Mexican war. This 
was no sooner known in the State than nine regiments, numbering 
8,370 men, answered the call, though only four of them, amounting 
to 3,720 men, could be taken. These regiments, as well as their 
officers, were everywhere foremost in the American ranks, and dis- 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 119 

tingiiislied themselves by their matchless valor in the bloodiest 
battles of the war. Veterans never fought more nobly and effect- 
ively than did the volunteers from Illinois. At the bloody battle of 
Buena Yista they crowned their lives— many their death— with the 
laurels of war. Never did armies contend more bravely, determinedly 
and stubbornly tlian the American and Mexican forces at this famous 
battle; and as Illinois troops were ever in the van and on the blood- 
iest portions of the field, we believe a short sketch of the part they 
took in the fierce contest is due them, and will be read with no lit- 
tle interest. 

BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA. 

General Santa Anna, with his army of 20,000, poured into the 
valley of Aqua Nueva early on the morning of the 22d of February, 
hoping to surprise our army, consisting of about 5,000 men, under 
Gen. Taylor and which had retreated to the "Narrows." They 
were hotly pursued by the Mexicans who, before attacking, sent 
Gen. Taylor a flag of truce demanding a surrender, and assuring 
him that if he refused he would be cut to pieces; but the demand 
was promptly refused. At this the enemy opened fire, and the con- 
flict began. In honor of the day the watchword with our soldiers 
was, " The memory of Washington." An irregular fire was kept up 
■all day, and at night both armies bivouacked on the field, resting on 
their arms. Santa Anna that night made a spirited address to his 
men, and the stirring strains of his own band till late in the ni^ht 
were distinctly heard by our troops; but at last silence fell over the 
hosts that were to contend unto death in that narrow pass on the 
morrow. 

Early on the following morning the battle was resumed, and con- 
tinued without intermission until nightfall. The solid columns of 
the enemy were hurled against our forces all day lono-, but were 
met and held in check by the unerring fire of our musketry and ar- 
tillery. A portion of Gen. Lane's division was driven back by the 
enemy under Gen. Lombardini, who, joined by Gen. Pacheco's divis- 
ion, poured upon the main plateau in so formidable nuiribers as 
to appear irresistible. 

BRAVERY OF THE SECOND ILLINOIS. 

At this time the 2d Illinois, under Ool. Eissell, with a squadron 
of cavalry and a few pieces of artillery came handsomely into action 



120 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

and i^allantly received the concentrated fire of the enemy, wliich 
they retnrned with deliberate aim and terrible effect; every dis- 
charge of the artillery seemed to tear a bloody path through the 
heavy columns of enemy. Says a writer: "The rapid mus- 
ketry of the gallant troops from Illinois poured a storm of lead 
into their serried ranks, which literally strewed the ground with 
the dead and dving." But, notwithstanding his losses, the enemy 
steadily advanced until our gallant regiment received fire from 
three sides. Still they maintained their position for a time with 
untlinching firmness against that immense host. At length, per- 
ceiving the danger of being entirely surrounded, it was determined 
to fall back to a ravine. Col. Bissel, with the coolness of ordinary 
drill, ordered the signal "cease firing" to be made; he then with 
tlie same deliberation gave the command, "Face to the rear, Bat- 
talion, about face; forward march," which was executed with the 
regularity of veterans to a point beyond the peril of being out- 
flanked. Again, in obedience to command these brave men halted- 
faced about, and under a murderous tempest of bullets from the foe. 
resumed their well-directed fire. The conduct of no troops could 
liave been more admirable; and, too, until that day they had never 
been under fire, when, within less than half an hour eighty of their 
comrades dropped by their sides. How difierent from the Arkansas 
regiment, which were ordered to the plateau, but after delivering 
their first volley gave way and dispersed. 

SADDEST EVENT OF THE BATTLE. 

But now we have to relate the saddest, and, for Illinois, the most 
mournful, event of that battle-worn day. We take the account 
from Colton's History of the battle of Buena Vista. "As the enemy 
on our left was moving in retreat along the head of the Plateau, 
our artillery was advanced until within range, and opened a heavy 
fire upon him, while Cols. Hardin, Bissell and McKec, with their 
Illinois and Kentucky troops, dashed gallantly forward in hot pur- 
suit. A powerful reserve of the Mexican army was then just 
emerging from the ravine, where it had been organized, and 
advanced on the plateau, opposite the head of the southernmost 
gorge. Those who were giving way rallied quickly upon it; when 
the whole force, thus increased to over 12,000 men, came forward 
in a perfect blaze of fire. It was a single column, composed of the 
best soldiers of the i-epublic, having for its advanced battalions the 




SCENE ON FOX RIVER, 



HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 1'2'd^ 

veteran regiments. The Kentucky and Illinois troops were soon 
obliged to give ground before it and seek the shelter of the second 
gorge. The enemy pressed on, arriving opposite the head of the 
second gorge. One-half of the column suddenly enveloped it, while 
the other half pressed on across the f)lateau, having for the moment 
nothing to resist them but the three guns in their front. The por- 
tion that was immediately opposed to the Kentucky and Illinois 
troops, ran down along each side of the gorge, in which they had 
sought shelter, and also circled around its head, leaving no possible 
way of escape for them except by its mouth, which opened 
up©n the road. Its sides, which were steep, — at least an angle of 
45 degrees, — were covered with loose pebbles and stones, and con- 
verged to a point at the bottom. Down there were our poor fel- 
lows, nearly three regiments of them (1st and 2d Illinois and 2d 
Kentucky), with but little opportunity to load or lire a gun, being 
hardly able to keep their feet. Above the whole edge of the 
gorge, all the way around, was darkened by the serried masses of 
the enemy, and was bristling with muskets directed on the crowd 
beneath. It was no time to pause. Those who were not immedi- 
ately shot down rushed on toward the road, their number growing 
less and less as they went, Kentnckians and lUinoisans, officers and 
men, all mixed np in confusion, and all pressing on over the loose 
pebbles and rolling stones of those shelving, precipitous banks, 
and having lines and lines of the enemy tiring down from each 
side and rear as they went. Just then the enemy's cavalry, which 
had gone to the left of the reserve, had come over the spur that 
divides the mouth of the second gorge from that of the third, and 
were now closing up the only door through which there was the 
least shadow of a chance for their lives. Many of those ahead 
endeavored to force their way out, but few succeeded. The lancers 
were fully six to one, and their long weapons were already reeking 
with blood. It was at this time that those who wer«s still back in 
that dreadful gorge heard, above the din of the musketry and the 
shouts of the enemy around them, the roar of Washington's Bat- 
tery. No music could have been more grateful to their eai'S. A 
moment only, and the whole opening, where the lancers were busy, 
rang with the repeated explosions of spherical-case shot. They 
gave way. The gate, as it were, was clear, and out upon the road 
a stream of our poor fellows issued. They ran panting down 



124 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

toward the battery, and directly under the light of iron then pas- 
sing over their heads, into the retreatinoj cavalry. Hardin, McKee, 
Clay, Willis, Zabriskie, Houghton — but why go on? It would be 
a sad task indeed to name over all who fell during this twenty 
minutes' slaughter. The whole gorge, from the plateau to its 
mouth, was strewed with our dead. All dead! 'No wounded there 
— not a man; for the infantry had rushed down the sides and com- 
pleted the work with the bayonet." 

VICTORY FOR OUR ARMY. 

The artillery on the plateau stubbornly maintained its position, 
The remnants of the 1st and 2d Illinois regiments, after issuing 
from the fated gorge, were formed and again brought into action, 
the former, after the fall of the noble Hardin, under Lieut. Col. 
Weatherford, the latter under Bissell. The enemy brought forth 
reinforcements and a brisk artillery duel was kept up; but gradually, 
as the shades of night began to cover the earth, the rattle of mus- 
ketry slackened, and when the pall of night was thrown over that 
bloody field it ceased altogether. Each army, after the fierce and 
long struggle, occupied much the same position as it did in the 
morning. However, early on the following morning, the glad 
tidings were heralded amidst our army that the enemy had retreated, 
thus again crowning the American banners with victory. 

OTHER HONORED NAMES OF THIS WAR. 

Other bright names from Illinois that shine as stars in thiei 
v^ar are those of Shields, Baker, Harris and Coffee, which are 
indissolubly connected with the glorious capture of Vera Cruz 
and the not less famous storming of Cerro Gordo. In this latter 
action, when, after the valiant Gen. Shields had been placed /tors 
de combat., the command of his force, consisting of three regiments, 
devoled upon Col. Baker. This officer, with his men, stormed with 
unheard-of prowess the last stronghold of the Mexicans, sweeping 
everything before them. Sucli indeed were the intrepid valor and 
daring: couraije exhibited bv Illinois volunteers during the Mexican 
war that their deeds should live in the memory of their countrymen 
until those latest times when the very name of America shall liave 
been forgotten. 



125 

THE WAR FOR THE UNIO]S\ 

On the fourth day of March, 1861, after the most exciting and 
momentous political campaign known in the history of this country, 
Abraham Lincoln — America's mart^'red President — was inaugu- 
rated Chief Magistrate of the United States. This fierce contest 
was principally sectional, and as the announcement was flashed over 
the telegraph wires that the Republican Presidential candidate had 
been elected, it was hailed by the South as a justifiable pretext for 
dissolving the Union. Said Jefferson Davis in a speech at Jackson, 
Miss., prior to the election, ''If an abolitionist be chosen Presi- 
dent of the United States you will have presented to you the 
question whether you will permit the government to pass into 
the hands of your avowed and implacable enemies. Without 
pausing for an answer, I will state my own position to be that 
such a result would be a species of revolution by which the 
purpose of the Government would be destroyed, and the obser- 
vances of its mere forms entitled to no respect. In that event, 
in such, manner as should be most expedient, I should deem it 
your duty to j^rovide for your safet}^ outside of the Union." Said 
another Southern politician, when speaking on the same sub- 
ject, "We shall fire the Southern heart, instruct the Southern 
mind, give courage to each, and at the proper moment, by one 
organized, concerted action, we can precipitate the Cotton States 
into a revolution." To disrupt the Union and form a government 
which recognized the absolute supremacy of the white population 
and the perpetual bondage of the black was what they deemed 
freedom from the galling yoke of a Republican administration. 

ABKAHAM LINCOLN DID NOT SEEK THE PEE8IDENCY. 

Hon, R. W. Miles, of Knox county, sat on the floor by the side 
of Abraham Lincoln in the Library room of the Capitol, in Spring- 
field, at the secret caucus meeting, held in January, 1859, w^hen 
Mr. Lincoln's name was first spoken of in caucus as candidate ior 
Pres-ident. When a gentleman, in making a short speech, said, 
" We are going to bring Abraham Lincoln out as a candidate for 
President," Mr. Lincoln at once arose to his feet, and exclaimed, 
"For God's sake, let me alone! I have suffered enough!" This 
was soon after he had been defeated in the Legislature for United 
States Senate by Stephen A. Douglas, and only those who are 



126 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, 

intimate with that important and unparalleled contest can appre- 
ciate the full force and meaning of these expressive words of the 
martyred President. They were spontaneous, and prove beyond a 
shadow of doubt that Abraham Lincoln did not seek the high posi- 
tion of President. Nor did he use any trickery or chicanery to 
obtain it. But his expressed wish was not to be complied with; 
our beloved country needed a savior and a martyr, and Fate had 
decreed that he should be tlie victim. After Mr. Lincoln was 
elected President, Mr. Miles sent him an eagle's quill, with which 
the chief magistrate wrote his first inaugural address. The letter 
written by Mr. Miles to the President, and sent with the quill, 
which was two feet in length, is such a jewel of eloquence and 
prophecy that it should be given a place in history: 

Persifer, December 21, 18G0. 
Hon. a. Ltncoi.n : 

Dear Sir : — Please accept the eagle quill I promised you, by the hand of our 
Represontntivc, A. A. Smith. The bird from whose wing the quill was taken, was 
shot by .lohu F. Dillon, in Persifer township, Knox Co., Ills., in Feb., 1857 Hav- 
ing heard that James Buchanan was furnished with an eagle quill to write his 
Inaugural with, and believing that in 1860, a Republican would be elected to take 
his place, I determined to save this quill and present it to the fortunate man, who- 
ever he might be. Reports tell us that the bird which furnished Buchanan's quill 
was a captured bird, — fit emblem of the man that used it ; but the bird from 
which this quill was taken, yielded the quill only with his life,— fit emblem of the 
man who is expec-ted to use it, for true Republicans believe that you would not 
think life worth th(! keeping after the surrender of principle. Great difficulties 
surround you ; traitors to their country have threatened your life ; and should 
you be called upon to surrender it at the post of duty, your memory will live for- 
ever in the heart of every freeman ; and that is a grander monument than can be 
built of brick or marljle. 

"For if hearts may not our memories keep, 
Obliviou liastn each vestige sweep, 
And let our memories end.'" 



Yours Truly, 

STATES SECEDING. 



R. W. Miles. 



At the time of President Lincoln's accession to power, several 
members of the Union claimed they had withdrawn froui it, and 
styling themselves the " Confederate States of America," organ- 
ized a separate government. The house was indeed divided 
against itself, but it should not fall, nor should it long continue 
divided, was the hearty, determined response of every loyal heart 
in the nation. The aqcursed institution of human slavery was 
the primary cause for this dissolution of the American Union. 
Doubtless other agencies served to intensify the hostile feel- 
ings which existed between the Korthern and Southern portions 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 127 

of our country, but their remote origin conld be traced to this great 
national evil. Had Lincoln's predecessor put forth a timely, ener- 
getic effort, he miglit have prevented tlie bloody vt^ar our nation 
was called to pass through. On the other hand every aid was given 
the rebels; every advantage and all the power of the Grovernment 
was placed at their disposal, and when Illinois' honest son took the 
reins of the Republic he found Buchanan had been a traitor to his 
trust, and given over to the South all available means of war. 

THE FALL OF SUMTER. 

On the 12th day of April, 1861, the rebels, who for weeks had 
been erecting their batteries upon the shore, after demanding of 
Major Anderson a surrender, opened fire upon Fort Sumter. For 
thirtv-four hours an incessant cannonading was continued; the fort 
was being seriously injured; provisions were almost gone, and Major 
Anderson was compelled to haul down the stars and stripes. Tliat 
dear old flag which liad seldom been lowered to a foreign foe by 
rebel hands was now trailed in the dust. The first blow of the 
terrible conflict which summoned vast armies into the field, and 
moistened the soil of a nation in tVaternal blood and tears, had 
been struck. The gauntlet thus thrown down by the attack on 
Sumter by the traitors of the South was accepted — not, however, 
in the, spirit with which insolence meets insolence — but with a firm, 
determined spirit of patriotism and love of country. The dutv of 
the President was plain under the constitution and the laws, and 
above and beyond all, the people from whom all political power is 
derived, demanded the suppression of the Rebellion, and stood readv 
to sustain the authority of their representative and executive 
(»fficers. Promptly did the new President issue a proclamation 
calling for his countr3^men to join with him to defend their homes 
and their country, and vindicate her honor. This call was made 
April 14, two days after Sumter was first fired upon, and was for 
75,000 men. On the 15th, the same day he was notified, Gov. 
Yates issued his proclamation convening the Legislature. He also 
ordered the organization of six regiments. Troops were in abund- 
ance, and the call was no sooner made than filled. Patriotism 
thrilled and vibrated and pulsated through every heart. The farm, 
the M'orkshop, the oflice, the pulpit, the bar, the bench, the college, 
the school-house, — every calling offered its best men, their lives and 
their fortunes, in defense of the Government's honor and unity. 



1'2S HISTOUV OV ILLINOIS. 

Bitter words spoken in moments of political lieat were forgotten 
and forgiven, and joining hands in a common cause, they repeated 
the oath of America's soldier-statesman: " J3>/ the Great Eternal^ 
the Union must and shall he j^rt^st^ryec?." The honor, the very 
life and glory of the nation was committed to the stern arbitrament 
of the sword, and soon the tramp of armed men, the clash of 
musketrx' and the heavy boom of artillery reverberated throughout 
the continent; rivers of blood saddened by tears of mothers, wives, 
sisters, daughters and sweethearts flowed from the lakes to the 
gulf, but a nation was saved. Tiie sacrifice was great, but the 
Union was preserved. 

CALL FOK TKOOrS PROMl'TLV ANSWERED. 

Simultaneously with the call for troops by the President, enlist- 
ments commenced in this State, and within ten days 10,000 
volunteers offered service, and the sum of $1,000,000 was tendered 
by patriotic citizens. Of the volunteers who offered their services, 
only six regiments could be accepted under the quota of the State. 
But the time soon came when there was a place and a musket for 
every man. The six regiments raised were designated by numbers 
commencing with seven, as a mark of respect for the six regiments 
which liad served in the Mexican war. Another call was antici- 
pated, and the Legislature authorized ten additional regiments to 
be organized. Over two hundred companies were immediately 
raised from which were selected the required number. No sooner 
was this done than the President made another call for troops, six 
regiments were again our proportion, although by earnest solicita- 
tion the remaining four were accepted. There were a large number 
of men with a patriotic desire to enter the service who were denied 
this privilege. Many of them wept, while others joined regiments 
from other States. In May, June and July seventeen regiments 
of infantry and live of cavalry were raised, and in the latter month, 
when the President issued his first call for 500,000 volunteers, 
Illinois tendered thirteen regiments of infantry and three of cavalry, 
and so anxious were her sons to have the Kebellion crushed that 
the number could have been increased by thousands. At the 
close of 1861 Illinois had sent to the field nearly 50,000 men, and 
liad 17,000 in cam]) awaiting marching orders, thus exceeding her 
full quota by 15,000. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 129 

A VAST ARMY RAISED IN ELEVEN DAYS. 

In July and August of 18G2 the President called for 600,000 
men — our quota of which was 52,296 — and gave until August 18 as 
the limits in which the number might be raised by volunteering, 
after which a draft would be ordered. The State had already fur- 
nished 17,000 in excess of her quota, and it was first thought this 
number would be deducted from the present requisition, but that 
could not be done. But thirteen days were granted to enlist this 
vast army, which had to come from the farmers and mechanics. 
The former were in the midst of harvest, but, inspired by love of 
country, over 50,000 of tliem left their harvests ungathered, their 
tools and their benches, the plows in their furrows, turning their 
backs on their homes, and before eleven days had expired the 
demands of the Government were met and both quotas filled. 

The war went on, and call followed call, until it began to look as 
if there would not be men enough in all the Free States to crush 
out and subdue the monstrous war traitors had inaugurated. But 
to every call for either men or money there was a willing and ready 
response. And it is a boast of the people that, had the supply of 
men fallen short, there were women brave enough, daring enough, 
patriotic enough, to have oflered themselves as sacrifices on their 
country's altar. On the 21st of December, 1864, the last call for 
troops was made. It was for 300,000. In consequence of an im- 
perfect enrollment of the men subject to military duty, it became 
evident, ere this call was made, that Illinois was furnishing thous- 
ands of men more than what her quota would have been, had it 
been correct. So glaring had this disproportion become, that 
under this call the quota of some districts exceeded the number of 
able-bodied men in them. 

A GENERAL SUMMARY, 

Following this sketch we give a schedule of all the volunteer 
troops organized from this State, from the commencement to the 
close of the war. It is taken from tlie Adjutant General's report. 
The number of the regiment, name of original Colonel, call under 
which recruited, date of organization and muster into the United 
States' service, place of muster, and aggregate strength of each 
organization, from which we find that Illinois put into her one hun- 
dred and eighty regiments 256,000 men, and into the United States 



130 lUSTUKY OK ILLINOIS. 

army, through other States, enough to swell tlie number to 290,000. 
This far exceeds all the soldiers of the Federal Goveniuieut in all 
the war of the Kevolution. Her total years of service were over 
000,000. She enrolled men from eiixhteen to fortv-five years of a«re, 
when the law of Congress in ISG-t — the test time — only asked for 
those from twenty to forty-five. Her enrollments were otherwise 
excessive. Her people wanted to go, and did not take the pains to 
correct the enrollment; thus the basis of fixing the quota was too 
great, and the quota itself, at least in the trying time, was far above 
any other State. The demand on some counties, as Monroe, for 
example, took every able-bodied man in the county, and then did 
not have enough to fill the quota. Moreover, Illinois sent 20,844 
men for one hundred days, for whom no credit was asked. She 
gave to the country 73,000 years of service above all calls. With 
one-thirteenth of the population of the loyal States, she sent regu- 
larly one-tenth of all the soldiers, and in the perils of the closing 
calls, when patriots were few and weary, she sent one-eighth of all 
that were called for by her loved and honored son in the White 
House. Of the brave boys Illinois sent to the front, there were 
killed in action, 5,888; died of wounds, 3,032; of disease, 19,496; 
in prison, 967; lost at sea, 205; aggregate, 29,588. As upon every 
field and upon every page of the history of this war, Illinois bore 
her part of the suffering in the prison-pens of the South. More 
than 800 names make up the awful column of Illinois' brave sons 

M. 

who died in the rebel prison of Andersonville, Ga. Who can 
measure or imagine the atrocities which would be laid before the 
world were the panorama of sufferings and terrible trials of these 
frallant men but half unfolded to view? But this can never be 
done until new words of horror are invented, and new arts dis- 
covered by which demoniacal fiendishness cati be portrayed, and 
the intensest anguish of the human soul in ten thousand forms be 
painted. 

No troops ever fought more heroically, stubbornly, and with bet- 
ter effect, than did the boys from the " Prairie State." At Pea 
Pidge, Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, luka, Corinth, Stone River, 
Holly Springs, Jackson, Vicksburg, Chicamauga, Lookout Moun- 
tain, Murfreesboro, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, Chattanooga, and 
on every other field where the clash of arms was heard, her sons. 
were foremost. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 131 

CAPTUKE OF THE ST. LOUIS ARSENAL. 

Illinois was almost destitute of firearms at the beginning of the 
conflict, and none could be procured in the East. The traitorous 
Floyd had turned over to the South 300,000 arms, leaving most 
arsenals in the North empty. Grov. Yates, however, received an 
order on the St. Louis arsenal for 10,000 muskets, which he put in 
the hands of Captain Stokes, of Chicago. Several unsuccessful 
attempts were made by the Captain to pass through the large crowd 
of rebels which had gathered around the arsenal, suspecting an 
attempt to move the arms would be made. He at last succeeded 
in gaining admission to the arsenal, but was informed by the com- 
mander that the slightest attempt to move the arms would be dis- 
covered and bring an infuriated mob upon the garrison. This fear 
was well founded, for the follovring day Gov. Jackson ordered 2,000 
armed men from Jefferson City down to capture the arsenal. Capt. 
Stokes telegraphed to Alton for a steamer to descend the river, and 
about midnight land opposite the arsenal, and proceeding to the 
same place with 700 men of the 7tli Illinois, commenced loading 
the vessel. To divert attention from his real purpose, he had 500 
guns placed upon a different boat. As designed, this movement 
was discovered by the rabble, ar\d the shouts and excitement upon 
their seizure drew most of the crowd from the arsenal. Capt. 
Stokes not only took all the guns his requisition called for, but 
emptied the arsenal. When all was ready, and the signal giv^en to 
start, it was found that the immense weight had bound the bow of 
the boat to a rock, but after a few moments' delay the boat fell away 
from the shore and floated into deep water. 

"Which way?" said Capt. Mitchell, of the steamer. "Straight 
in the regular chaimel to Alton," replied Capt. Siokes. "What if 
we are attacked?" said Capt. Mitchell. "Then we will fight," was 
the reply of Capt. Stokes. "What if we are overpowered?" said 
Mitchell. " Run the boat to the deepest part of the river and sink 
her," replied Stokes. "I'll do it," was the heroic answer of 
Mitchell, and away they went past the secession battery, past the 
St. Louis levee, and in the regular channel on to Alton. When 
they touched the landing, Capt. Stokes, fearing pursuit, ran to the 
market house and rang the fire bell. The citizens came flocking 
pell-mell to the river, and soon men, women and children were 
tugging away at that vessel load of arms, whicli they soon had 
deposited in freight cars and oft* to Springfield, 



132 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

LIBERALITY AS WELL AS PATRIOTISM. 

The people were liberal as well as patriotic; and while the men 
were busy enlisting, organizing and equipping companies, the ladies 
were no less active, and the noble, generous work performed by 
their tender, loving liands deserves mention along with the bravery, 
devotion and patriotism of their brothers upon the Southern fields 
of carnage. 

The continued need of money to obtain the comforts and neces- 
saries for the sick and wounded of our army suggested to the loyal 
women of the North many and various devices for the raising of 
funds. Every city, town and village had its ftiir, festival, picnic, 
excursion, concert, which netted more or less to the cause of 
hospital relief, according to the population of the place and the 
amount of energy and patriotism displa^-ed on such ottcasions. 
Especially was this characteristic of our own fair State, and scarcely 
a hamlet within its borders which did not send something from its 
stores to hospital or battlefield, and in the larger towns and cities 
were well-organized soldiers' aid societies, working systematically 
and continuously from the beginning of the war till its close. The 
great State Fair held in Chfcago in May, 1865, netted $250,000. 
Homes for traveling soldiers were established all over the State, in 
which were furnished lodging for GOO. 000 men, and meals valued 
at $2,500,000. Food, clothing, medicine, hospital delicacies, 
readino- matter, and thousands of other articles, were sent to the 
boys at the front. 

MESSAGES OF LOVE AND ENCOURAGEMENT. 

Letters, messages of love and encouragement, were sent by 
noble women from many counties of the State to encourage the 
brave sons and brothers in the South. Below we give a copy of a 
printed letter sent from Knox county to the "boys in blue," as 
showinir the feelincrs of the women of the North. It was headed, 
" From the Women of Knox County to Their Brothers in the 
Field." It was a noble, soul -inspiring message, and kindled anew 
the intensest love for home, country, and a determination to crown 
the star& and stripes with victory : 

"You have gone out from our homes, but not from our hearts. 
Never for one moment are you forgotten. Through weary march 
and deadly conflict our prayers have ever followed you; your 
sufferings are our suflferings, your victories our great joy. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



133 



"If tliere be one of you who knows not the dear home ties, for 
whom no mother prays, no sister watches, to him especially we 
speak. Let him feel that though he may not have one mother he 
has many; he is the adopted child and brother of all our hearts. 
Not one of you is beyond the reach of onr sympathies; no picket- 
station so lonely that it is not enveloped in the halo of our 
prayers. 

" During all the long, dark months since our country called you 
from us, your courage, your patient endurance, your fidelity, have 
awakened our keenest interest, and we have longed to give you an 
expression of that interest. 

"By the alacrity with which you sprang to arms, by the valor 
with which those arms have been wielded, you have placed our 
State in the front ranks; you have made her worthy to be the home 
of our noble President. For thus sustaining the honor of our 
State, dear to us as life, we thank yon. 

" Of your courage we need not speak. Fort Donelson, Pea 
Ridge, Sliiloh, Stone River, Vicksburg, speak with blood-bathed 
lips'of your heroism. The Army of the Southwest tights beneath 
no defeat-shadowed banner; to it, under God, the nation looks for 
deliverance. 

"But we, as women, have other cause for thanks. We will not 
speak of the debt we owe the defenders of our Government; that 
blood-sealed bond no words can cancel. But wo are your debtors 
in a way not often recognized. You have aroused us from the 
aimlessness into which too many of our lives had drifted, and have 
infused into those lives a noble pathos. We could not dream our 
time away while our brothers were dying for us. Even your suffer- 
ings have worked together for our good, by inciting us to labor for 
their alleviation, thus giving us a work worthy of our womanhood. 
Everything that we have been permitted to do for your comfort 
has filled our lives so much the fuller of all that makes life valua- 
ble. You have thus been the means of developing in us a nobler 
type of womanhood than without the example of your heroism we 
could ever have attained. For this our whole lives, made purer 
and nobler by the discrj^line, will thank you. 

"This w-ar will leave none of us as it found us. We cannot 
bufiet the raging wave and escape all trace of the salt sea's foam. 
Toward better or toward worse we are hurried with fearful 



134 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

haste. If we at home feel this, what must it be to you! Our 
hearts throb with agony wheu we think of you wounded, suffering, 
dyinij; but the thought of no physical pain touches us half so 
deeply us the thought of the temptations which surround you. 
We could better give you up to die on the battle-field, true to your 
God and to your country, than to have you return to us with 
blasted, blackened souls. When temptations assail fiercely, you 
must let the tiiought that your mothers are praying for strength 
enable you to overcome them. But fighting for a worthy cause 
worthily ennobles one; herein is our confidence that you will 
return better men than you went away. 

"By all that is noble in your manhood; by all that is true in 
our womanhood; by all that is grand in patriotism; by all that is 
sacred in religion, we adjure you to be faithful to yourselves, to us, 
to your country, and to your God. Never were men permitted to 
fight in a cause more worthy of their blood. Were you fighting 
for mere conquest, or glory, we could not give you up; but to sus- 
tain & principle, the greatest to which human lips have ever given 
utterance, even 3'our dear lives are not too costly a sacrifice. Let 
that principle, the corner-stone of our independence, be prushed, 
and we are all slaves. Like the Suliote mothers, we might well 
clasp our children in our arms and leap down to death. 

"To the stern arbitrament of the sword is now committed the 
honor, the very life of this nation. You fight not for yourselves 
alone; the eyes of the whole world are on you; and if you fa!l our 
Xation^s death-wail will echo through all coming ages, moaning a 
requiem over the lost hopes of oppressed humanity. But you will 
not fail, so sure as there is a God in Heaven. He never meant 
this richest argosy of the nations, freighted with the fears of all 
the ^vorld's tyrants, with the hopes of all its oppressed ones, to 
flounder in darkness and death. Disasters may come, as they have 
come, but they will only be, as they have been, ministers of good. 
Each one has led the nation upward to a higher plane, from whence 
it has seen with a clearer eye. Success could not attend us at the 
West so long as we scorned the help of the black hand, which 
alone had power to open the gate of redemption; the God of 
battles would not vouchsafe a victory at the East till the very foot- 
prints of a McClellan were washed out in blood. 

"But now all things seem ready; we have accepted the aid of 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 135 

that hand; those footsteps are obliterated. In his own good time 
we feel that God will give us the victory. Till that hour comes we 
bid you light on. Though we have not attained that heroism, or 
decision, which enables us togweyou up without a struggle, which 
can prevent our giving tears for your Uood, though many of us 
must own our hearts desolate 1;ill you return, still we bid you stay 
and jfight for our country, till from this fierce baptism of blood she 
shall be raised complete; the dust shaken from her garments puri- 
fied, a new Meninon sincring in the orreat Godli^ht." 

SHERMA.lSr"s MARCH TO THE SEA. 

On the 15th of November, 1861:, after the destruction of Atlanta, 
and the railroads behind him, Sherman, with his army, began his 
march to the sea-coast. The almost breathless anxiety with whicii 
his progress was watched by the loyal hearts of the nation, and the 
trembling apprehension with which it was regarded by all who 
hoped for rebel success, indicated this as one of the most remark- 
able events of the war; and so it proved. Of Sherman's array, 45 
regiments of infantry, three companies of artillery, and one of 
cavalry were from this State. Lincoln answered all rumors of 
Sherman's defeat with, "It is impossible; there is a mighty sight 
of fight jn 100,000 Western men." Illinois soldiers brought home 
300 battle flags. The first United States flag that floated over 
Richmond was an Illinois flag. She sent messengers and nurses to 
every field and hospital to care for her sick and v/ounded sons. 

Illinois gave the country the great general of the war, U. S. 
G-rant. 

CHARACTER OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

One oth(;r name from Illinois comes up in all minds, embalmed 
in all hearts, that must have the supreme place in this sketch of 
our glory and of our nation's .honor: that name is Abraham 
Lincoln. The analysis of Mr. Lincoln's character is diflicult on 
account of its symmetry. In tliis age we look with admiration at 
his uncompromising honesty; and well we may, for this saved us. 
Thousands throughout the length and breadth of our country, who 
knew him only as "Honest Old Abe," voted for him on that 
account; and wisely did they choose, for no other man could have 
carried us through the fearful night of war. When his plans were 
too vast for our comprehension, and his faith in the cause too sub- 



136 UISTOKV OF ILLINOIS. 

lime for our participation; when it was all night about us, and all 
dread before us, and all sad and desolate behind us; when not one 
ray shone upon our cause; when traitors were haughty and exult- 
ant at the South, and fierce and blasphemous at the North; when 
the loyal men seemed almost in the minority; when the stoutest 
heart quailed, the bravest cheek paled; when generals were defeat- 
ing each other for place, and contractois were leeching out the very 
heart's blood of the republic; when everything else had failed us, 
we looked at this calm, patient man standing like a rock in the 
storm, and said, " Mr. Lincoln is honest, and we can trust him still." 
Holding to this single point with the energy of faith and despair, 
we held together, and under God he brought us through to victory. 
His practical wisdom made him the wonder of all lands. With 
puch certainty did Mr. Lincoln follow causes to their ultimate 
effects, that his foresiglit of contingencies seemed almost prophetic. 
lie is radiant with all the great virtues, and his memory will shed 
a glory upon this age that will fill the eyes of men as they look 
into history. (3ther men have excelled him in some points; but, 
taken at all points, he stands head and shoulders above every other 
man of 6,000 years. An administrator, he saved the nation in the 
perils of unparalleled civil war; a statesman, he justified his 
measures by their success; a philanthropist, he gave liberty to one 
race and salvation to another; a moralist, he bowed from the sum- 
mit of human power to the foot of the cross; a mediator, he exer- 
cised mercy under the most absolute obedience to law; a leader, 
he was no partisan; a commander, he was untainted with blood; a 
ruler in desperate times, he was unsullied with crime; a man, he 
has left no word of passion, no thought of malice, no trick of craft, 
no act of jealousy, no purpose of selfish ambition. Thus perfected, 
without a model and without a peer, he was dropped into these 
troubled years to adorn and embellish all that is good and all that 
is great in our humanity, and to present to all coming time the 
representative of the divine idea of free government. It i.s not 
too much to say that away down in the future, when the n-public 
has fsillen from its niche in the wall of time; when the great war 
itself shall have faded out in the distance like a mist on the 
horizon; when the Anglo-Saxon shall be spoken only by the tongue 
of the stranger, then the generations looking this way shall see 
the great President as the supreme figure in this vortex of history. 



IIISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 



137 



THE WAR ENDED THE UNION RESTORED. 

The rebellion was ended with the surrender of Lee and his army, 
and Johnson and his command in April, 1805. Our armies at the 
time were up to their maximum strength, never so formidable, 
never so invincible; and, until recruiting ceased by order of Sec- 
retary Stanton, were daily strengthening. The necessity, however, 




LINCOLN MONUMENT AT SPRINGFIELD. 

for 80 vast and formidable numbers ceased witl^ the disbanding of 
the rebel forces, which had for more than four years disputed the 
supremacy of the Government over its domain. And now the 
I'oyful and welcome news was to be borne to the victorious legions 
that their work was ended in triumph, and they were to be per- 
mitted "to see homes and friends once more." 



138 



HISTORY OK ILLINOIS. 



ScHBDiTLE— Showins; Btatement of volunteer troops organized within the State, and sent to the 
field, conimencini; April, IStil, and oudiu^ December 31, 1865, with number of regiment, nami; 
of original commanding otVicer, dale of organization and mnst/u' into United States' service, 
place of muster, and the agi,Tegate strength' of each organization. 

INFANTRY. 



Commanding oflficer at organiza- 



tion. 



? 



7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
13 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
23 
33 
24 
25 
26 
27 
3S 
29 
31 

33 
33 
34 
35 
38 
37 
:« 
39 
40 
41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 
47 
■)!- 
-19 
.W 
.^1 
.53 
53 
hi 
55 
5C 
57 
08 

5n 

60 
61 
G3 
63 
64 
«5 
66 

6; 

6P 
69 
70 
71 



Col. John Cook 

" liichard J. Oglesby. 

" Kleazer A. Paine... 

" Ja.s. D. Morgan 

" W. II. L. Wallace... 

" John McArthur 

" John B. Wyman.... 

" John M. Palmer.... 

" Tho.s. .1 Turner 

" Robert F. Smith.... 

" Leonard P. Ros.s 

" Michael K. Lawler.. 

" John B. Turchin.... 

" Chas. C. Marsh 

" U!yR!*es S. Grant 

" Henry Dougherty — 

" Jas. A. Mulligan 

" p'rederick Heeker. .. 

" Wm. N. Coler 

'* John M. Loomis 

" Nap. B. Buford 

" A. K. Johnson 

" Jan. S. Rearden 

'• Philip B.Fouke 

" John A. Logan 

" John Logan 

" Chas. E.'llovey 

" Edward N. Kirk 

" Gus. A. Smith 

" Nich. Grciiael 

" Ju'ius White 

" Wm. P. Carl in 

" Austin Li^'ht 

" Steph. G. Hicks 

" Isaac C. Piigh 

" Wm.A. Webb.. 

" Julius Railh 

" Chas. NohlesdortT... 

" John K. Smith 

" John A. Davis 

"• John Bryner 

" Isham N. Ilaynie 

" Wm. R.Morrison... 

" Moses M. Bane 

'■ G. W. Cuinming 

" Isaac G. Wilson 

•' W. II. W. Cushman. 

•' Thos. W. Harris 

■■ David Stuart 

" Robert Kirkham 

'• Silas D. Baldwin.... 

" Wm. ^^ Lynch 

" P. Sidney'Post 

" Silas C. Tolcr 

" Jacob Fry ^. 

" James M. True 

" Franc's Morn 

Lt. Col. I). I). Williams .. 

Col. Daniel Cameron .... 

" Patrick E. Burke.... 

" Roscll M. Hough... . 

•' Klias Stiiarl 

" Jos. H. Tucker 

" O T. Reeves 

" Othniel Gilbert 



Date of organization and 
muster into the United 
States service. 



July 25, 1861. 



May 2t, IS.'il. 
May 25, ]8ol. 
May 24, 1861. 



Place where mustered 
into the United States 
service. 



Cairo, Illinois. 



May 28, 1861. 



June i:i, 1861. 
June 15, 18(11. 
June 2.5, 1861. 
June 18, 1861. 
July 8, 1861. 



Oct. 31, ISf.l. 



\ug. 3, 1861 . 
July 27, 1861. 
Sept. 30, 1861. 
Sept. 8,1861.. 
Dec. 31, 1861. 
Aug. 15, 1861. 
Sept. 7, 1801. 



Sept. 2 5, 1861 

8(!pt. 18,1361 

Aug. 15, 1861. .. 
December, 1861.. 

.\ng. 10, 1S6I 

i\ug, 9, 1861 

Sept. 17, 1861 

Dec. 16, 1861 

Sept. 13, 1861.... 
Dec. 2'i, l'-61. ... 

Dec. 2S. 1861 

Oct. 1, 1861 

Nov. 18, 1861.... , 

Dec. 31, 1861 

Sept. 13, 1861... 
Dec. '61, F(!b. '62. 

Nov. HI, 1861 

March. 1863 

Feb. 18, 1862 

Oct. 31,18 il 

Feb. 37, 1863 

Dec. 26, 1861 

Dec. 24, 1861 

August. 1861 - 

Feb. 17, 1863 

March 7, 1863.... 
\pril II), 1862 



Dixon 

Jacksonville. 

Preejiort 

(^uiuey 

Peoria 

Anna 



Joliet . . . 
Mattoon... 
Belleville. 
Chicago.. . 
Chicago. . . 



Camp But'er. 



Camp 
Camp 
Camp 
Camp 
Camp 
Camp 
Camp 



Buller. 
Butler. 
But'er. 
Butler. 
Butler. 
Butler. 
Butler. 



Dec. 31, 1862. 
May 15, 1862. 
April, 1863... 
Juno 13, 1863. 
June 20, 1863. 
June 11, 1863. 
July 4. 1863.. 
July 26, 1863. 



A urora 

Chicago 

Camp Butler... 

Chicago 

•^alem 

Decatur 

Chicago 

Camp Butler... 

Chicago 

Catena 

Camp Duller. .. 

Peoria 

Cum]) Butler.. . 
Camp Butler. . 

Quincy 

Camp "Douglas. 

Geneva 

Ottawa 

.\nua 

Camp DouLilas 
Shawneetowu .. 
("amp Douglas. 
Camp Douglas 
St. Louis, Mo.. 

.^nna 

Carrol lion 

.\nna 

Anna 

Camp Butler 

Camp iJouglas. 
St. Louis, Mo. . 
Camp Douglas. 
Camp Butler.. . 
O.nip Douslas. 

Camp Butler 

Camp Douglas. 






"go 

5 2. 

7'is- 

1747 
1853 
1385 
1759 
1384 
16; 5 
1113 
3015 
31128 
1833 
l-.'59 
2043 
1''.95 
1"!17 
1266 
1164 
1983 
989 
1083 
1603 
1193 
1939 
1547 
1878 
1973 
1711 
1660 
1558 
1012 
1.593 
1157 
1388 
1807 
1377 
1311 
1834 
1903 
1.513 
1716 
2015 
2051 
1874 
1482 
1761 
1550 
1519 
lfc4 
1730 
1387 
1180 

i';54 

2302 

1762 

1647 

i:i85 

17.% 

1328 

1624 

1684 

1694 

979 

889 

913 

1006 

940 



IIISTOPwY OF ILLINOIS. 



139 



Schedule— Showing etatemeat of volunteer troops organized within the State, and sent to the 
field, commeuciug April, 1861, and ending December 31, 1805, w^th number of regiment name 
of original commanding officer, date of organization and miiPter into United States' eervice. 
place of muster, and the aggregate strength of each organization. 

INFANTRY. 



72 
7i 
71 

75 
76 



78 
79 
80 
81 
82 
S3 
84 
85 
86 
87 



89 

90 

91 

92 

98 

94 

95 

96 

97 

98 

99 

100 

101 

102 

IO3 

IO4 

IO5 

106 

lOr 

lOs 

lOq 

lib 
111 
112 
11.3 
114 

Its 

116 

117 

118 

119 

120 

121 

122 

123 

124 

125 

126 

127 

12s 

129 

130 

131 

132 

133 

134 

135 



Commanding officer at organiza- 
tion. 



Col. 



Frederick A. Starring., 

J as. F. Jaquess 

Jason Marsh 

George Ryan 

Alouzo W. Mack 

David P. Grier 

W. H. Benuison 

Lyman Guinnip 

Thos. G. Allen 

Jas. J. Dollius 

Frederick Hecker 

Abuer C. Harding 

Louis 11. Waters 

Robert S. Moore 

David D. Irons 

John E. Whiting 

F. T. Sherman 

John Christopher 

Timothy O'Mera 

Henry M. Day 

Smith D. Atsins 

Iloldeu Putnam 

Wm. W. Orme.. 

Lawr'n S. Church 

Thos. E. Champion. ... 

P. S. Rutherford 

J. J. Funkhouser 

G. W. K. liailoy 

Fred. A. Bartleson 

Chas. H. Fox 

Wm. McMurtry 

Amos C. Babcock 

Absalom B. Moore 

Daniel Dustiu 

Robert B. Latham 

Thomas Snell , 

John Warner 

Alex. J. Nimmo 

Thos. S Casey 

James S. Martin , 

T. J. Henderson 

Geo. B. Hoge 

James W. Judy 

Jesse H. Moore 

Nathan H. Tapper 

Risden M. Moore , 

John G. Fonda 

" Thos. J. Kenncy 

'■ George W. McKeaig 

.Vever organized 

Col. John I. Rinaker 

" James Moore 

" Thomas J. Sloan 

" Oscar F. Harmon 

" Jonathan Richmond 

" John VanArman 

" Robert M. Hudley 

" George P. Smith 

'* Nathaniel Niles 

" George W. Neejey 

" Thomas C. Pickett 

" Thad. Phillips 

" W. W McChesney 

" Johns. Wolfe 



Date of organization and 
muster into the United 
States service. 



Aug. 21,1862., 



Sept. 4. 18fi2... 
Sept. 2, 1863,. 
Aug. 22, 1R62. 
*Sept. 3, l«6i. 
Sept. 1, 18«2.. . 
Aug. 28, 1862. . 
Aug. 25, 1862... 
Aug. 26, 1862.. 



Aug. 21, 1862.. 
Sept. 1, 1862.. 
Aug. 27, 1862 

Sept. 22, 1862. 
Aug. 27, 1862.. 
*Aug 25.181)'. 
Nov. 22, 1862.. 
Sept. 8, 1862 . 
Sept. 4, 1862... 
Oct. 13, 1862... 
Aug. 2 \ 1862.. 
Sept. 4, I8ii2.. 
Sept. 6, 1862.. 
Sept. 8, 183i.. 
Sept. 3, It 6 J .. 
Aug. 26, 1862. , 
Aug. 30, 1863. 
Sept. 2, 1862... 



Oct, 2, 1862. . . 
Aug. 27, 1862. 
Sept. 2, 186^. 

17, 1862. 

4,I86J.. 

28, 1862. 

11, 1861. 



Sept 
Sept 
Aug. 
Sept. 



Sept. 18, 1862. 
Sept. 12, 1862. 
Oct. 1,1862... 
Sept. 18, 1862. 
Sept. 13, 1S62., 
Sept. 30 1802.. 
Sept. 19, 1862.. 
Nov. 29. ].'!62. 
Oct. 7, 1862... 
Oct. 29, 1862... 



Sept. 4,1862.. 
Sept. 6 1862 . 
Sept. 10. 186J. 
Sept. 4. 1862.. 



*Sept. 5, 1862. 
Dec 18, 1862.. 
Sept. 8, 1862.. 
Oct. 25. 1865.. 
Nov. 13.1862.. 
Junel, 1864.. 
May 31,1864.. 



Place where mustered 
into the United States 
service. 



Camp Douglas 

Camp Butler 

Rockford 

Dixon 

Kankakee 

Peoria.., 

Quincy 

Danville 

Centralia 

.\nna 

Camp Butler 

Monmouth 

Quincy 

Peoria 

Peoria 

Shawneetown 

(yamp Dougli.s 

Camp Douglas 

Camp Douglas 

Camp Butler 

Rockford. ... .... 

Princeton and Chicago. 

Blooniington, 

Rockford 

Rockford 

Camp Butler 

Centralia 

Florence, Pike Co., 

Joliet 

Jacksonville 

Knoxville 

peoria 

Ottawa 

Chicago 

Lincoln 

Camp Butler 

Peoria 

Anna 

Anna 

Salem 

Peoria 

Camp Douglas.. 

Camp Butler 

Camp Butler 

Decatur 

Camp Butler 

Camp Butler 

Qnincy 

Camp Butler 



June 6,1864. 



Carliuville. .,.. 

Mattoon.. 

Camp Butler... 

Danvill^ 

Chicago 

Camp'Douclas. 
Camp Butler.. . 

Pontiac 

Camp Butler... 
Camp Massac. . 

Camp Fry 

Camp Butler. 

Camp Fry 

Mattoon 



S ® „ 
■ O EJ 



1471 
968 
98» 
987 
1110 
lUJl 
1028 
974 
928 
Hb7 
961 
12Sd 
956 
95t) 
99;i 
994 
907 
1,85 
958 
1041 
1265 
1036 
1091 
1427 
1206 
1082 
1078 
936. 
921 
911 
998 
917 
977 
1001 
1097 
944. 
927 
967 
873 
994 
1095 
1258 
990 
960 
953 
995 
1101 
952 
844 

'934 
1050 
1130 

933 

998 

957 

866 
1011 

932 

880 

853 

851 

878 

852 



140 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Schedule— Showing statement of volunteer troops organized within the State, and Bcnt to the 
field, commencinK April, 1861, and ending December :51, 1865, with number of regiment, name 
of original comman<ling ofliccr, date of organization and muster into United States' service, 
place of muster, and the aggregate strength of each orgauizaiion. 



INFANTRY. 



Commaudinji 



ofticor at organiza- 
tion. 



13t. Col. Fred. A. Johns 

137 ** John Wood 

1.38 " J. VV. Goodwin 

139 " Peter Davidson 

140 '• L.U.Whitney 

'41 " Stephen Brouson 

143 '• Rollin V. Ankuey.. 

143 " Dudley C. Smith 

144, " OyrusHall 

1451 '• George W. Lackey. 

145 " Henry H. Dean 

14T •' Hiram F. Sickles 

148 " Horace ir.Wilsie.... 

149 " Wm. c;. Kuefl'ner. .. 
IfO " George W. Keener. . , 
J51 ■• French B. Woodall., 
l.^C " F. D. Stephenson.. . , 

153 " Stephen Br<)nson 

l.M '• McLean F. Wood. . . 

lii') " Giistavns A. Smith. 

l.T(i, '• Alfred F. Smith 

...! " J. W. \\i'8on 

" John A. Bross 

.. Capt. John Curti-j 

'■ Simon J. Stookey.., 

" James Steele 



Date of organization and 
muster into the United 
Slates service. 



.'une 1, 1864... 
June 5, 1864... 
June 21, 1864.. 
June 1,1864... 
Jnue 18, 1864.. 
June 16, 1864.. 
June 18, 1864.. 
June 11,1864.. 
Oct. 21,1861... 
June 9,1864... 
Sept. 20, 1864.. 
Feb. 18, 1865... 



Feb. 11, 
Feb. 14, 
Feb. 25, 
Feb. 18, 

Feb -- 

Feb 

I'cb 



1865.. 

1865 . 

1865.. 

1865.. 

1865. . 

1865. 

1865 . 
March 9, 1865. 
Dec. 1, 1861... 



,27 
22 

'.'28. 



June 21, 1864. 
June 15, 1864. 



-• 3 -i 



Place where mueteredi 
into the United btatesi 
service. 



Centralia 

Quincy 

Quincy 

Peoria 

Camp Butler,, 

E'giu 

Camp Butler. 

Mattoon 

A ton, Ills.... 
C'iunp Butler., 
Camp Butler. 

Chicago 

(iuincy 

Camp Butler. 
Camp Butler. 

Quincy 

Camp "Butler. 

Chicago 

Camp Butler. 
Camp Butler. 

Chicago 

Chicago 

Quincy 

CampBntler. 
Camp Butler. 
Chicago 



3 






842 
849 
835 
878 
871 
842 
851 
865 

1159 
880 

10.56 

1047 
917 
('83 
93H 
(170 
945 

1(176 

994 

929 

975 

985 

903 

91 

90 

86 



CAVALRY. 



1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

II 

12 

13 

14 

15 

16 

IT 



Col. Thomas A. Marshall 

" Silas Kobe 

" Eugene y*. Carr 

" T. Lyle Dickey 

" John J. Updegraff 

" Thomas H. Cavanaugh. 

" Wm. Pitt Kellogg 

" John F. Farupi\vi)rth.. .. 

" Albert G. Brackett 

" James A. Barrett 

" Robert G. IngersoU 

" Arno Voss 

" .ToRcph W. Bell 

" Horace Capron 

" N\ arrcn Stewart 

•' Christian Thietman. .. . 

" John L. Bcveridge 



June, 1861 

Aug. 24, " 

Sept. 21, " 

Sept. .30, " 

December " 

Nov., '61, Jan., '62. 

AugU!<t, "61 

-^ept. 18, "61 

Oct. 26, '61 

Nov. 2.5, "61 

Dec. 20, '61 

Dec, '61, Feb., '62.. 



Jan. 7, '63 

Organized Dec. 25, '63. 
Jan. and April, '63. .. . 
Jan. 28, '64 



Bloomington... 
Camp Butler... 
Camp Butler... 

Ottawa 

Camp Butler... 
Camp Butler... 
Camp Butler... 
St. (. harlee.. .. 
Camp Douglas. 
Camp Butler... 

Peoria 

Camp Butler. . 
Camp Douglas. 

Peoria 

Camp Butler... 
Camp Butler... 
St. Charles 



1206 
1861 
Slfti 
16.56 
1669 
2248 
£28 i 
2412 
2619 
H'Z4 
2362 
2174 
1759 
1565 
1473 
1462 
1247 



FIRST REGIMENT— ILLINOIS LIGHT ARTILLERY. 



Co 


Field 


A 


Capt. 


B 


*^ 


C 




J) 


'• 


E 


" 


F 


•' 


G 


•• 


H 


KK 


I 


" 


K 


'• 


L 


" 


M 


>' 



and Stall". 

C. M.Willard 

Ezra Taylor 

C. Hauglitalins 

Edward McMlister. 
A. C. Waterhouse.. 
John T. Cheney . . . 

Arthur O'Leary 

Axel Silversparr — 
Edward Ronton.. . 

A. Franklin 

John Rourke 

John B. Miller 

Recruits 



Oct. 31,1861. 
Jan. 14, "62.... 
Dec. 19, '61.... 
Feb. 25, '62... 
Feb. 28, '62 .. 
Feb. 20, '62... 
Feb. 15, '62... , 
Ian. 9, '62.... 
F ;.. 22, '62... 
Aug. 12, '62 . 



Chicago 

Chicago 

Ottawa 

Ptainlield 

Chicago 

Camp Butler. . 

Cairo 

Chicago 

Chicago 

Shawneetown 

Chicago 

Chicago . 



7 
168 
204 
175 
141 
148 
1.59 
113 
147 
169 
C6 
153 
151 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



141 



Schedule— Showing statement of volunteer troops orgnnized within the State, and sent to the 
field commencing April, 1861, and ending December 31, 1865, with number of regiment, name 
of original commanding officer, date of organization and muster into United States service, 
place of muster, and the aggregate strength of each organization. 

LIGHT ARTILLERY. 



Commanding officer at organiza- 
tion. 



Date of organization and 
muster into the United 
States service. 



Place where mustered 
into the United States 
service. 



SECOND REGIMENT— ILLINOIS LIGHT ARTILLERY. 



O ro 

' 2 ^ 

is 



A 
B 
C 
1) 
E 
F 
G 
H 
I 

K 
L 
M 



Capt. 



Peter Davidson 

Riley Madison 

Caleb Hopliins 

Jasper M. Dresser 

Adolph Schwartz 

John W. Powell .. . 

Charles J. Stolbrand.. 

Andrew Steinbeck — 

Charles W. Keith. ... 

Benjamin' F. Rogers.. 

William H. Bolton.... 

John C. Phillips June 6, '63. . . 

Field and Staft' { 

Recruits 



.•iug. 17, 3S6: 
June 2:), '61 . . . 
Aug. f), "61 ... . 
Dec. 17, '61... 
Feb. 1, '62..... 
Dec. 11, '61.... 
Dec. 31, '61.... 



Feb. 28, '62. 



Peoria . .. 

Springfield 

Cairo 

Cairo 

Cairo — 

Cape Girardeau, Mo. 

Camp Butler, 

Camp Butler, 

Camp Butler. 

Camp Butler 

Chicago 

Chicago 



116 
127 
154 
117 
136 
190 
108 
115 
107 
108 
145 
100 
10 
1171 



INDEPENDENT BATTERIES. 



Board of TradejCapt. James S. Stokes. 

Springfield.. 

Mercantile .. 

Elgin 

Coggswell's. 
Henshaw's.. 
Bridges' .... 
Colvin's , 



Thomas P. Vaughn.. 
Charles G. Cooley... 
George W. Renwick. 
William Coggswell.. 

Ed. C, Henshaw 

Lyman Bridges 

John H. Colvin. 



Bueteed's iChicaso 



July 31, 1862. 
Aug. 21, '62.. 
Aug. 29, '62.. 
Nov. le, '62.. 
Sept 23, '61.. 
Oct. 15, '62. . . 
Jan. 1, 62.... 
Oct. 10, '63. . . 



Chicago 

Camp^Butler. .. 

Chicago 

Elgin. 

Camp Douglas. 

Ottawa 

Chicago 

Chicago 



RECAPITULATION. 

Infantry 185,941 

Cavalrv 32 082 

Artillerv 7,277 



2.58 
199 
270 
242 
231 
196 
2.52 
91 
127 



DUELS. 

Tho code of chivalry so common amonsr Sonthern srentlemen 
and so frequently brought into use in settling personal differences 
has also been called to settle the " affairs of honor " in our own 
State, however, but few times, and those in the earlier days. 
Several attempts at duels have occurred; before the disputants met 
in mortal combat the differences were amicably and satisfactorily 
settled; honor was maintained without the sacrifice of life. In 
1810 a law was adopted to suppress the practice of dueling. This 
law held the fatal result of dueling to be murder, and, as it was 
intended, had the effect of making it odious and dishonorable. 
Prior to the constitution of 1848, parties would evade the law by 



142 niSTOKV OF ILLIJUOIS. 

i^oing beyond the jurisdiction of tlie State to engage in their con- 
tests of honor. At that time they incorporated in the Constitution 
an oath of office, which was so broad as to cover tlie whole world. 
Any person who had ever fought a duel, ever sent or accepted a 
cludlenge or acted the part of second was disfranchised from holding 
office, even of minor importance. After this went into effi3ct, no 
other duel or attempt at a duel has been engaged in within the 
State of Illinois, save those fought by parties living outside of 
the State, who came here to settle their personal diiferences. 

THE FIRST DUEL. 

The first duel fought within the boundaries of this great State 
was between two young military officers, one of the French and 
the other of the English army, in the year 1765. It was at the 
time the British troops came to take possession of Fort Chartres, 
and a woman was the cause of it. The affair occurred early 
Sunday morning, near the old fort. They fought with swords, and 
in the combat one sacrificed his life. 

BOND AND JOXES. 

In 1809 the next duel occurred and was bloodless of itself, but out 
of it grew a quarrel which resulted in the assassination of one of 
the contestants. The jirincipals were Shadrach Bond, the fiist 
Governor, and Rice Jones, a bright young lawyer, who became quite 
a politician and the leader of his party. A personal difference arose 
between the two, which to settle, the parties met for mortal combat 
on an island in the Mississippi. The weapons selected were liair- 
trigger pistols. After taking their position Jones' weapon was 
prematurely discharged. Bond'^s second, Dunlapjuow claimed that 
accordinoj to the code Bond had the riij:ht to the next fire. But 
Bond Would not take so great advantage of his ojiponcut, and said 
it was an accident and would not fire. Such noble conduct 
touched the generous nature of Jones, and the difficulty was at 
once amicably settled. Dunlap, however, boi-e a deadly hatred for 
Jones, and one day while he was standing in the street in Kaskaskia, 
conversing with a lady, he cre)>t up behind liim and shot him dead 
in his tracks. Dunlap successfully escaped to Texas. 

RKOTOU AND BARPON. 

In 1812 the bloody code aixain brought two vouuii: men to the 
field of honor. They were Thomas Rector, a son of Capt. Stephen 




r-rV^ 



HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 145 

Rector who bore such a noble part in the war of 1812, ana Joshua 
Barton. They liad espoused the quarrel of older brothers. The 
affair occurred on Bloody Island, in the Mississippi, but in the 
limits of Illinois. Tliis place was frequented so often by Missou- 
rians to settle personal difficulties, that it received the name of 
Bloody Island. Barton fell in this confUcL 

STEWART AND BENNETT. 

In 1819 occurred the first duel fought after the admission of the 
State into the Union. This took place in St. Clair county between 
Alpiionso Stewart and William Bennett. It was intended to be a 
sham duel, to turn ridicule against Bennett, the challenging party- 
Stewart was in the secret but Bennett was left to believe it a 
reality. Their guns were loaded with blank cartridges. Bennett, 
suspecting a trick, put a ball into his gun without the knowledge 
of his seconds. The word "fire" was given, and Stewart fell 
mortally wounded. Bennett made his escape but was subsequently 
captured, convicted of murder and suffered the penalty of the law 
by hanging. 

PEARSON AND BAKER. 

In 1840 a personal difference arose between two State Senators, 
Judge Pearson and E. D.. Baker. The latter, smarting under the 
epitnet of ''falsehood," threatened to chastise Pearson in the public 
streets, by a " fist fight. " Pearson declined making a "blackguard'' 
of himself but intimated a readiness to fight as gentlemen, accord- 
ing to the code of honor. The affair, however, was carried no 
further. 

HARDIN AND DODGE. 

The exciting debates in the Legislature in 1840-'41 were often 
bitter in personal "slings," and threats of combats were not 
infrequent. During these debates, in one of the speeches by the 
Hon. J. J. Hardin, Hon. A. R. Dodge thought he discovered a 
personal insult, took exceptions, and an " affair " seemed imminent. 
The controversy was referred to friends, however, and amicably 
settled. 

m'clernand and smith. 

Hon. John A. McClernand, a member of the House, in a speech 
delivered during the same session made charges against the Whig 
Judges of the Supreme Court. This broug'ht a note from Judge' 



146 UISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

T. W. Smith, bj tlic liands of liis " friend '" Dr. Merriman, to 
McClernand. This was construed as a challenge, and promptly 
accepted, namintr the place of meeting to be Missouri; time, early; 
the weapons, rifles; and distance, 40 paces. At this critical junc- 
ture, the Attorney General had a warrant issued against the Judge, 
\v^iereupon he was arrested and ])laced under bonds to keep the 
peace. Thus ended this attempt to vindicate injured honor. 

LINCOLN AND SHIELDS. 

During the hard times subsequent to the failure of the State and 
other banks, in 1842, specie became scarce while State money was 
plentiful, but worthless. The State officers thereupon demanded 
specie payment for taxes. This was bitterly opposed, and so fiercely 
contested that the collection of taxes was suspended. 

During the period of the greatest indignation toward the State 
officials, under the nam de pluirie of " Rebecca," Abraham Lincoln 
had an article published in the Sangamo Journal^ entitled " Lost 
Township." In this article, written in the form of a dialogue, the 
officers of the State were roughly handled, and especially Auditor 
Shields. The name of the author was demaded from the editor by 
Mr. Shields, who was very indignant over the manner in which he 
was treated. The name of Abraham Lincoln was given as the 
author. It is claimed by some of his biographers, however, that 
the article was prepared by a lady, and that when the name of the 
author was demanded, in a spirit of gallantry, Mr. Lincoln gave 
his name. In company with Gen. Whiteside, Gen. Shields pur- 
sued Lincoln to Tremont, Tazewell county, where he was in attend- 
ance upon the court, and immediately sent him a note "requiring 
a full, positive and absolute retraction of all offensive allusions" 
made to him in relation to his "private character and standing as 
a man, or an apology for the insult conveyed." Lincoln had been 
forewarned, however, for William Butler and Dr. Merriman, of 
Springfield, had become acquainted with Shields' intentions and by 
riding all night arrived at Tremont ahead of Shields and informed 
Lincoln what he might expect. Lincoln answered Shields' note, 
refusing to offer any explanation, on the grounds that Shields' note 
assumed the fact of his (Lincoln's) authorship of the article, and 
not pointing out what the offensive part was, and accompanying the 
same with threats as to consequences. Mr. Shields answered this, 
disavowing all intention to menace; inquired if he was the author, 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 147 

asked a retraction of that portion relating to his private character. 
Mr. Lincoln, still technical, returned this note with the verbal 
statement " that there could be no further negotiations until the 
lirst note was withdrawn." At this Shields named Gen, White- 
side as his " friend," when Lincoln reported Dr. Merriman as his 
"friend." These gentlemen secretly pledged themselves to agree 
upon some amicable terras, and compel their principals to accept 
them. The four went to Springfield, when Lincoln left for Jack- 
sonville, leaving the following instructions to guide his friend, Dr. 
Merriman: 

" In case Whiteside shall signify a wish to adjust this affair with- 
out further difficulty, let him know that if the present papers be 
withdrawn and a note from Mr. Shields, asking to know if I am tlie 
author of the articles of which he complains, and asking that I shall 
make him gentlemanly satisfiiction, if I am the author, and this 
without menace or dictation as to what that satisfaction shall be, a 
pledge is made that the following answer shall be given: 

I did write the "Lost Township" letter which appeared iu the Journal of the 
2d inst., but had no participation, in any form, in any other article alluding to 
you. I wrote that wholly for political effect. I had no intention of injuring 
your personal or private character or standing, as a man or gentleman ; and I did 
not then think, and do not now think, that that article could produce or has pro- 
duced that effect against you; and, had I anticipated such an effect, would have 
foreborne to write it. And I will add that your conduct toward rae, so far as I 
know, had always been gentlemanly, and that I had no personal pique against 
you, and no cause for any. 

"If this should be done, I leave it to you to manage what shall 
and what shall not be published. If nothing like this is done, the 
preliminaries of the fight are to be: 

'• 1st. Weapons. — Cavalry broad swords of the largest size, pre- 
cisely equal in all respects, and such as are now used by the cavalry 
company at Jacksonville. 

" 2d. Position. — A plank ten feet long and from nine to twelve 
inches broad, to be firmly fixed on edge, on the ground, as a line 
between us which neither is to pass his foot over on forfeit of his 
life. Next a line drawn on the ground on either side of said plank, 
and parallel with it, each at the distance of the whole length of the 
sword, and three feet additional from the plank; and the passing of 
his own such line by either party during the fight, shall be deemed 
a surrender of the contest. 



148 IIISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

''3d. Time. — On Thursday evening at 5 o'clock, if you can get 
it so; but in no case to be at a greater distance of time than Friday 
even in cr at 5 o'clock. 

"4th. Place. — Within three miles of Alton, on the opposite 
side of the river, the particular spot to l.)e agreed on by you. 

"• Any preliminary details coming within the above rules, you are 
at liberty to make at your discretion, but you are in no case to 
swerve from these rules, or pass be^^ond their limits." 

Tiie position of the contestants, as prescribed by Lincoln, seems 
to have been such as both would have been free from coming in 
contact with the sword of the other, and the first impression is that 
it is nothing more than one of Lincoln's jokes. Ho possessed very 
long arms, however, and could reach his adversary at the stipulated 
distance. 

Not being amicably arranged, all parties repaired to the field of 
combat in Missouri. Gen. Hardin and Dr. English, as mutual 
friends of both Lincoln and Shields, arrived in the meantime, and 
after much correspondence at their earnest solicitation the affair 
was satisfactorily arranged, Lincoln making a statement similar to 
the one above referred to. 

SHIELDS AND BUTLER. 

William Butler, one of Lincoln's seconds, was dissatisfied with 
the bloodless termination of the Lincoln-Shields affair, and wrote an 
account of it for the Sangaino Journal. This article reflected dis- 
creditabl}' upon both the principals engaged in that controversy. 
Shields replied by the hands of his friend Gen. Whiteside, in a 
curt, menacing note, which was jn'omptly accepted as a challenge 
by Butler, and the inevitable Dr. Merriman named as his friend, 
who submitted the following as preliminaries of the fight: 

Time. — Sunrise on the following morning. 

Place. — Col. Allen's farm (about one mile north of State House.) 
Weapons. — Rifles. 

Distance. — One hundred yards. 

The parties to stand with their right sides toward each other— - 
the rifles to be held in both hands horizontally and cocked, arms 
extended downwards. Neither party to move his person or his 
rifle after being placed, before the word fire. The signal to be: 
"Are you ready? Fire! one — two — three!" about a second of 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 149 

time intervening between eacli word. Neither party to fire before 
the word " fire," nor after the word " three." 

Gen. Wliiteside, in language curt and abrupt, addressed a note to 
Dr. Merriman declining to accept the terms. Gen. Shields, how- 
ever, addressed another note to Butler, explaining the feelings of 
his second, and ofifering to go out to a lonely place on the prairie to 
fight, where there would be no danger of being interrupted; or, if 
that did not suit, he would meet him on his own conditions, when 
and where lie pleased. Butler claimed the afiair was closed and 
declined the proposition. 

WHITESIDE AND MEKBIMAN. 

Now Gen. Whiteside and Dr. Merriman, who several times had 
acted in the capacity of friends or seconds, were to handle the 
deadly weapons as principals. While second in the Shields-Butler 
Jiasco, Whiteside declined the terms proposed by Butler, in curt 
and abrupt language, stating that the place of combat could not be 
dictated to him, for it was as much his right as Merriman's, who, 
if he was a gentleman, would recognize and concede it. To this 
Merriman replied by the hands of Capt. Lincoln. It will be 
remembered that Merriman had acted in the same capacity for Lin- 
coln. Whiteside then wrote to Merriman, asking to meet him at 
St. Louis, when he would hear from him further. To this Merri- 
man replied, denying hi« right to name place, but offered to meet 
in Louisiana, Mo. This Whiteside would not agree to, but later 
signified his desire to meet him there, but the affair being closed, 
the doctor declined to re-open it. 

PEATT''aND CAMPBELL. 

These two gentlemen were members of the Constitutional Con- 
vention of 1847, and both from Jo Davies county. A dispute arose 
which ended in a challenge to meet on the field of honor. They 
both repaired to St. Louis, but the authorities gaining knowledge 
of their bloody intentions, had both parties arrested, which ended 
this " affair." 



♦. 



DRESS AND MANNERS. 



The dress, habits, etc., of a people throw so much light upon their 
conditions and limitations that in order better to show the circum- 
fetances surrounding the people of the State, we will give a short 



150 UISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

exposition of the manner of life of our Illinois people at different 
epochs. The Indians themselves are credited by Charlevoix with 
bein^ "very laborious," — raising poultry, spinning the veool of the 
buffalo and manufacturing garments therefrom. These must have 
been, however, more than usually favorable representatives of their 
race. 

''The working and voyaging dress of the French masses," says 
Revnolds, "was simple and primitive. The French were like the 
lilies of the valley (the Old Ranger was not always exact in his 
quotations), — they neither spun nor wove any of their clothing, but 
purchased it from the merchants. The white blanket coat, known 
as the capot, was the universal and eternal coat for the winter with 
the masses. A cape was made of it that could be raised over the 
head in cold weather. 

" 111 the house, and in good weather, it hung behind, a cape to 
the blanket coat. The reason that I know these coats so well is, 
that I have worn many in my youth, and a working man never wore 
abetter jrarmcnt. Dressed deer-skins and blue cloth were worn 
commonly in the winter for pantaloons. The blue handkerchiel" 
and the deer-skin moccasins covered the head and feet generally of 
the French Creoles. In 1800, scarcely a man thought himself clothed 
unless he had a belt tied around his blanket coat, and on one side 
was hung the dressed skin of a pole-cat, tilled with tobacco, pipe, 
flint and steel. On the other side was fastened, under the belt, the 
the butcher-knife. A Creole in this dress felt like Tam O'Shanter 
tilled with usquebaugh; he could face the devil. Checked calico 
shirts were then common, but in winter flannel was frequently 
worn. In the summer the laboring men and the voyagers often 
took their shirts off in hard work and hot weather, and turned out 
tlie naked back to the air and sun." 

" Among the Americans," he adds, " home-made wool iiats were 
the common wear. Fur hats were not common, and scarcely a boot 
was seen. The covering of the feet in winter was chiefly moccasins 
made of deer-skins, and shoe packs of tanned leather. Some wore 
shoes, but not common in very early times. In the summer the 
greater portion of the young people, male and female, and many of 
the old, went barefoot. The substantial and universal outside wear 
was the blue linsey hunting-shirt. This is an excellent garment, 
and I have never felt so happy and healthy since I laid it off. It is 



o 



HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 153 

made of wide sleeves, open before, with ample size so as to envelop 
the body almost twice around. Sometimes it had a large cape, 
which answers well to save the shoulders from the rain. A belt is 
mostly used to keep the garment close around the person, and, 
nevertheless, there is nothing tight about it to hamper the body. 
It is often fringed, and at times the fringe is composed of red, and 
other gay colors. The belt, frequently, is sewed to the hunting-shirt. 
The vest was mostly made of striped linsey. The colors were made 
often with alum, copperas and madder, boiled with the bark of trees, 
in such a manner and proportions as the old ladies prescribed. The 
pantaloons of the masses were generally made of deer-skin and 
linsey. Course blue cloth was sometimes made into pantaloons. 

" Linsey, neat and fine, manufactured at home, composed generally 
the outside garments of the females as well as the males.' The 
ladies had linsey colored and woven to suit their fancy. A bonnet, 
composed of calico, or some gay goods, was worn on the head when 
they were in the open air. Jewelry on the pioneer ladies was 
uncommon; a o;old rino; was an ornament not often seen." 

In 1820 a change of dress began to take place, and before 1830, 
according tu Ford, most of the pioneer costume had disappeared. 
"The blue linsey hunting-shirt, with red or white fringe, had given 
place to the cloth coat. [Jeans would be more like the fact.] The 
raccoon cap, with the tail of the animal dangling down behind, had 
been thrown aside for hats of wool or fur. Boots and shoes had 
supplied the deer-skin moccasins; and the leather breeches, strapped 
tight around the ankle, had disappeared before unmentionables of a 
more modern material. The female sex had made still greater pro- 
gress in dress. The old sort of cotton or woolen frocks, spun, woven 
and made with their own fair hands, and striped and cross-barred 
with blue dye and turkey red, had given place to gowns of silk and 
calico. The feet, before in a state of nudity, now charmed in shoes 
of calf-skin or slippers of kid; and the head, formerly unbonneted, 
but covered with a cottoi handkerchief, now displayed the charms 
of the female face under many forms of bonnets of straw, silk and 
leghorn. The young ladies, instead of walking a mile or two to 
cliurch on Sunday, carrying their shoes and stockings in their hands 
until within a hundred yards of the place of worship, as formerly, 
now came forth arrayed complete in all the pride of dress, mounted 
on line horses and attended by their male admirers." 



154 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The last half century has doubtless witnessed changes quite as 
great as those set forth by our Illinois historian. The chronicler 
of to day, looking back to the golden days of 1830 to 1840, and 
comparing them with the present, must be struck with the tendency 
of an almost monotonous uniformity in dress and manners that 
comes from the easy inter communication afforded by steamer, rail- 
way, telegraph and news{)aper. Home manufacturers have been 
driven from the household by the lower-priced fabrics of distant 
mills. The Kentucky jeans, and the copperas-colored clothing of 
home manufacture, so familiar a few years ago, have given place to 
the cassimeres and cloths of noted factories. The ready-made- 
clothing stores, like a touch of nature, made the whole world kin- 
and may dra]>e the charcoal man in a dress-coat and a stove-pipe 
hat. The prints and silks of England and France give a variety of 
choice, and an assortment of colors and shades such as the pioneer 
women could hardly have dreamed of. Godey, and Demorest, and 
Harper's Bazar are found in our modern farm-houses, and the latest 
fashions of Paris are not uncommon. 

PHYSICAL FEATURES OF ILLINOIS. 

In area the State has 55,410 square miles of territory. It is 
about 150 miles wide and 400 miles long, stretching in latitude 
from Maine to North Carolina. The climate varies from Portland 
to Richmond. It favors every product of the continent, including 
the tropics, with less than half a dozen exceptions. It produces 
every great food of the world except bananas and rice. It is hardly 
too much to say that it is the most productive spot known to civil- 
ization. With the soil full of bread and the earth full of minerals; 
with an upper surface of food and an under layer of fuel; with per- 
fect natural drainage, and abundant springs, and streams, and navi- 
gable rivers; half way between the forests of the North and the 
fruits of the South; within a day's ride of the great deposits of 
iron, coal, copper, lead and zinc; and containing and controlling 
the great grain, cattle, pork and lumber Tiiarkets of the world, it is 
not strange that Illinois has the advantage of position. 

There are no mountains in Illinois; in the southern as well as in 
the northern part of the State there are a few hills; near the banks 
of the Illinois, Mississippi, and several other rivers, the ground is 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 155 

elevated, forming the so-called blufl's, on which at the present day 
may be found, uuetfaced by the hand of Time, the marks and traces 
left by the water which was formerly much higher; whence it may 
be safe to conclude that, where now the fertile prairies of Illinois 
extend, and the rich soil of the country yields its golden harvests, 
must liave been a vast sheet of water, the mud deposited by which 
formed the soil, thus accounting for the present great fertility of the 
country. 

Illinois is a garden 400 miles long and 150 miles wide. Its soil 
is chiefly a black, sandy loam, from inches to GO feet thick. About 
the old French towns it has yielded corn for a century and a half 
without rest or liclp. She leads all other States in the number 
of acres actuall}'^ under plow. Her mineral v/ealth is scarcely 
second to her agricultural power. She has coal, iron, lead, zinc, 
copper, many varieties of building stone, marble, fire clay, cuma 
clay, common brick clay, sand of all kinds, gravel, mineral paint, — 
in fact, everything needed for a Ingli civilization. 

AGRICULTURE. 

If any State of the Union is adapted for agriculture, and the other 
branches of rural economj'- relating thereto, such as the raising of 
cattle and the culture of fruit trees, it is pre-eminently Illinois. 
Her extremely fertile prairies recompense the farmer at less 
trouble and expense than he would be obliged to incur elsewhere, in 
order to obtain the same results. Her rich soil, adapted by nature 
for immediate culture, only awaits the plow and the seed in order 
to mature, within a few months, a most bountiful harvest. A 
review of statistics will be quite interesting to the reader, as well as 
valuable, as showing the enormous quantities of the various cereals 
produced in our prairie State: 

In IS 76 there was raised in the State 130,000,000 of bushels of 
corn, — twice as much as any other State, and one-sixth of all the corn 
raised in the United States. It would take 375,000 cars to transport 
this vast amount of corn 1o market, which would make 15,000 trains 
of 25 cars each. She harvested 2,747,000 tons of hay, nearly one- 
tenth of all the hay in the Republic. It is not generally appreciated, 
but it is true, that the hay crop of the country is worth more than 
Hie otton crop. The hay of Illinois equals tlie cotton of Louisiana- 



156 



HISTORY OF ILLIN*)I8. 



Go to Charleston, S. C, and see them peddling handfuls of hay or 
grass, almost as a cariosity, as we regard Chinese gods or the cryo- 
lite of Greenland; drink your coffee and condensed milk; and walk 
back from the coast for many a league through tlie sand and burs 
till you get up into the better atmosphere of the mountains, with- 
out seeing a waving meadow or a grazing herd; then you will begin 
to appreciate tlie meadows of the Prairie State. 

The value of her farm implements was, in 1876, $211,000,000, 
ixxid the value of live stock was only second to New York. The 
same year she had 25,000,000 hogs, and packed 2,113,845, about 
one-half of all that were packed in the United States. She marketed 
$57,000,000 worth of slaughtered animals, — more than any outlier 
State, and a seventh of all tlie States. 

Illinois excels all other States in miles of railroads and in miles 
of postal service, and in money orders sold per annum, and in the 
amount of lumber sold. 

Illinois was only second in many important matters, taking the 
reports of 1876. This sample list comprises a few of the more 
important: Permanent school fund; total income for educational 
purposes; number of publishers of books, maps, papers, etc.; value 
of farm products and implements, and of live stock; in tons of coal 
mined. 

The shipping of Illinois was only second to New York. Out of 
one port during the business hours of the season of navigation she 
sent forth a vessel every nine minutes. This did not include canal- 
boats, which went one every five minutes. 

No wonder she was only second in number of bankers or in phy- 
sicians and sursreons. 

She was third in colleges, teachers and schools; also in cattle, 
lead, hay, flax, sorglinm and beeswax. 

She was fourth in j)opuiation, in children enrolled in public 
schools, in law schools, in butter, potatoes and carriages. 

She was fifth in value of real and personal property, in theologi- 
cal seminaries, and colleges exclusively for women, in milk sold, 
and in boots and shoes manufactured, and in book-binding. 

She was only seventh in the production of wood, while she was 
the twelfth in area. Surely that was well done for the Prairie State. 
She then had, in 1876, much more wood and growing timber than 
she had thirty years before. 



HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 157 

^ few leading industries will justify emphasis. She manufactured 
mo 000,000 worth of goods, which placed her well up toward 
New' York and Pennsylvania. The number of her manutacturing 
establishments increased fron. 1860 to 1870, 300 per cent. ; capital 
employed increased 350 per cent.; and the amount of product in- 
creised 400 per cent. She issued 5,500,000 copies of -mmercial 
and financial newspapers, being only second to :N ew 1 ork. She had 
6 759 miles of railroad, then leading all other States, worth_S6ob,- 
458,000, using 3,245 engines, and 67,712 cars, making a tram long- 
enough to cover one-tenth ol the entire roads ot tl- State^ H- 
stations were only five miles apart. She earned, in 18.6 lo,795 - 
000 passengers an average of 36^ miles, or equal staking hei 
entii4 population twice across the State. More than two-tlurds of 
her land was within five miles of a railroad, and less than two per 
cent, was more than fifteen miles away , ^n- • n fvoi 

The State has a large financial interest m the II inois Cential 
railroad. The road was incorporated in 1850, and the State gave 
each alternate section for six miles on each side, and do.;^3 ed the 
price of the remaining land, so keeping herselt good. The load 
received 2,595,000 acres of land, and P^^ f . ^^^ ff ^^3^;^;^;^ I 
of the oross receipts. The State received in 187., $350,000, and 
had received up to that year in all about $7,000 000. It was prac- 
tically the people's road, and it had a most able and gentlemanly 
management. Add to the above amount the annual receipts trom 
the canal, $111,000, and a large per cent, of the State tax was pro- 
vided i'ow 

GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS. 

Skadraeh Bond-W^s the first Governor of TlHnois. He was a 
native of Maryland and born in 1773; was raised on a farm; re- 
ceived a common English education, and came to Illinois in 1794. 
He served as a delegate in Congress from 1811 to I8I0, where he 
procured the right of pre-emption of public 1-. He was el^e^^^ 
Governor in 1818; was beaten for Congress in 1824 b> Daniel P. 
Cook He died at Kaskaskia, April 11, 1830. 

Ed^.ard Coles-^'^s born Dec. 15, 1786, in Virginia. His fa her 
was a slave-holder; gave his son a collegiate education, and left to 
Mm a large numbe? of slaves. These he liberated, giving each 
head of a family 160 acres of land and a considerable sum ot money. 



158 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

He was President Madison's private secretary, lie came to Illinois 
in 1819, was elected Governor in 1822, on tiio anti-slavery ticket; 
moved to Philadelphia in 1833, and died in 18GS. 

JVinla/i Edwards. — In 1809, on the formation of the Territory of 
Illinois, Mr, Edwards was appointed Governor, which position he 
retained until the organization of the State, when he was sent to 
the United States Senate, lie was elected Governor in 1826. He 
was a native of Maryland and born in 1775; received a collegiate 
education; was Chief Justice of Kentucky, and a Ilej)ublican in 
])olitics. 

John Reynolds — Was born in Pennsylvania in 1788, and came 
with his parents to Illinois in 1800, and in 1830 was elected Gov- 
ernor on the Democratic ticket, and afterwards served three terras 
in Congress. He received a classical education, yet was not polished. 
He was an ultra Democrat; attended the Charleston Convention'in 
18G0, and urged the seizure of United States arsenals by the 
South. He died in 1865 at Belleville, childless. 

Jose/ph Duncan. — In 1831 Joseph Duncan \vas elected Governor 
by the Whigs, although formerly a Democrat. He had previously 
served four terms in Congress. He was born in Kentucky in 1794; 
had but a limited education; served with distinction in the war of 
1812; conducted the campaii2:n of 1832 ao^ainst Black Hawk. He 
came to Illinois when quite young. 

Thomas Carlin — Was elected as a Democrat in 1838. He had 
but a meager education; held many minor offices, and was active 
both in the war of 1812 and the Black Hawk war. He was born in 
Kentucky in 1789; came to Illinois in 1812, and died at Carrollton, 
Feb. 14, 1852. 

Thomas Ford — Was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1800; was 
brought by his widowed mother to Missouri m 1804, and shortly 
afterwards to Illinois. He receiv^ed a good education, studied law; 
was elected four times Judge, twice as Circuit Judge, Judge of 
Chicago and Judge of Supreme Court. He was elected Governor 
by the Democratic party in 1842; wrote iiis history of Illinois in 
1847 and died in 1850. 

Augustus C. French — Was born in New Hampshire in 1808; 
was admitted to the bar in 1831, and shortly afterwards moved to 
Illinois when in 1846 he was elected Governor. On the adoption 
of the Constitution of 1848 he was again chosen, serving until 1853. 
He was a Democrat in ]K)litics. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 159 

Joel A. Matteson — Was born in Jefferson count}', N. Y., in 1808. 
His father was a farmer, and gave his son only a common school 
education. He first entered upon active life as a small tradesman, 
but subsequently became a large contractor and manufacturer. He 
was a heavy contractor in building the Canal. He was elected Gov- 
ernor in 1852 upon the Democratic ticket. 

William H. Blssell — Was elected by the Republican party in 
1856c He had previously served two terras in Congress; was 
colonel in the Mexican war and has held minor official positions. He 
was born in ^ew York State in 1811; received a common educa- 
tion; came to Illinois early in life and engaged in the medical pro- 
fession. This he changed for the law and became a noted orator, 
and the standard bearer of the Republican party in Illinois. He 
died in 1860 while Governor. 

Richard Yates — "The war Governor of Illinois," was born in 
Warsaw, Ky,, in 1818; came to Illinois in 1831: served two terms 
in Congress; in 1860 was elected Governor, and in 1865 United 
States Senator. He was a college graduate, and read law under J, J. 
Hardin. He rapidly rose in his chosen profession and charmed the 
people with oratory. He filled the gubernatorial chair during the 
trying days of the Rebellion, and by his energy and devotion won 
the title of " War Governor." He became addicted to strong drink, 
And died a drunkard. 

Richard J. Ogleshy — Was born in' 1824, in Kentucky; an orphan 
at the age of eight, came to Illinois when only 12 years old. He 
was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade; worked some at 
farming and read law occasionally. He enlisted in the Mexican 
War and was chosen First Lieutenant. After his return he aa^ain 
took up the law, but during the gold fever of 1849 went to Califor- 
nia; soon returned, and, in 1852, entered upon his illustrious 
political career. He raised the second regiment in the State, to 
suppress the Rebellion, and for gallantry was promoted to Major 
General. In 1864 he was elected Governor, and re-elected in 1872, 
and resigned for a seat in the United States Senate. He is a staunch 
Republican and resides at Decatur. 

Shelby M. Ciillom — Was born in Kentucky in 1828; studied 
law, was admitted to the bar, and commenced the practice of his 
profession in 1848; was elected to the State Legislature in 1856, 
and again in 1860. Served on the war commission at Cairo, 1862. 



160 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

and was a member of the 39tli, 40tli and 41st Congress, in all of which 
he served with credit to his State. Hj was asrain elected to the 
State Legislature in 1872, and re-elected in 1874, and was elected 
Governor of Illinois in 1876, which office he still holds, and has 
administered with marked ability. 

LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS. 

Piei're Menard — Was the first Lieut. Gov. of Illinois. He was 
born in Quebec, Canada, in 1767. He came to Illinois in 1790 
where he engaged in the Indian trade and became wealthy. He 
died in 1844. Menard county was named in his honor. 

Adolplius F. Iliibhard — Was elected Lieut. Gov. in 1822. Four 
years later he ran for Governor against Edwards, but was beaten. 

William Kinney — Was elected in 1826. He was a Baptist 
clergyman; was born in Kentucky in 1781 and came to Illinois in 
1793. 

Zadock Casey — Although on the opposition ticket to Governor 
Reynolds, the successful Gubernatorial candidate, yet Casey was 
elected Lieut. Gov. in 1830. He subsequently served several terms 
in Congress. 

Alexander M. Jenkins — Was elected on ticket with Gov. Duncan 
in 1834 by a handsome majority. 

S. U. Anderso7i — Lieut. Gov. under Gov. Cariin, was chosen in 
1838. He was a native of Tennessee. 

John Moore — Was born in England in 1793; came to Illinois in 
1830; was elected Lieut. Gov. in 1842. He won the name of 
" Honest John Moore." 

Joseph B. Wells — Was chosen with Gov. French at his first 
election in 1816. 

William McMurtry. — In -1848 when Gov. French was again 
chosen Governor, William McMurtry of Knox county, was elected 
Lieut. Governor. 

Gustavus P. Koerner — Was elected in 1852. He was born in 
Germany in 1809. At the age of 22 came to Illinois. In 1872 he 
was a candidate for Governor on Liberal ticket, but was defeated. 

John Wood — Was elected in 1856, and on the death of Gov. 
Bissell became Governor. 

Francis A. Hoffman — Was chosen with Gov. Yates in 1860. 
He was born in Prussia in 1822, and came to Illinois in 1840. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



161 



William Bross — Was born in New Jersey, came to Illinois in 
1848, was elected to office in 1864. 

Johii Dougherty — Was elected in 1868. 

John L. Beveredge — Was chosen Lieut. Grov. in 18T2. In 1873 
Oglesbj was elected to the U. S. Senate when Beveridge became 
Governor. 

Andrew Shuman—Was elected Nov. 7, 1876, and is the present 

incumbent. 

SDPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 

Ninian W. Edward? 1854-56 Newton Bateman 1859-75 

W. H. Powell 1857-58 Samuel M. Etter 1876 



ATTORNEY GENERALS. 



Daniel P. Cook. 1819 

William Mears 1820 

Samuel D. Lockwood 1821-22 

James Turney 1828-28 

George Forquer 1829-R2 

James Semple .1833-34 

Nmian E.Edwards 1834-35 

Jesse B. Thomas, Jr , . 1835 

Walter B. Scales 1836 

Asher F. Linder 1837 



Geo. W. Olney 1838 

Wickliffe Kitchell 1839 

Josiah Lamborn 1841-42 

James A. McDougall 1843-46 

David B. Campbell 1846 

[Office abolished and re-created in 1867] 

Robert G. Ingersoll 1867-68 

Washington Bushnell 1869-72 

James K. Edsall 1873-79 



TREASURERS. 



John Thomas 1818-19 

R. K. McLaughlin 1819-22 

Ebner Field 1823-26 

James Hall 1827-30 

John Dement 183 1-36 

Charles Gregory 1836 

Jolin D. Whiteside 1837-40 

M. Carpenter 1841-i8 

John Moore 1848-56 



James Miller 1857-60 

William Butler 1861-62 

Alexander Starne 1863-64 

James H. Beveridge 1865-06 

George W. Smith 1867-68 

Erastus N. Bates 869-72 

Edward Rutz 1873-75 

Thomas S. Ridgeway 1876-77 

Edward Rutz .1878-79 



SECRETARIES OF STATE. 



Elias K. Kane 1818-22 

Samuel D. Lockwood 1822-23 

David Blackwell 1823-24 

Morris Birkbeck 1824 

George Forquer 1825-28 

Alexander P. Field 1829-40 

Stephen A. Douglas 1840 

Lyman Trumbull 1841-42 



Thompson Campbell 1843-46 

Horace S. Cooley 1846-49 

David L. Gregg 1850-52 

Alexander Starne 1853-56 

Ozias M. Hatch 1S57-C0 

Sharon Tyndale 1865-68 

Edward Rummel 1869-72 

George H. Harlow 1873-79 



162 IIISTOKY OK ILLINOIS. 

AUDITOIiS. 

Elijah C. Berry 181«-31 TliompMJU Campbtll 1B4G 

1. T. B. StappT 1831-35 Jessu K. Dubois 1857-G4 

LeviDavis 1835-40 Odin II. Miner 1865-68 

James ShieUls 1841-42 Charles E. Lippeneott 18'?9-76 

W. L. D. Ewing 1843-45 'JMiompson B. Needles 1877-79 



UNlTKn STATES SENATORS. 

Ninlan Edwards. — On the organization of the State in 1818, 
Edwards, the popidar Territorial Governor, was chosen Senator for 
the short term, and in 1819 re-elected for full term. 

Jesse B. Thomas — One of the federal judges during the entire 
Territorial existence was chosen Senator on organization of the 
State, and re-elected in 1823, and served till 1829. 

John McLean — In 1824 Edwards resia^ned, and McLean was 
elected to fill his unexpired term. He was born in North Carolina 
in 1791, and came to Illinois in 1815; served one term in Congress, 
and in 1829 was elected to the U. S. Senate, but the following year 
died. He is said to have been the most gifted man of his period in 
Illinois. 

Ellas Kent Kane — Was elected Nov. 30, 1824, for the term be- 
ginning March 4, 1825. In 1830 he was re-elected, but died before 
the expiration of his term. He was a native of New York, and in 
1814 came to Illinois. He was first Secretary of State, and after- 
wards State Senator. 

David Jewett Baker — Was appointed to fill the unexpired term 
of John McLean, in 1830, Nov. 12, but the Legislature refused to 
endorse the choice. Baker was a native of Connecticut, born in 
1792, and died in Alton in 1869. 

John M. Rohinsoji. — Instead of Baker, the Governor's appointee, 
the Legislature chose Robinson, and in 1834 he was re-elected. In 
1843 was elected Supreme Judge of the State, but within two 
months died. He was a native of Kentucky, and came to Illinois 
while quite young. 

William L. D. Ewing — Was elected in 1835, to fill the vacancy 
occasioned by the death of Kane. He was a Kentuckian. 

Richard M. Young — Was elected in 1836, and held his seat 
from March 4, 1837, to March 4, 1843, a full term. He was a 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, 1^3 

native of Kentucky; was Circuit Judge before his election to the 
Senate, and Supreme Judge in 1842. He died in an insane asylum 
at Washington. 

Samuel MoRoherts — Tlie first native lUinoisian ever elevated to 
the high office of U. S. Senator from this State, was born in 1799, 
and died in 18-13 on his return home from Washington. He was 
elected Circuit Judge in 1824, and March 4, 1841, took his seat in' 
the U. S. Senate. 

Sidney Breese — Was elected to the U. S. Senate, Dec. 17, 1842, 
and served a full term. He was born in Oneida county, N. Y. 
He was Major in the Black Hawk war; Circuit Judge, and in 1841 
was elected Supreme Judge. He served a full term in the U. S. 
Senate, beginning March 4, 1843, after which he was elected to the 
Legislature, again Circuit Judge, and, in 1857, to the Supreme 
Court, which position he held until his death in 1878. 

James Semple — Was the successor of Samuel McRoberts, and 
was appointed by Gov. Ford in 1843. He was afterwards elected 
Judge of the Supreme Court. 

Stephen A. Douglas — Was elected Dec. 14, 1846. He had pre- 
viously served three terras as Congressman, He became his own 
successor in 1853 and again in 1859. From his first entrance in the 
Senate he was acknowledged the peer of Clay, Webster and Cal- 
houn, with whom he served his first term. His famous contest 
with Abraham Lincoln for the Senate in 1858 is the most memor- 
able in the annals of our country. It was called the battle of the 
giants, and resulted in Douglas' election to the Senate, and Lincoln 
to the Presidency. He was born in Brandon, Vermont, April 23, 
1813, and came to Illinois in 1833, and died in 1861. He was 
appointed Secretary of State by Gov. Carliu in 1840, and shortly 
afterward to the Supreme Bench. 

Jarnes Shields — Was elected and assumed his seat in the U. S. 
Senate in 1849, March 4. He was born in Ireland in 1810, came 
to the United States in 1827. He served in the Mexican army, was 
elected Senator from Wisconsin, and in 1879 from Missouri for a 
short term. 

Lyman Trumbull — Took his seat in the (J. S. Senate March 4, 
1855, and became his own successor in 1861. He had previously 
served one term in the Lower House of Congress, and served on 
the Supreme Bench. He was born in Connecticut; studied law 



lG4r HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

and came to Illinois early in life, wliere for years he was actively 
engaged in politics. He resides in Chicago. 

Oi'tiill H. Browning — Was appointed U. S. Senator in 18G1, to 
fill the seat made vacant by the death of Stephen A. Douglas, until 
a Senator could be regularly elected, Mr. Browning was born in 
Harrison county, Kentucky; was admitted to the bar in 1831, and 
settled in Quincy, Illinois, where lie engaged in the practice of law, 
and was instrumental, with liis friend, Abraham Lincoln, in form- 
ino- tlie Kepublican party of Illinois at tlie Bloomington Conven- 
tion. He entered Johnson's cabinet as Secretary of the Interior, 
and in March, 1868, was designated by the President to ])erformthe 
duties of Attorney General, in addition to his own, as Secretary of 
the Interior Department. 

William A. Richardson — Was elected to the U. S. Senate in 
1863, to fill the unexpired term of his friend, Stephen A Douglas. 
He was born in Fayette county, Ky., about 1810, studied law, 
and settled in Illinois; served as captain in the Mexican War, and, 
on the battle-field of Buena Yista, was promoted for bravt^ry, by a 
unanimous vote of his resfiment. He served in the Lower House 
of Congress from 1847 to 1856, continually, 

Richard Yates — Was elected to the U. S. Senate in 1865, serv- 
ing a full term of six years. He died in St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 27, 
1873. 

John A. LoQan — Was elected to the U. S. Senate in 1871. He 
was born in Jackson county, 111., Feb, 0, 1826, received a common 
school education, and enlisted as a private in the Mexican War, 
where he rose to the rank of Regimental Quartermaster. On 
returning home he studied law, and came to the bar in 1852; was 
elected in 1858 a Representative to the 36th Congress and re-elected 
to the 37th Congress, resigning in 1861 to take part in the sup- 
pression of the Rebellion; served as Colonel and subsequently as a 
Major General, and commanded, with distinction, the armies of 
the Tennessee. He was again elected to the U. S, Senate in 1879 
for six years. 

David Davis — AVas elected to the U. S. Senate in 1877 for a term 
of six years. He was born- in Cecil county, Md., March 9, 1815, 
graduated at Kenyon College, Ohio, studied law, and removed to 
Illinois in 1835; was admitted to the bar and settled in Blooming- 
ton, where he has since resided and amassed a large fortune. He 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 165 

was for many years the intimate friend and associate of Abraliam 
Lincoln, rode the circuit with him each year, and after Lincohi's 
election to the Presidency, was appointed by him to fill the position 
of Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States, 

REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. 

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS. NINETEENTH CONGRESS. 

John McLean 1818 Daniel P. Cook 1825-36 

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS. TWENTIETH CONGRESS. 

Daniel P. Cook. 1819-20 Joseph Duncan 1827-38 

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS. TWENTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 

Daniel P. Cook 1831-23 Joseph Duncan 1829-30 

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS. TWENTY-SECOND CONGRESS. 

Daniel P. Cook 1833-34 Joseph Duncan 1831-33 

TWENTY-THIRD CONGRESS. 

Joseph Duncan .1833-34 Zadock Casey 1833-34 

TWENTY-FOURTH CONGRESS. 

Zadock Casey 1835-36 William L. May 1835-36 

John Reynolds 1835-36 

TWENTY-FIFTH CONGRESS. 

Zadock Casey 1837-38 William L. May 1837-38 

John Reynolds 1837-38 

TWENTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. 

Zadock Casey 1839-40 John T. Stuart 1839-40 

John Reynolds 1839-40 

TWENTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. 

Zadock Casey : 1841^3 John T. Stuart 1841-42 

John Reynolds 1841-43 

TWENTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS. 

Robert Smith 1843^4 Joseph P. Hoge 1843-44 

Orlando B. Finklin 1843-44 John J. Hardin 1843-44 

Stephen A. Douglas 1843-44 John Wentworth 1843-44 

John A. McClernand 1843-44 

TWENTY-NINTH CONGRESS. 

Robert Smith 1845^6 Joseph P. Hoge 1845-46 

Stephen A. Douglas 1845-46 John A. McClernand 1845-46 

Orlando B. Finklin 1845-46 John Wentworth 1845-46 

John J. Hardin 1845 

THIRTIETH CONGRESS. 

John Wentworth .1847-48 Orlando B. Finklin 1847-48 

Thomas J. Turner. 1847 Robert Smith 1847^8 

Abraham Lincoln 1847-48 William A. Richardson 1847-48 

John A. McClernand 1847-48 



166 HISTOKY OK ILLINOIS. 

THIRTY-FIUST CONGKE88. 

John A. McCiernand 1849-50 Edward D. Baker 1849-50 

John AVonlworlh 1849-50 William II. Bissell 1849-50 

Timothy R. Young 1849-50 Thomas L. Harris 1849 

William A. Richardson 1849-50 

TIIIUTY-SECOND CONGRESS. 

William A. Richardson 1851-52 Richard Yates 1851-52 

Thompson Campbell 1851-52 Richard S. Malouey 1851-52 

Orlando B. Finklin 1851-52 Willis 1851-53 

John Wcntworth 1851-52 William H. Bissell 1851-52 

■ THIRTv-THIUD CONGRESS. 

William H. Bissell 1853-54 Thompson Campbell 1853-54 

John C. Allen 1853-54 James Knox 1853-54 

Willis 1853-54 Jesse O. Norton 1853-54 

Elihu B. Washburue .1853-54 William A. Richardson 1863-54 

Richard Yates 1853-54 

THIRTY-FOURTH CONGRESS 

Elihu B. VVashburne 1855-56 Samuel S. Marshall 1855-56 

Lyman Trumbull 1855-56 J. L. D. Morrison 1855-56 

James 11. Wood worth .1855-56 John C. Allen 1855-56 

James Knox 1855-56 Jesse O. Norton 1855-56 

Thompson Campbell 1855-56 William A. Richardson 1855-56 

TUIRTT-FIFTH CONGRESS. 

Elihu B. Washburne 1857-58 Samuel S. Marshall 1857-58 

Charles D. Ilodges 1857-58 Isaac N. Morris 1857-58 

William Kellogg 1857-58 Aaron Shaw 1857-58 

Thompson Campbell 1857-58 Robert Smith 1857-58 

John F. Farnsworth 1857-58 Thomas L. Harris 1857-58 

Owen Lovcjoy 1857-58 

THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. 

Elihu B. Washburne 1859-60 John F. Farnsworth 1859-60 

John A. Logan 1859-60 Philip B. Fouke 1859-60 

Owen Lovejoy 1859-60 Thomas L. Harris 1859-60 

John A. McCiernand 1859-60 William Kellogg 1859-60 

Isaac N Morris 1859-60 James C. Robinson. 1859-60 

THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. 

Elihu B. Washburne 1861-62 Isaac N. Arnold 1861-62 

James C. Robinson 1801-62 Philip B. Fouke 1861-62 

John A. Logan 1861-62 William Kellogg 1861-62 

Owen Lovejoy 1861-62 Anthony L. Knapp 1861-62 

John A. McCiernand 1861-62 William A. Richardson 1861-62 

THIRTY-EIGHTH CONGRESS. 

Elihu B. Washburne 1803-64 William J. Allen 1863-64 

J esse O. Norton 1803-64 Isaac N. Arnold 1863-64 

James C. Robinson 1863-64 John R. Eden 1863-64 








i:iite:?Ji;i;JSl!:i;|hsS"E... 



'■^ftKt 







CENTRAL HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE, JACKSONVILLE. 




BaKER.-feg T^^- 



ILLINOIS INDUSTRIAL UNIVERSITY, CHAMPAIGN — FOUNDED BY THE STATE 

ENDOWED BY CONGRESS. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



169 



Lewis W. Ross 1863-64 

John T. Stuart 1863-64 

Owen Lovejoy • • • .1863-64 

William R. Morrison 1863-64 

John C. Allen 1863-64 



John F. Farnsworth 1863-64 

Charles W. Morils 1863-64 

Eben C. Ingersoll 1863-64 

Antuony L. Knapp 1863-64 



Elihu B. Washburne 1865-66 

Anthony B. Thornton.' . . 1865-66 

John Weutworth 1865-66 

Abncr C. Hardin. 1865-66 

Eben C. Ingersoll 18J5-66 

Barton C. Cook 1865-66 

Shelby M. Cullom 1865-66 



THIRTY-NINTH CONGRESS. 

Jonn F. Farnsworth 1865-66 

Jehu Baker 1865-66 

Henry P. H. Bromwell.. ..... .1865-66 

Andrew Z. Kuykandall 1865-66 

Samuel S. Marshall 1805-66 

Samuel W. Moulton 1865-66 

Lewis W. Ross 1865-66 



Elihu B. Washburne 1867-68 

Abner C. Hardin 1867-68 

Eben C Ingersoll ■ 1867-68 

Norman B. Judd 1867-68 

Albert G. Burr 1867-68 

Burton C. Cook 1867-68 

Sheibv M. Oullora 1867-68 



FORTIETH CONGRESS. 

John F. Farnsworth 1867-68 



Jehu Baker 1867-68 

Henry P. H. Bromwell 1887-68 

John A. Logan 1867-68 

Samuel S. Marshall 1867-68 

Green B. Raum 1867-68 

Lewis W. Ross 1867-68 



Norman B. Judd 1869-70 

John F. Farnsworth 1869-70 

H. C. Burchard 1869-70 

John B. Hawley 1869-70 

Eben C Ingersoll 18(:9-70 

Burton C. Cook 1869-70 

Jesse H. Moore 1869-70 



FORTY-FIRST CONGRESS. 

Shelby M. Cullom 1869-70 

Thomas W. McNeely 1869-70 

Albert G. Burr 1869-70 

Samuel S. Marshall 1869-70 

John B. Hay 1869-70 

John M. Crebs 1869-70 

John A. Logan 1869-70 



Charles B. Farwell 1871-72 

John F. Farnsworth 1871-73 

Horatio C. Burchard 1871-72 

John B. Hawley .1871-72 

Bradford N. Stevens 1871-72 

Henry Suapp 1871-72 



FORTY-SECOND CONGRESS. 

James C. Robinson 1871-72 

Thomas W. McNeely 1871-73 

Edward Y. Rice 1871-73 

Samuel S. Marshall 1871-72 

John B. Hay 1871-72 

John M. Crebs 1871-73 



Jesse H. Moore 1871-73 John S. Beveredge 1871-72 



FORTY-THIRD CONGRESS. 



John B. Rice 1873-74 

Jasper D. Ward 1873-74 

Charles B. Farwell .1873-74 

Stephen A. Hurlbut 1873-74 

Horatio C. Burchard 1873-74 

John B. Hawley 1873-74 

Franklin Corwin 1873-74 



Robert M. Knapp 1873-74 

James C. Robinson 1873-74 

John B. McNulta 1873-74 

Joseph G. Cannon 1873-74 

John R. Eden 1873-74 

James S. Martin 1873-74 

William R. Morrison 1873-74 



170 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Grcenbury L. Fort 1873-74 

Granville Barrcrc 1873-74 

William II. Kay 1873-74 

KOKTY-FOURTH CONGRESS 



Isaac Clements 1873-74 

Samuel S. Marshall 1873-74 



Hcrnard G. Caulfleld 1875-76 

Carter H. Harrison 1875-76 

Charles B. Farwell 1875-76 

Stephen A. Ilurlbut 1875-76 

Horatio C. Burchara 1875-76 

Thomas J. Henderson 1875-76 

Alexander Campbell 1875-76 

Greeubury L. Fort 1875-'i6 

Kichard H. Whiting 1875-76 

John C. Bagby 1875-76 

FORTY-FIFTH 

AVilliam Aldrich 1877-78 

Carter II. Harrison 1877-78 

Lorenzo Brentano 1877-78 

William Lathrop 1877-78 

Horatio C. Burchard 1877-78 

Thomas J. Henderson 1877-78 

Philip C. Hayes 1877-78 

Greenbury L.Fort 1877-78 

Thomas A. Boyd 1877-78 

Benjamin F. Marsh 1877-78 

FORTY-SIXTH CONGRESS. 



Scott Wike 1875-76 

William M. Springer 1875-76 

Adlai E. Stevenson 1875-76 

Joseph G. Cannon 18^5-76 

John 11. Eden 1875-76 

W. A. J. Sparks 1875-76 

William R. Morrison 1875-76 

William Hartzell 1875-76 

William B. Anderson 1875-76 



CONGRESS. 

Robert M. Rn^pp 1877-78 

William M. Springer 1877-78 

Thomas F. Tipton 1877-78 

Joseph G. Cannon 1877-78 

John R. Eden 1877-78 

W. A. J. Sparks 1877-78 

William R. Morrison 1877-78 

William Hartzell 1877-78 

Richard W. Townshend 1877-78 



William Aldrich 1879-80 

George R. Davis 1879-80 

Hiram Barber 1870-80 

John C Sherwin 1 879-80 

R. M. A. Hawk 1879-80 

Thomas J. Henderson 1879-80 

Philip C. Hayes 1879-80 

Grcenbury h. Fort 1879-80 

Tliomas A. Boyd 1879-80 

Benjamin F. Marsh 1879-80 



James W. Singleton 1879-80 

William M. Springer 1879-80 

A. E. Stevenson 1879-80 

Joseph G. Cannon 1879-80 

Albert P. Forsythe 1879-80 

W. A. J. Sparks 1879-80 

William R. Morrison 1879-80 

John R. Thomas 1879-80 

R. W. Townshend 1879-80 



CHICAGO. 

While we cannot, in the brief space we have, give more than a 
meager sketch of such a city as Chicago, yet we feel the historj of 
the State would be incomplete without speaking of its metropolis, 
the most wonderful city on the globe. 

In comparing Chicago as it was a few years since with Chicago 
of to-dav, we behold a change whose veritable existence we should 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 171 

be inclined to doubt were it not a stern, indisputable fact. Kapid^ 
as is the customary development of places and things in the CTnited 
States, the growth of Chicago and her trade stands without a parallel. 
The city is situated on the west shore of Lake Michigan at the- 
mouth of the Chicago river. It lies 14 feet above the lake, having 
been raised to that grade entirely by tlie energy of its citizens, its 
site having originally been on a dead level with the water of the 
lake. 

The city extends north and south along tlie lake about ten miles, 
and westward on the prairie from the lake five or six miles, embrac- 
ing an area of over 40 square miles. It is divided by the river 
into three distinct parts, known as the North, West and South 
Divisions, or "Sides," by which they are popularly and commonly 
known. These are connected by 33 bridges and two tunnels. 

The first settlement of Chicago was made in 1804, during whicli 
year Fort Dearborn was built. At the close of 1830 Chicago con- 
tained 12 houses, with a population of about 100. The town was 
organized in 1833, and incorporated as a city in 1837. The first 
frame building was erected in lSo2, and the first brick house in. 
1833. The first vessel entered the harbor June 11, 1834; and at 
the first ofiicial census, taken July 1, 1837, the entire population 
was found to be 4,170. In 1850 the population had increased to 
29,963; in 1860, to 112,172; in 1870, 298,977; and, according to 
the customary mode of reckoning from the number of names in 
the City Directory, the population of 1879 is over 500,000. 

Nicholas Perrot, a Frenchman, was the first white man to visit 
the site of Chicago. This he did in 1671, at the instigation of M.. 
Toulon, Governor of Canada. He was sent to invite the Western. 
Indians to a convention at Green Bay. It has been often remarked • 
that the first white man who became a resident of Chicago was a 
negro. His name was Jean Baptiste Pointe au Sable, a mulatto from 
tlie West Indies. He settled there in 1796 and built a rude cabin on 
the north bank of the main river, and laid claim to a tract of lan(i 
surrounding it. He disappeared from the scene, and his claim was 
"jumped" by a Frenchman named Le Mai, who commenced trad- 
ing with the Indians. A few years later he sold out to John Kin- 
zie, who was then an Indian trader in the country about St. 
Joseph, Mich., and agent for the American Fur Company, which- 
had traded at Chicago with the Indians for some time; and this 



172 HISTORY OF ILLIN0I8, 

fact had, probably more tlian any other, to do with the determina- 
tion of the Government to establish a fort there. The Indians 
were growing numerous in that region, being attracted by the 
facilities for selling their wares, as well as being pressed northward 
by the tide of emigration setting in from the south. It was judged 
necessary to have some force near that point to keep theiti in 
check, as well as to protect the trading interests, Mr. Kinzie 
moved his family there the same year Fort Dearborn was built^ 
and converted the Jean Baptiste cabin into a tasteful dwelling. 

For about eight years things moved along smoothl3'. The garri- 
son was quiet, and the traders prosperous. Then the United States 
became involved in trouble with Great Britain. The Indians took 
the war-path long before the declaration of hostilities between the 
civilized nations, committing great depredations, the most atro- 
cious of which was the massacre of Fort Dearborn, an account of 
which may be found in this volnme under the heading of "The 
War of 1812." 

THE GREAT FIRE. 

From the year 1840 the onward march of the city of Chicago 
to the date of the great fire is well known. To recount its marvel- 
ous growth in population, wealth, internal resources and improve- 
ments and everything else that goes to make up a mighty city> 
would consume more space than we could devote, however interest- 
ing it might be. Its progress astonished the world, and its citizens 
stood almost appalled at the work of their own hands. She was 
happy, prosperous and great when time brought that terrible Octo- 
ber night (Oct. 9, 1871) and with it the great fire, memorable as 
ihe greatest fire ever occurring on earth. The sensation conveyed 
to the spectator of this unparalleled event, either through the eye, 
the ear, or other senses or sympathies, cannot be adequately 
described, and any attempt to do it but shows the poverty of lan- 
guage. As a spectacle it was beyond doubt the grandest as well as 
the most appalling ever offered to mortal eyes. From any 
elevated standpoint the appearance was that of a vast ocean of 
flame, sweeping in mile-long billows and breakers over the doomed 
city. 

Added to the spectacular elements of the conflagration — the 
intense and lurid light, the sea of red and black, and the spires and 
pyramids of flame shooting into the heavens — was its constant and 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 173 

terrible roar, drowning even the voices of the shrieking multitude; 
and ever and anon — for a while as often as every half-minute — 
resounded far and wide the rapid detonations of explosions, or fall- 
ing walls. In short, all sights and sounds which terrify the weak 
and unnerve the strong; abounded. But they were only the accom- 
paniment which the orchestra of nature were furnishing to the 
terrible tragedy there being enacted. 

The total area burned over, including streets, was three and a 
third ^ square miles. The number of buildings destroyed was 
17,450; persons rendered homeless, 98,500; persons killed, about 
200. Not including depreciation of real estate, or loss of business, 
it is estimated that the total loss occasioned by the fire was 
$190,000,000, of which but $44,000,000 was recovered on insur- 
ance. The business of the city was interrupted but a short time; 
and in a year after the fire a large part of the burned district was 
rebuilt, and at present there is scarcely a trace of the terrible dis- 
aster, saVe in the improved character of the new buildings over 
those destroyed, and the general better appearance of the city — 
now the finest, in an architectural sense, in the world. 

One of the features of this great city worthy of mention is the 
Exposition, held annually. The smouldering ruins were yet smok- 
ing when the Exposition Building was erected, only ninety days 
being consumed in its construction. The accompanying engrav- 
ing of the building, the main part of which is 1,000 feet long, 
will give an idea of its magnitude. 

COMMEKCE OF CHICAGO. 

The trade of Chicago is co-extensive with the world. Every- 
where, in every country and in every port, the trade-marks of her 
merchants are seen. Everywhere, Chicago stands prominently 
identified with the commerce of the continent. A few years ago, 
grain was carted to the place in wagons; now more than 10,000 
miles of railroad, with thousands of trains heavily ladened with the 
products of the land center there. The cash value of the produce 
handled during the year 1878 was $220,000,000, and its aggregate 
weight was 7,000,000 tons, or would make 700,000 car loads. 
Divided into trains, it would make 28,000 long, heavily ladened 
freight trains, wending their way from all parts of the United States 
toward our great metropolis. These trains, arranged in one con- 



174 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tirnuuis line, would stretch I'rotn London across tlie broad Atlantic 
to New York and on across our continent to San Francisco. 

In regard to the <^rain, lumber and stock trade, Ciiicago has sur- 
passed all rivals, and, indeed, not only is witliout a peer but excels 
any three or four cities in the Avorld in these branches. Of grain, 
the vast quantity of i;34,S51,10;'. bushels was received during the 
year 1878. This was about two-iifths more than ever received 
before in one year. It took 13,000 long freight trains to carry it 
fro^n the fields of the Northwest to Chicago. This would make a 
continuous train that would reach across the continent from New 
York to San Francisco. Speaking more in detail, we have of the 
various cereals received daring the year, 62,783,577 bushels of corn, 
29,901,220 bushels of wlieat, 18,251,529 bushels of oats, 133,981,104 
pounds of seed. The last item alone would fill about 7,000 freight 
cars. 

The lumber received during the year 1878 was, 1,171,364,000 feet, 
exceeded only in 1872, the year after the great fire. This vast 
amount of lumber would require 195,000 freight cars to transport 
it. It would buiid a fence, four boards high, four and one-half 
times around the globe. 

In the stock trade for the year 1878, the figures assume propor- 
tions almost incredible. They are, however, from reliable and 
trustworthy sources, and must be accepted as authentic. There 
were received during the year, 6,339,656 hogs, being 2,000,000 more 
than ever received before in one year. It required 129,916 stock 
cars to transport this vast number of hogs from the farms of the 
West and Northwest to the stock yards of Chicago. These hogs 
arranged in single file, would form a connecting link between 
Chicago and Pekin, China. 

Of the large number of hogs received, five millions of them were 
slaughtered in Ciiicago. The aggregate amount of product manu- 
lactured from these hogs was 918,000,000 pounds. The capacity of 
the houses engaged in slaughtering operations in Chicago is 60,000 
hogs daily. The number of hands employed in these houses is 
from 6,000 to 8,000. The number of packages required in which 
to market the year's product is enormously large, aggregating 500,- 
000 barrels, 800,000 tierces and 650,000 boxes. 

There has been within the stock yards of the city, during the 
year 1878, 1,036,066 cattle. These were gathered from the plains 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 175 

of Oregon, Wyoming and Utah, and the grazing regions of Texas, 
as well as from all the Southern, Western and Northwestern States 
and Territories and from the East as far as Ohio. If these cattle 
were driven from Chicago southward, in single file, through the 
United States, Mexico, and the Central American States into South 
America, the foremost could graze on the plains of Brazil, ere the 
last one liad passed the limits of the great citj. 

Not only does Chicago attract to its great market the products of 
a continent, but from it is distributed throughout the world manu- 
factured goods. Every vessel and every train headed toward that 
city are heavily ladened with the crude products of the farm, of the 
forests, or of the bowels of the earth, and every ship that leaves her 
docks and every train that flies from her limits are filled with 
manufactured articles. These goods not only find their way all 
over our own country but into Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, 
South America, Mexico, and the Islands of the sea; indeed, every 
nook and corner of the globe, where there is a demand for her 
goods, her merchants are ready to supply. 

The wholesale trade for the year 1878 reached enormous fissures, 
aggregating $280,000,000. Divided among the leading lines, we 
find there were' sold of dry goods, S95,000,000 worth. The trade in 
grocerii3S amounted to $G6,000,000; hardware, $20,000,000; boots 
and shoes, $24,000,000; clothing, $17,000,000; carpets, $8,000,000; 
millinery, $7,000,000; hats and caps, $6,000,000; leather, $8,000,- 
000; drugs, $6,000,000; jewelry, $4,500,000; musical instruments, 
$2,300,000. Chicago sold over $5,000,000 worth of fruit during 
the year, and for the same time her fish trade amounted to $1,400,- 
000, and her oyster trade $4,500,000. The candy and other con- 
fectionery trade amounted to $1,534,900. This would fill all the 
Christmas stockings in the United States. 

In 1852, the commerce of the city reached the hopeful sum of 
$20,000,000; since then, the annual sales of one firm amount to 
that much. In 1870, it reached $400,000,000, and in 1878 it had 
grown so rapidly that the trade of the city amounted during that 
year to $650,000,000. Her manufacturing interests have likewise 
grown. In 1878, her manufactories employed in the neighborhood 
of 75,000 operators. The products manufactured during the year 
were valued at $230,000,000. In reviewing the shipping interests of 
Chicago, we find it equally enormous. ■ So considerable, indeed, is the 



176 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

commercial navy of Chicago, that in the seasons of navigation, one 
vessel sails every nine minutes during the business hours; add to 
this the cunal-boats that leave, one every five minutes during the 
same time, and you will see something of the magnitude of her 
shipping. More vessels arriv'C and depart from this port during tlie 
season than enter or leave any other port in the world. 

In 1831, the mail system was condensed into a half-breed, who 
went on foot to Niles, Mich., once in two weeks, and brought back 
what papers and news he could find. As late as 1846, there was 
often but one mail a week, A post-office was established in 
Chicago in 1833, and the postmaster nailed up old boot legs upon 
one side of his shop to serve as boxes. It has since grown to be 
the larirest receiving office in the United States. 

In IS-IJ:, the (j^uagmires in the streets were first pontooned by 
plank roads. The wooden-block pavement appeared in 1857. In 
1840, water was delivered by peddlers, in carts or by hand. Then 
a twenty-five liorse power engine pushed it through hollow or bored 
logs along the streets till 1854, when it was introduced into the 
houses by new works. The first fire-engine was used in 1835, and 
the first steam fire-engine in 1859. Gas was utilized for lighting 
the city in 1850. The Young Men's Christian Association was 
orffauized in 1858. Street cars commenced running in 1854. The 
Museum was opened in 1863. The alarm telegraph adopted in 
1SG4. The opera-house built in 1865. The telephone introduced 

in 1878. 

One of the most thoroughly interesting engineering exploits of 
the city is the tunnels and water- works system, the grandest and 
most iinique of any in the world; and the closest analysis fails to 
detect any impurities in the water furnished. The first tunnel is 
five feet two inches in diameter and two miles long, and can deliver 
50,000,000 gallons per day. The second tunnel is seven feet in 
diameter and six miles long, running four miles under the city, and 
can deliver 100,000,000 gallons per day. This water is distributed 
through 410 miles of water mains. 

Chicago river is tunneled for the passage of pedestrians and vehi- 
cles from the South to the West and :North divisions. 

There is no grand scenery about Chicago except the two seas, one 
of water, the other of prairie. Nevertheless, there is a spirit about 
it, a push, a breadth, a power, that soon makes it a place never to 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 177 

be forsaken. Chicago is in the field almost alone, to handle the 
wealth of one-fourth of the t'erritory of this great republic. The 
Atlantic sea-coast divides its margins between Portland, Boston, 
New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Savannah, but Chicago has 
a dozen empires casting their treasures into her lap. On a bed of 
coal that can run all the machinery of the world for 500 centuries; 
in a garden that can feed the race by the tliousand years; at the 
head of the lakes that give lier a temperature as a summer resort 
equaled by no great city in the land; with a climate that insures 
the health of her citizens; surrounded by all the great deposits of 
natural wealth in mines and forests and herds, Chicago is the 
wonder of to-day, and will be the city of the future. 

STATES OF THE UNION. 

THEIR SETTLEMENT, ORIGIN OF NAME AND MEANING, COGNOMEN, MOT- 
TOES, ADMISSION INTO THE UNION, POPULATION, AREA, NUMBER OF 
SOLDIERS FDRNISHED DURING THE REBELLION, NUMBER OF REPRE- 
SENTATIVES IN CONGRESS, PRESENT GOVERNORS, P:TC., ETC., ETC. 

Alabama. — This State was first explored by LaSalle in 1684, and 
settled by tlie French at Mobile in 1711, and admitted as a State in 
1817. Its name is Indian, and means " Here we rest." Has no 
motto. Population in 1860,964,201; in 1870,996,992. Furnished 
2,576 soldiers for the Union army. Area 50,722 square miles. 
Montgomery is the capital. Has 8 Representatives and 10 Presi- 
dential electors. Rufus W. Cobb is Governor; salary, $3,000; 
politics. Democratic. Length of term, 2 years. 

Arkansas — Became a State in 1836. Population in 1860, 435,- 
450; in 1870,484,471. Area 52,198 square miles. Little Rock, 
capital. Its motto is Regnant Populi — " The people rule." It has 
the Indian name of its principal river. Is called the " Bear State." 
Furnished 8,289 soldiers. She is entitled to 4 members in Congress, 
and 6 electoral votes. Governor, "W. R.Miller, Democrat; salary, 
$3,500; term, 2 years. 

California — Has a Greek motto. Eureka, which means " I have 
found it." It derived its name from the bay forming the peninsula 
of Lower California, and was first applied by Cortez. It was first 
visited by the Spaniards in 1542, and by the celebrated English 



178 HISTORY OF ILLIIMOIS. 

navigator, Sir Francis Drake, in 1578. In 1846 Fremont took 
possession of it, defeating the Mexicans, in the name of the United 
States, and it was admitted as a State in 1850, Its gold mines 
from 1868 to 1878 jM-oduced over $800,000,000. Area 188,982 square 
miles. Topuhitiou in 1860, 379,994. In 1870, 560,247. She gave 
to defend the Union 15,225 soldiers. Sacramento is the capital. 
Has 4 Representatives in Congress. Is entitled to 6 Presidential 
electors. Present Governor is William Irwin, a Democrat; term, 
4 years; salary, $6,000. 

Colorado — Contains 106,475 square miles, and had a population 
in 1860 of 34,277, and in 1870, 39,864. She furnished 4,903 
soldiers. Was admitted as a State in 1876. It has a Latin motto, 
Nil sine Niiriiine, which means, " Nothing can be done without 
divine aid." It was named from its river. Denver is the capital. 
Has 1 member in Congress, and 3 electors. T. W. Pitkin is Gov- 
ernor; salary, $3,000; term, 2 years; politics, llepublican. 

Connecticut — Qui transtulit snstinet, " He who brought us over 
sustains us," is her motto. It was named from the Indian Quon- 
ch-ta-Cut, signifying "Long River." It is called the "Nutmeg 
State." Area 4,674 square miles. Population 1860, 460,147; in 
1870, 537,454. Gave to the Union army 55,755 soldiers. Hart- 
ford is the capital. Has 4 Representatives in Congress, and is 
entitled to 6 Presidential electors. Salary of Governor $2,000; 
term, 2 y^ars. 

Delaware. — " Liberty and Independence," is the motto of this 
State. It was named after Lord De La Ware, an English states- 
man, and is called, " The Blue Hen," and the " Diamond State." It 
was first settled by the Swedes in 1638. It was one of the original 
thirteen States. Has an area of 2,120 square miles. Population in 
1860. 112,216; in 1870, 125,015. She sent to the front to defend 
the Union, 12,265 soldi(;rs. Dover is the capital. Has but 1 mem- 
ber in Congress; entitled to 3 Presidential electors. John W. 
Hall, Democrat, is Governor; salary, $2,000; term, 2 years. 

Florida — Was discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1512, on Easter 
Sunday, called by the Spaniards, Pascua Florida, which, with the 
variety and beauty of the flowers at this early season caused him to 
name it Florida — which means in Spanish, flowery. Its motto is, 
" In God we trust." It was admitted into the Union in 1845. It has 
an area of 59,268 square miles. Population in 1860, 140,424; in 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 179 

1870, 187,756. Its capital is Tallahassee. Has 2 members in Con- 
gress. Has 4 Presidential electors. George F. Drew, Democrat, 
Governor; term, 4 years; salary, $3,600. 

Georgia — Owes its name to George II., of England, who first 
established a colony there in 1732. Its motto is, " Wisdom, justice 
and moderation." It was one of the original States. Population 
in 1860, 1,057,286; 1870, 1,184,109. Capital, Atlanta. Area 58,- 
OuO square miles. Has 9 Representatives in Congress, and 11 
Presidential electors. Her Governor is A. H. Colquitt, Democrat; 
term, 4 years; salary, $4,000. 

Illinois — Motto, "State Sovereignty, National Union." ISTame 
derived from the Indian word, Illini^ meaning, superior men. It 
is called the ''Prairie State," and its inhabitants, "Suckers." 
Was lirst explored by the French in 1673, and admitted into the 
Union in 1818. Area 55,410 square miles. Population, in 1860 
1,711,951; in 1870, 2,539,871. She sent to the front to defend the 
Union, 258,162 soldiers. Capital, Springfield, Has 19 members in 
Congress, and 21 Presidential electors. Shelby M. Cullom, RejDiib. 
lican, is Governor; elected for 4 years; salary, $6,000. 

Indiana — Is called "Hoosier State." Was explored in 1682, 
and admitted as a State in 1816. Its name was suggested by its 
numerous Indian population. Area 33,809 square miles. Popu- 
latio:i in 1860, 1,350,428; in 1870, 1,680,637. She put into the 
Federal army, 194,363 men. Capital, Indianapolis. Has 13 mem- 
bers in Congress, and 15 Presidential electors. J. D. Williams 
Governor, Democrat; salary, $3,000; term, 4 year. 

Iowa — Is an Indian name and means "This is the land." Its 
motto is, "Our liberties we prize, our rights we will maintain." 
It is called the " Hawk Eye State." It was first visited by 
Marquette and Joliet in 1673; settled by New Englanders in 
1833, and admitted into the Union in 1846. Des Moines is the 
capital. It has an area of 55,045, and a population in 1860 of 674,913, 
and in 1870 of 1,191,802. She sent to defend the Government, 
75,793 soldiers. Has 9 members in Congress; 11 Presidential 
electors. John H. Gear, Republican, is Governor; salary, $2,500; 
term, 23'ears. 

Kansas — Was admitted into the Union in 1861, making the 
thirty-fourth State. Its motto is Ad astra per aspera, " To the 
stars through difiiculties." Its name means, " Smoky water," and 



180 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

is derived from one of her rivers. Area 78,841 square miles. 
Population in 1860, 107,209; in 1870 was 3H2,812. She furnished 
20,095 soldiers. Capital is Topeka. lias 3 Representatives in Con- 
gress, and 5 Presidential electors. John P. St. John, Governor; 
politics, Republican; salary, $3,000; term, 2 years, 

Kentucky — Is the Indian name for "At the head of the rivers." 
Its motto is, '' United we stand, divided we fall." The sobriquet 
of "dark and bloody ground " is applied to this State. It was first 
settled in 1769, and admitted in 1792 as the fifteenth State. Area 
37,680. Population in 1860, 1,155,684; in 1870, 1,321,000. She 
put into the Federal army 75,285 soldiers. Capital, Frankfort. 
Has 10 members in Congress ; 12 Electors. J. B. McCreary, 
Democrat, is Governor; salary, $5,000 ; term, 4 years. 

Louisiana — Was called after Louis XIY., who at one time 
owned that section of the country. Its motto is " Union and Con- 
fidence." It is called "The Creole State." It was visited by La 
Salle in 1684, and admitted into the Union in 1812, making the 
eighteenth State. Population in 1860,708.002; in 1870, 732,731. 
Area 46,431 square miles. She put into the Federal army 5,224 
soldiers. Capital, New Orleans. Has 6 Representatives and 8 
Electors. F. T. Nichols, Governor, Democrat; salary, $8,000; 
term, 4 years. 

Maine. — This State was called after the province of Maine in 
France, in compliment of Queen Henrietta of England, who owned 
that province. Its motto is Dirigo, meaning " I direct." It is 
called "The Pine Tree State." It was settled by the English in 
1625. It was admitted as a State in 1820. Area 31,766 square 
miles. Population in 1860, 628,279; in 1870, 626,463; 69,738 sol- 
diers went from this State. Has 5 members in Congress, and 7 
Electors. Selden Conner, Republican, Governor; term, 1 year; 
salary, $2,500. 

Miivijland — "Was named after Henrietta Maria, Queen of 
Charles I. of England. It has a Latin motto, Crecite et inultiplica- 
mini^ meaning " Increase and Multiply." It was settled in 1634, 
and was one of the original thirteen States. It has an area of 11,- 
124 square miles. Population in 1860 was 687,049; in 1870, 780,- 
806. This State furnished 46,053 soldiers. Capital, Annapolis. 
Has 6 Representatives, and 8 Presidential electors. J, H. Carroll, 
Democrat, Governoi-; salary, $4,500; term, 4 years. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 181 

Massachusetts — Is the Indian for " The country around the great 
hills." It is called the "Bay State," from its numerous bays. Its 
motto is Ense petit p>l^Gidain sub libertate quietem, " By the sword 
she seeks placid rest in liberty." It was settled in 1620 at Plymouth 
by English Puritans. It was one of the original thirteen States, 
and was the first to take up arms against the English during tlic 
Kevolution. Area 7,800 square miles. Population in 1860, 1,231,- 
066 ; in 18T0, 1,457,351. She gave to the Union army 146,467 sol- 
diers. Boston is the capital. Has 11 Representatives in Con- 
gress, and 13 Presidential electors. Thomas Talbot, Republican, is 
Governor; salary, $5,000; term, 1 year, 

Michigan — Latin motto, Luehor, and Si qiiceris yeninsulaiu 
amcBnam circu7nspice, '■'■ 1 will defend" — " If you seek a pleasant 
peninsula, look around you." The name is a contraction of two 
Indian words meaning " Great Lake." It was early explored by 
Jesuit missionaries, and in 1837 was admitted into the Union. It 
is known as the " Wolverine State." It contains 56,243 square 
miles. In 1860 it had a population of 749,173; in 1870, 1,184,059. 
She furnished 88,111 soldiers. Capital, Lansing. Has 9 Repre- 
sentatives and 11 Presidential electors. C. M. Croswell is Gov- 
ernor; politics, Republican; salary, $1,000; term, 2 years. 

Minnesota — Is an Indian name, meaning " Cloudy Water." It 
has a French motto, VEtoile du Nord — " The Star of the North." 
It was visited in 1680 by La Salle, settled in 1846, and admitted 
into the Union in 1858. It contains 83,531 square miles. In 1860 
had a population of 172,023; in 1870, 439,511. She gave to the 
Union army 24;002 soldiers. St. Paul is the capital. Has 3 mem- 
bers in Congress, 5 Presidential electors. Governor, J. S, Pills- 
bury, Republican; salary, $3,000; term, 2 years. 

Mississippi — Is an Indian name, meaning " Long River," and the 
State is named from the " Father of Waters." The State was first 
explored by De Sota in 1541; settled by the French at Natchez in 
1716, and was admitted into the Union in 18.17. It has an area of 
47,156 square miles. Population in 1860, 791,305; in 1870,827,- 
922. She gave to suppress the Rebellion 545 soldiers. Jackson is 
the capital. Has 6 representatives in Congress, and 8 Presidential 
electors. J. M. Stone is Governor, Democrat; salary, $4,000; 
term, 4 years. 

Missouri — Is derived from the Indian word " muddy," which 



182 HISTORY OF ILLIiNOIS. 

more properly applies to the river that flows through it. Its motto 
is Salus populi sajprema lex esto^ " Let the welfare of the people 
be the supreme law." The State was lirst settled by the French 
near Jeflerson City in 1719, and in 1S21 was admitted into the 
Union. It has an area of 67,380 square miles, equal to 43,123,200 
acres. It had a population in 1800 of 1,182,012; in 1870, 1,721,- 
000. She gave to defend the Union 108,102 soldiers. Capital, 
Jeflerson City. Its inhabitants are known by the ofiensive cogno- 
man of "' Pukes." Has 13 representatives in Congress, and 15 
Presidential electors. J. S. Phelps is Governor; politics, Demo- 
cratic; salary, $5,000; term, 4 years. 

Nebraska — Has f^r its motto, " Equality before the law." Its 
name is derived from one of its rivers, meaning " broad and shal- 
low, or low." It was admitted into the Union in 1867. Its capital 
is Lincoln. It had a population in 1800 of 28,841, and in 1870, 
123,993, and in 1875,240,280. It has an area of 75,995 square 
miles. She furnished to defend the Union 3,157 soldiers. Has but 
1 Hepresentative and 3 Presidential electors. A. Nance, Repub- 
lican, is Governor; salar}-, $2,500; term, 2 years. 

Nevada — '' The Snowy Land " derived its name from the Span- 
ish. Its motto is Latin, Volens et 2>otens, and means " willing 
and able." It was settled in 1850, and admitted into the Union in 
1804. Capital, Carson City. Its population in 1860 was 6,857; 
in 1870 it was 42,491. It has an area of 112,090 square miles. 
She furnished 1,080 soldiers to suppress the Pebellion. Has 1 Rep- 
resentative and 3 Electors. Governor, J. II. Kinjchead, Republican ; 
salary, $0,000; term, 4 years. 

New Tlamjyshire — Was first settled at Dover by the English in 
1623. Was one of the original States. Has no motto. It is 
named from Hampshire county in England. It also bears the 
name of "The Old Granite State." It has an area of 9^280 miles, 
which equals 9,239,200 acres. It had a population in 1 860 of 326,- 
073, and in 1870 of 318,300. She increased the Union army with 
33,913 soldiers. Concord is the capital. Has 3 Representatives 
and 5 Presidential electors. N. Head, Republican, Governor; 
salary, $1,000; term, 1 year. 

Neio Jersey — Was named in honor of the Island of Jersey in the 
British channel. Its motto is " Liberty and Independence." It was 
first settled at Bergen by the Swedes in 1024. It is one of the orig- 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 183 

inal thirteen States. It has an area of 8,320 square miles, or 5,324,- 
800 acres. Population in 1860 was 672,035; in 1870 it was 906,096. 
She put into the Federal army 75,315 soldiers. Capital, Trenton. 
Has 7 Representatives and 9 Presidential electors. Governor, 
George B. McClelland, Democrat; salary, $5,000; term, 3 years. 

JVeio York. — The " Empire State " was named by the Duke of 
York, afterward King James II. of England. It has a Latin motto, 
Excelsior, which means " Still Higher." It was first settled by the 
Dutch in 1614 at Manhattan. It has an area of 47,000 square 
miles, or 30,080,000 acres. The population in 1860 was 3,880,735; 
in 1870 it was 4,332,759. It is one of the original thirteen States. 
Capital is Albany. It gave to defend our Government 445,959 
men. Has 33 members in Congress, and 35 Presidential electors. 
Governor, L. Robinson, Democrat; salary, $10,000; term, 3 years. 

Nortli Carolina — Was named after Charles IX., King of France. 
It is called " The Old North," or " The Turpentine State." It was 
first visited in 1524 by a Florentine navigator, sent out by Francis 
I., King of France. It was settled at Albemarle in 1663. It was 
one of the original thirteen States. It has an area of 50,704 square 
miles, equal to 32,450,560 acres. It had in 1860 a population of 
992,622, and in 1870, 1,071,361. Raleigh is the capital. She 
furnished 3,156 soldiers to put down the Rebellion. Has 8 mem- 
bers in Congress, and is entitled to 10 Presidential electors. Z. B. 
Vance, Democrat, is Governor; salary, $5,000; term, 4 years. 

Ohio — Took its name from the river on its Southern boundary, 
and means " Beautiful." Its motto is Imperium in Iinperio — 
'•An Empire in an Empire." It was first parmanently settled in 
1783 at Marietta by New Englanders. It was admitted as a State 
in 1803. Its capital is Columbus. It contains 39,964 square 
miles, or 25,576, 960 acres. Population in 1860, 2,339,511; in 1870 
it had 2.665,260. She sent to the front during the Rebellion 310,- 
654 soldiers. Has 20 Representatives, and 22 Presidential electors. 
Governor, R. M. Bishop, Democrat; salary, $4,000; term, 2 years. 

Oregon — Owes its Indian name to its principal river. Its motto 
is Mis volat propriis — " She flies with her own wings." It was 
first visited by the Spaniards in the sixteentli century. It was set- 
tled by the English in 1813, and admitted into the Union in 1859. 
Its capital is Salem. It has an area of 95,274 square miles, equal 
to 60,975,360 acres. It had in 1860 a population of 52,465; in 



184 HISTORY CF ILLINOIS. 

1870, 90,922. She furnished 1,810 soldiers. She is entitled to 1 
member in Congress, and 3 Presidential electors. W. W. Thayer, 
Republican, is Governor; salary, $1,500 ; term, 4 years. 

Pennsylvania. — This is the '"Keystone State," and means "Penn's 
Woods," and was so called after William Penn, its original owner. 
Its motto is, " Yirtue, liberty and independence." A colony was 
established by Penn in 1682. The State was one of the original 
thirteen. It has an area of 46,000 square miles, equaling 29,440,- 
000 acres. It had in 1860 a population of 2,906,215; and in 1870, 
3,515,993. She gave to suppress the Rebellion, 338,155. Harris- 
burg is the capital. Has 27 Representatives and 29 electors. H. 
M. Iloyt, is Governor; salary, $10,000; politics, Republican; term 
of office, 3 years. 

Rhode Island. — This, the smallest of the States, owes its name to 
the Island of Rhodes in the Mediterranean, which domain it is said 
to greatly resemble. Its motto is " Hope," and it is familiarly 
called, "Little Rliody." It was settled by Roger Williams in 1636. 
It was one of the original thirteen States. It has an area of 1,306 
square miles, or 835,840 acres. Its population in 18G0 numbered 
174,620; in 1870, 217,356. She gave to defend the Union, 23,248. 
Its capitals are Providence and Newport. Has 2 Representatives, 
and 4 Presidential electors. C. Yanzandt is Governor; politics. 
Republican; salary, $1,000; term, 1 year. 

South Carolina. — The Palmetto State wears the Latin name of 
Charles IX., of France (Carolus). Its motto is Latin, Animis 
opibiisque parati, " Ready in will and deed." The first permanent 
settlement was made at Port Royal in 1670, where the French 
Huguenots had failed three-quarters of a century before to found a 
settlement. It is one of the original thirteen States. Its capital is 
Columbia. It has an area of 29,385 square miles, or 18,^^06,400 
acres, with a population in 1860 of 703,708; in 1870, 728,000. 
Has 5 Representatives in Congress, and is entitled to 7 Presidential 
electors. Salary of Governor, $3,500; term, 2 years. 

Tennessee — Is the Indian name for the " River of the Bend," i. e_ 
the Mississippi, which forms its western boundary. She is called 
"The Big Bend State." Her motto is, " Agriculture, Commerce." 
It was settled in 1757, and admitted into the Union in 1796, mak- 
ing the si.xteenth State, or the third admitted after the Revolution- 
ary War — Yermont being the first, and Kentucky the second. It 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 185 

has an area of 45,600 square miles, or 29,184,000 acres. In 1860 
its population numbered 1,109,801, and in 1870, 1,257,983. She 
furnished 31,092 soldiers to suppress the Eebellion. Nashville is 
the capital. Has 10 Representatives, and 12 Presidential electors. 
Governor, A. S. Marks, Democrat; salary, $4,000; terra, 2 years. 

Texas — Is the American word for the Mexican name by which 
all that section of the country was known before it was ceded to the 
United States. It is known as " The Lone Star State." The first set- 
tlement was made by LaSalle in 1685. After the independence of 
Mexico in 1822, it remained a Mexican Province until 1836, when 
it gained its independence, and in 1845 was admitted into the 
Union. It has an area of 237,504 square miles, equal to 152,002,- 
560 acres. Its population in 1860 was 604,215; in 1870, 818,579. 
She gave to put down the Rebelion 1,965 soldiers. Capital, Austin. 
Has 6 Representatives, and 8 Presidential electors. Governor, 0_ 
M. Roberts, Democrat; salary, $5,000; term, 2 years. 

Vermont — Bears tlie French name of her mountains Verde Mont^ 
"Green Mountains." Its motto is "Freedom and Unity." It 
was settled in 1731, and admitted into the Union in 1791. Area 
10,212 square miles. Population in 1860, 315,098; in 1870, 330,551- 
She gave to defend the Government, 33,272 soldiers. Capital, Mont- 
pelier. Has 3 Representatives, and 5 electors. Governor, H. Fair- 
banks, Republican; term, 2 years; salary, $1,000. 

Virginia. — The Old Dominion, as this State is called, is the 
oldest of the States. It w^as named in honor of Queen Elizabeth, 
the " Virgin Queen," in whose reign Sir Walter Raleigh made his 
first attenjpt to colonize that region. Its motto is Sic semper 
tyrannis, " So always with tyrants." It was first settled at James- 
town, in 1607, by the English, being the first settlement in the 
United States. It is one of original thirteen States, and had before 
its division in 1862, 61,352 square miles, but at present contains 
but 38,352 square miles, equal to 24,545,280 acres. The population 
in 1860 amounted to 1,596,318, and in 1870 it was 1,224,830. Rich- 
mond is the capital. Has 9 Representatives, and 11 electors. Gov- 
ernor, F. W. M. Halliday, Democrat; salary, $5,500; term, 4 years. 

West Virgiiiia. — Motto, 31 onta?ii se7n-per liberi, " Mountaineers 
are always free." This is the only State ever formed, under the 
Constitution, by the division of an organized State. This was done 
in 1862, and in 1863 was admitted into the Union. It has an area of 



186 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



23.000 square miles, or 14,720,000 acres. The population in 1860 
was 376,000; in 1870 it numbered 445,616. She furnished 32,003. 
Capital, Wheeling. Has 3 Representatives in Congress, and is 
entitled to 5 Presidential electors. Tlie Governor is 11. M. Mathews, 
Democrat; term, 4 years; salary, $2,700. 

\Visconsi7i — Is an Indian name, and means "Wild-rushing 
channel." Its motto, C ivitatas successit harbarum. " The civilized 
man succeeds the barbarous." It is called " The Badger State." 
The State was visited by the French explorers in 1G65, and a settle- 
ment was made in 1669 at Green Bay. It was admitted into the 
Union in 1848. It has an area of 62,924 square miles, equal to 
34,511,360 acres. In 1860 its population numbered 775,881; in 
1870, 1,055,167. Madison is the capital. She furnished for the 
Union army 91,021 soldiers. Has 8 members in Congress, and is 
entitled to 10 Presidential electors. The Governor is W. E. Smith; 
politics. Republican; salary, $5,000; terra, 2 years. 




HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. . 187 

ILLINOIS INSTITUTE FOE DEAF AND DUMB. 

The first class of unfortunates to attract the notice of the legis- 
lature were the deaf mutes. The act establishino^ the institution for 
the education of these unfortunates was approved by Gov. Carlin, 
Feb. 23, 1839, the asylum to be located at Jacksonville. The 
original building, afterward called the south wing, was begun in 
1842, and completed in 1819, at a cost of about $25,000. A small 
portion of the building was ready for occupancy in 181:6, and on 
the 26th day of January, of that year, the Institution was formally 
opened, with Mr. Thomas Officer as principal. The first term 
opened with but four pupils, which has increased from year to year, 
until the average attendance at the present time is about 250. 

ILLINOIS INSTITUTE FOE THE INSANE. 

In response to an appeal from the eminent philanthropist, 
Miss D. L. Dix, an act establishing the Illinois Hospital 
for the Insane, was approved by Gov. French, March 1, 1847. 
Nine trustees were appointed, with power to select a site, 
purchase land, and erect buildings to accommodate 250 patients. 
On the 1st of May the board agreed upon a site, 1^ miles 
from the court-house in Jacksonville. In 1851 two wards in 
the east wing were ready for occupancy, and the first patient 
was admitted Nov. 3, 1851. In 1869 the General Assembly passed 
two acts creating the northern asylum for the insane, and the 
southern asylum for the insane, which was approved by Gov. 
Palmer, April 16, 1869. Elgin was selected as a location for the 
former, and Anna for the latter. The estimated capacity of the 
three asylums is 1,200 patients. In addition to the State institu- 
tions for the insane, tliei-e are three other asylums for their benefit, 
one in Cook county, which will accommodate about 400 patients, 
and two private institutions, one at Batavia, and one at Jack- 
sonville. 

ASYLUM FOE FEEBLE-MINDED. 

The experimental school for feeble-minded children, the first 
institution of its kind in the North-west, was created by an act 
approved, Feb. 15, 1865. It was an outgrowth of the institution 
for deaf and dumb, to which idiots are frequently sent, under a 
mistaken impression on the part of parents, that their silence 
results from inability to hear. The selection of a site for the 



1S8 IIISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

building was intrusted to seven commissioners, who, in July, 1875, 
agreed upon the town of Lincoln. The building was begun in 
1875, and completed three years later, at a cost of $154,209. The 
averaire attendance in 1S78 was 22-1. 

THE CHICAGO CHARITABLE EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY. 

The association for founding this institution was organized in 
May, 1858, and Pearson street, Chicago, selected for the erection 
of the building. In 1805 the legislature granted the institution 
a special charter, and two years later made an appropriation of 
$5,000 a year for its maintenance, and in 1871 received it into the 
circle of State institutions; thereupon the name was changed by 
the substitution of the word Illinois for Chicago. The building 
was swept away by the great fire of 1871, and three years later the 
present building was completed, at a cost of $1:2,843. 

THE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS NORMAL UNIVERSITY' 

Is located at Carbondale. This University was opened in 1874, 
and occupies one of the finest school edifices in the United States. 
It includes, besides a normal department proper, a preparatory 
department and a model school. The model school is of an 
elementary grade; the preparatory department is of the grade of a 
high school, with a course of three years. The normal course of four 
years embraces two courses, a classical and a scientific course; both 
make the study of the English language and literature quite 
prominent. 

THE ILLINOIS INDUSTRIAL UNIVERSITY, 

Located at Urbana, was chartered in 1867. It has a corps of twen- 
ty-five instructors, including professors, lecturers and assistants, 
and has an attendance of over 400 pupils. It comprises four 
colleges (1) Agriculture, (2) Engineering, (3) Natural Science, 
(4) Literature and Science. These colleges embrace twelve subor- 
dinate schools and courses of instruction, in which are taught 
domestic science and art, commerce, military science, wood engrav- 
ing, printing, telegraphy, photographing and designing. This insti- 
tution is endowed with the national land grant, and the amount of 
its productive fund is about $320,000. The value of its grounds,, 
buildings, etc., is about $640,000. It is well supplied with appara- 
tus, and has a library of over 10,000 volumes. 



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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



We now begin to chronicle the history of one of the largest and 
wealthiest, as well as the oldest, counties in the great State of Illi- 
nois. To say that our task is a most difficult one will only be 
expressing the sentiment of all who have attempted the compilation 
of local history. Only such persons can fully appreciate the em- 
barrassment arising from the multiplied perplexities that are 
continually crowding around the local historian. We shall seek to 
make this a record as detailed and accurate as accessible data will 
permit. Of course it will be impossible to gather up all of the frag- 
mentary facts of the three-score years of the county's history, of 
most which no written record was ever made, and many even 
important facts have slipped through the meshes of memory never 
to be recalled. Doubtless when the early pilgrim reads, or has 
read to him, historical items recorded in this volume, it will rekin- 
dle in memory recollections of kindred facts, not given us, and that 
otherwise would have been forever cast into the darkness of oblivion. 
Records of these items should be made as they are brought to lightj 
that the future historian may have the greater abundance of material 
from which to compile. 

Truth and accuracy will be our motto, yet that some errors will 
occur in names and dates, and even in statements, cannot be denied. 
Studious care will be taken, however, to avoid as many such inac- 
curacies as possible. 

The face of the country of this county, save that portion bordering 
on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, is mostly rich, rolling prairie, 
watered by Bay, McGee, Six Mile, Honey, Pigeon and McCraney's 



-j^92 HISTORY OF I'IKE COUNTY. 

1 o „.;tl, tliPir numerous and small tributaries, along which are 
creeks, witli then nume ou^ ^ farmers have planted artificial 

extensive bodies ot timbe . Ji^'j^.f "^^^f/j^i/^,,, L,d the effect of 

Sow Z'rt'^he,, Ebene.er Franklin, with f ^ft-" 3^, "-^^^^ 

, . . , 1 1 rpi.^^ flipcp nrairies were a vast wiiuernt;&& 

of our national Government tor. ^^^^^':^^:^;i:Z 
lrwi;i;^v'ex:4TirWt'^'pe^^^^^^^^^ I'-ers ana townsmen, 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 193 

busy in the affairs of domestic life. Thus yoiir historian has no 
startling tales to tell. 

" Still as the current of your own gentle river, Illinois, with a 
few swells in the stream of life, when wars waged beyond the lim- 
its of the present county called off our men to war, has been the life 
of your people. Industry has prevailed. Education has had its 
marked influence, and the holy gospel, taught in its beauty and 
simplicity, has pervaded every walk in life. Crime has, notwith- 
standing, been perpetrated, to be brought generally to condign 
punishment. Such is generally the end of those who violate the 
laws, human and divine. 

" This county, once embracing the fairest portion of the once 
Eden-like State of Illinois, yet retaining within her limits land 
beautiful to look upon, desirable to inhabit, and famed for her fair 
daughters, her gallant sons, prosperous farmers and mechanics, able 
professional men and legislators, her present territory equal yet 
almost to some of the old thirteen States, owes much, if not all, of 
this to the patriotism and foresight of the Revolutionary fathers. 

" Contemplate the vastness of Pike county as she was when organ- 
ized by the act of the Legislature of 1821, in these words: 

Section 1. — Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois represented in 
the General Assembly, That all that tract of country within the following bounda- 
ries, to wit : beginning at the mouth of the Illinois river and running thence up 
the middle of said river to the fork of the same, thence up the south fork of said 
river until it strikes the State line of Indiana, thence north with said line to the 
north boundary line of this State, thence west with said line to the western bound- 
ary line of this State, and thence with said line to the place of beginning, shall 
constitute a separate county to be called Pike. 

" To repeat the extent of the boundaries: On the south, begin at 
the junction of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, then follow the 
Illinois to the fork of the same, meaning the Kankakee, thence to 
the line of the State of Indiana, thence north and west embracing 
the territory from Chicago, following on the line of Wisconsin to 
the Mississippi river, including the famed lead mines of Galena, 
and to the channel of the Mississippi, thence descending to the 
place of beginning. 

" First note the beautiful, still gliding river, the Illinois, then 
observe the majestic Father of Waters; traverse all this territory, 
great in extent, formerlj^ the home of savage tribes of Indians, the 
land marked by the tread of the buffalo and dotted over with the 
graves and mounds, the relics of extinct races, the fierce brute crea- 
tion and game and fish abounding, prairies illimitable, adorned 
with flowers of gorgeous hues, fruits delicious in profusion and great 
variety, forests of vast size filled with gigantic trees and of many 
species, rivers bounding unfettered by man's contrivances; then no 
locks and dams existed thereon, fish in myriads were the dwellers 
in those rivers, — and these all existed in 1821, when Pike county 
was struck off by name from the older settlements and the few 
counties then existing in Illinois. 



194 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY, 

"Pike county lias been the mother of States to the west of Illi- 
nois. Having a ]Moneer population of an enterprising turn, large 
numbers have emigrated together to Oregon, Texas and California 
and other remote points, following the star of empire. Many estima- 
ble farmers who once lived in Pike have gone further east in Illi- 
nois and settled in the prairie counties. 

•'The health of this county is almost invariably good excepting 
in lowlands where some malarious disease comes on at times. Lon- 
gevity exists, to a marked degree and children fairly swarm. Pros- 
perity and fine crops are the general results of industry." 

ANTE-riONEER HISTORY. 

Before proceeding further in detailing the immediate history of 
the county, we desire to mention a few important facts relative to 
the earliest history of this section of the State. In 1673 the great 
French exi)lorers, Marquette and Joliet, passed down the Missis- 
sippi and up the Illinois in their canoes, on their first famous voy- 
age down the great Father of Waters. Seven years later, Jan . 3, 
1680, LaSalle, with his little band of Frenchmen, came down the 
Illinois river as far as Peoria lake, landed upon the opposite shore, 
and erected a fort — Fort Creve-coeur. This fort was soon evacuated 
and destroyed, yet the enterprising Frenchmen continued among 
the Indians as traders. They exerted no perceptible civilizing influ- 
ence, however, upon the red-skins: indeed, by life and inter-mar- 
riage among them, they became in all respects more and more like 
them, until their identity was almost lost. 

Year after year rolled by until almost a century and a half had 
passed since LaSalle stepped ashore from his skiff, before the abo- 
rigines who occupied the territory embraced within the present 
boundary of Pike county were molested by the encroachments of the 
white man. Generation after generation of natives appeared upon 
the wild scenes of savage life, .roamed the forest and prairie, and. 
glided over the beautiful, placid Illinois and Mississippi rivers in 
their log and bark canoes, and passed away. Still the advance of 
civilization, the steady westward tread of the Anglo-Saxon, disturbed 
them not. The buffalo, deer, bear and wolf roamed the prairie and 
woodland, the Indian their only enemy. But nature had destined 
better things for this fertile reg-ion. She had b'een too lavish in the 
distribution of natural advantages to leave it longer in the peaceable 
possession of those who had for centuries refused to develop, even 
in the slightest degree, any of her great resources. She accordingly 
directed hitherward the footsteps of the industrious, enterprising 
pioneer; and so fertile was the soil and so beautiful the flowers, so 
sparkling were the streams and shady the groves, that, in advance of 
all the surrounding country, the pioneers sought and settled the 
timber land and prairie of Pike county. 

The thrilling scenes through which the pioneer settlers passed in 
the settlement of this portion of Illinois must ever awaken emotions 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 195 

of warmest regard for them. To pave the way for those who fol- 
lowed after them, to make their settlement in the West a pleasure, 
they bore the flood-tide wave of civilization; they endured all, suf- 
fered all. But few of these spirits now survive; they have passed 
away full of years and honors, leaving their cliildren, and children's 
children and strangers to succeed them and enjoy the fruits of the 
toil, privations and savings of their long and eventful lives. 

Life with them is o'er, their labors all are done, 
And others reap the harvest that they won. 

Too great honor cannot be accorded them, and we regret that we 
have not the data to speak more fully and definitely of them, their 
personal experiences, their lives and their characters. 

FIKST AMEEICAN SETTLEMENTS. 

Coming on down through the years for over a century, we wish 
to speak ot the first American settlements in the State, as an intro- 
^^^f ^'•^^*^ ^^^^ more immediate history of the original Pike county 

ihe first settlement made within the borders of the great State 
of 11 mois by citizens of the United States was in ITStl, when a few 
families from Virginia founded a small colony or settlement near 
Bellefontaine, m Monroe county. The next American settlement 
was made in St. Clair county, two of which were made prior to the 
year 1800. ^ 

The first American settlers in Illinois were chiefly from Ken- 
tucky Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Tennessee and some 
from xMaryland. Some of these had served with Gen. Clark, who 
conquered the country from the British in 1778. This whole people 
did not number more than 12,000 in 1812, but with the aid of one 
company of regular soldiers defended themselves and their settle- 
ments against the numerous and powerful nations of Kickapoos, 
Sacs l^oxes, Pottawatomies and Shawnees, and even made hostile 
expeditions into the heart of their country, burning their villages 
and defeating and driving them from the territory. 

When the State was admitted in 1818 the settlements extended 
a little north of Edwardsville and Alton; south along the Missis- 
sippi to the mouth of the Ohio; east in the direction of Carlysle to 
the Wabash, and down the Wabash and Ohio to the conjunction of 
the Ohio and Mississippi. Such was the extent of the'settlement 
in Illinois when the Territory was clothed with State honors. 

There were but 15 organized counties represented in the conven- 
tion to frame the first Constitution. These were St. Clair, Ran- 
dolph, Madison, Gallatin, Johnson, Edwards, White, Monroe, Pope 
Jackson, Crawford, Bond, Union, Washington and Franklin. The 
last three were the youngest counties, and were formed in 1818. 

ORIGINAL PIKE COUNTY. 

Pike county was the first or second county organized after the 
btate was admitted into the Union. It was erected Jan. 31, 1821, 



196 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

and -included all of the territory west and north of the Illinois 
river, and its south fork, now the Kankakee river. At the first 
election in Pike county after its organization only 35 votes were 
polled, even though it did extend over the entire northern part of 
the State, and out of which more than fiftv counties have since been 
organized. 

A " Gazetteer of Illinois and Wisconsin," published about 1822, 
says that the county " included a part of the lands appropriated by 
Congress for the ])aynient of military bounties. The lands con- 
stituting that tract are included within a ])eninsula of the Illinois 
and the Mississippi, and extend on the meridian line (-Ith), passing 
through the mouth of the Illinois, 162 miles north. Pike county 
will no doubt be divided into several counties; some of which will 
become very wealthy and important. It is probable that the sec- 
tion about Fort Clark (now Peuria) will be the most thickly settled. 
On the Mississippi river, above Rock river, lead ore is found in 
abundance. Pike county contains between 700 and 800 inhabi- 
tants. It is attached to the first judicial circuit, sends one mem- 
ber to the House of Representatives, and, with Greene, one to the 
Senate. The county-seat is Cole's Grove, a post town. It was laid 
out in 1821 and is situated in township 11 south, in range 2 west 
of the fourth principal meridian; v^ery little improvement has yet 
been made in this place or vicinity. The situation is high and 
healthy and bids fair to become a place of some importance." 

Thus the historian of three-score years ago speaks of Pike county 
as it was in its orio^inal masfiiitude and wildness. How chang-ed 
is the face of the country since then! Who could have foretold 
its future greatness with any deerree of knowledo^e or certaintv! 

We deem it within the province of this work to speak of the 
earliest settlement of all this vast region. Much of it was settled 
prior to that portion contained within the present boundaries of 
the county, and as it was for many years a ])art of Pike county it 
is proper we should refer to it, briefly, at least. 

The earliest history and the first occupation of the original Pike 
county are enshrouded in almost impenetrable obscurity. After 
the lapse of more than three-quarters of a centurv, the almost total 
absence of records, and the fact that the whites who visited or 
lived in this region prior to 1820 are all dead, render it iuipossible 
now to determine with any degree of certainty the name of him 
who is entitled to the honor of being recorded as "first settler." 
Perhaps the first man who sojourned within the Military Tract 
lived in what is now Calhoun county. He went there about 1801, 
and lived for years before any other settler came, and remained 
alone and unknown for a loTig time after the first pioneers moved 
into that section. His home was a cave dug out by himself, and 
was about a quarter of a mile from the Mississi])pi river. In 1850 
the boards of his cave floor were dug up and the ground leveled. 
Who he was or where he came from was known only to himself, 
for he refused all intercourse with the settlers. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 197 

Tlie next settlers, perhaps, were French trappers and half-breeds 
who formed quite a large colony on the Illinois river near the Deer 
Plains Ferrj, Calhoun county. These remained there until the 
great high water of 1815 or 1818, which drove them away. Andrew 
Judy lived at this point at a very early day. Major Roberts settled 
in Calhoun county in June, 1811. He came from Ohio. John 
Shaw came into that county at a very early day and was one of the 
leading men in the organization of Pike county, and for some time 
was County Commissioner. lie settled at Gilead, the site of the 
original countj^-seat of Pike county. He was the most noted and 
influential man in his dav of all in all this region. He carried on 
farming, stock-raising, and conducted a store, and engaged in poli- 
tics very largely. His influence was so great that he was able to 
rule the county indirectly, which he did for many years. He was 
denominated the " Black Prince," on account of his having great 
sway over the community. It is said that he had control over a 
large band of half-breeds, with which and his numerous other hench- 
men he controlled the elections, and carried everj" measure he de- 
sired. He forged deeds, even by the quire, doctored poll books, 
etc. So great was his influence and at the same time so injurious 
to the settlers that the public issue was gotten up in its politics, of 
"Shaw," or "Anti-Shaw," and not until there was a great and united 
struggle that John Shaw lost his supremacy. 

There was a man by the name of Davison who was found living 
as a hermit a few miles above the mouth of Spoon viver on its 
banks by the first settlers in Fulton county. He was a physician 
and a man of culture and refinement. How long he had resided 
there before discovered by the whites is not known, but evidently 
for many years, as the shrubberj- and trees that he had planted 
had grown quite large. He was selected as one of the first grand 
jurors for the Circuit Court of Pike county. He refused all inter- 
course with the whites, and about 1824 put his effects in a canoe, 
paddled down Spoon I'iver and up the Illinois to Starved Kock, 
where he lived in obscurity until he died, which was a few years 
afterward. 

In 1778 the French made a settlement at the upper end of Peoria 
lake. The country in the vicinity of this lake was called by the 
Indians Phn-i-te-wi^ that is, a place where there are many fat 
beasts. Here the town of Laville de Meillet, named after its 
founder, was started. Within the next twenty years, however, the 
town was moved down to the lower end of the lake to the present 
site of Peoria. In 1812 the town was destroyed and the inhabi- 
tants carried away by Captain Craig. In 1813 Fort Clark was 
erected there by Illinois troops engaged in the war of 1812. Five 
years later it was destroyed by fire. Some American settlers, how- 
ever, early came into this neighborhood. These were mostly sol- 
diers of the war of 1812 who had been given bounty-land for their 
services and had come to possess it. An old veteran of that war 
by the name of Wm. Blanchard came to Peoria in 1819, soon 



198 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

moved over tlie river into Tazewell county, and in 1830 moved just 
over the line into Woodford, and is still living there, perhaps the 
oldest livinof settler north of the mouth of the Illinois river. 

The first permanent settlement by the whites in all Northwestern 
Illinois, of which any record or reliable knowledge now remains, 
existed about 1820 on the banks of the river now known as the 
Galena. This river was then known as Feve, or Bean river. The 
Indian name for the river was Mah-cau-bee, the fever that blisters, 
and was named from the fact of the Indians having small-pox here. 
Hundreds of the natives died and they gave the names of Big 
Small-Pox river and Little Small-Pox river to the streams upon 
which they lived. The tormer was changed by the whites to the 
more pleasant name of Fever river; the smaller is still known as 
Small-Pox creek. Galena was known as " Fever River Settle- 
ment," and we find frequent mention of it in the old Commis- 
sioners' Court records. Jplin S. Miller, who was perhaps the first 
settler there, and Moses Meeker, perhaps the next, often applied to 
the court at Cole's Grove for licenses, recommendations to the 
Governor to be appointed Justice of the Peace, etc. 

Fever river was also known in an early day by the name of Bean 
river, from the French name. Riviere au Feve, given it by the early 
traders and adventurers. This section of country is referred to 
in the "Gazetteer of Illinois and Missouri," a work published in 
1822 and now very rare, as follows: 

^^ Bean river (Riviere au Feve, Fr.), a navigable stream of Pike 
county, emptying into the Mississippi three miles below Cat-Fish 
creek, and 20 miles below Dubuque's mines, and about 70 above 
Rock river. Nine miles up this stream a small creek empties into 
it from the west. The banks of this creek, and the hills which 
hound its alluvium, are filled with lead ore of the best quality. 
Three miles below this on the banks of Bean river is the Traders' 
Village, consisting of ten or twelve houses or cabins. At this 
place the ore procured from the Indians is smelted and then sent 
in boats either to Canada or New Orleans. The lands on this stream 
are poor, and are only valuable on account of the immense quanti- 
ties of minerals which they contain." 

In "the same work Chicago is simply mentioned as "a village of 
Pike county, containing 12 or 15 houses and about 60 or TO inhab- 
itants." Fort Dearborn had been built there in 1804, but so far 
was it in the wilderness that when the massacre of the garrison in 
1812 occurred many days elapsed before it was known to the near- 
est white settlement. There was also a fort and military garrison 
on the Mississippi river where Warsaw is now located. This was 
known as Fort Edwards, and the name also occurs frequently in 
the old records of Pike county. One of the main wagon-roads, and 
one upon which the Commissioners expended much -time and 
money, was known as the Fort Edwards road. 

By 1820 to 1825 many settlements had sprung up through Central 
Illinois, but scarcely before 1830 was there any considerable num- 



HISTORY OF PIKE. COUNTY. 199 

ber of whites living north of the north line of the present bound- 
ary of Pike county. It is true, prior to that Adams, Fulton and 
Schuyler counties had been organized, but they were very thinly 
populated. By 1830 and after the close of the Black Hawk war in 
1832 and the' expulsion of the Indians the northern part of the 
State settled up quite rapidly. 

THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF PIKE COUNTY AS IT IS AT PRESENT, 

We now come to a period in the history of the settlement of this 
county when we will restrict ourselves to the present boundaries of 
Pike "county. The few broken references to the settlement of the 
Military Tract and Northern Illinois we offer as a slight historic 
token to the grand old original Pike county — to Pike county as it 
was in its primitive days. They are brief and scattering, but, 
owing to the fact, as previously remarked, that there are no records 
extant, and that the earliest pioneers have passed away, it is impos- 
sible to give more, other than to elaborate and enlarge on the facts 
already stated, which we will not do for want of space. 

Prior to the coming of the first settler to Pike county there had 
often been French traders, hunters and travelers passing through 
the native forests and crossing the wild and beautiful prairies. They 
pitched their tent for the night, and amid the vast wilderness, 
inhabited only by wild beasts and the native red man, rested their 
weary limbs only to move at the early dawn. The first individual 
of whom we have account, and this is traditionary, that settled in 
Pike county as it is, or who made it his home for any considerable 
time, was J. B. Teboe (Tibault), a Canadian Frenchman. He came 
somewhere during the period between 1817 and 1819, and occupied 
a cabin on the banks of the Illinois river, situated on what is now 
section 33, Flint township. There is no doubt this man was in that 
locality prior to 1820. He lived as a hunter, and for a time we 
think ran a ferry, but whether he is entitled to the honor of being 
termed the "first settler" we very much doubt. He, it seems, 
tilled no land and made no permanent abode, nor had a family. He 
was killed at Milton in 184:4. 

FRANKLIN AND SHINN THE FIRST SETTLERS. 

The- man who may properly be denominated the first settler of 
Pike county was Ebenezer Franklin. He came to the county in 
March, 1820, and first stopped upon the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 27, half a mile east from where Atlas was afterward located 
and up "Jockey Hollow." He brought with him his family, con- 
sisting of his wife, son and three daughters, besides a Mr. Israel 
Waters. This gentleman afterward moved to Adams county. 
When Franklin first came he found no neighbor with whom he 
could stop until he had reared his cabin. He was obliged to pitch 
his tent and gather his family around him in his tented mansion 
provided with the meager and rude furniture he brought with hira 



200 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

and what he constructed after his arrival. There is no doubt the 
family suffered from the chilling winds of early spring, but they 
were sturdy pioneers and withstood the privations and hardships as 
became true pioneers. He resided in his tent until May, when he 
erected a rude log cabin. 

The next settler to come in after Franklin was Daniel Shinn. 
He came from Batavia, Ohio, and arrived about the last of A])ril, 
1820. On his way here he stopped at Edwardsville, where he left 
most of his lai-ge famil3% which consisted of a wife and eight chil- 
dren: Benjamin, John, Eliza, Hannah, Mary, Phebe, Daniel and 
Nancy. John AVebb, now living five miles cast of Pittsfield, then 
only six years of age, came with them. Mr. Webb is now the oldest 
living settler in the county by four years, that is, he came to the 
county four years prior to any other man now living in the county. 
Mr. Shinn was the lirst man who brought a wagon into Pike county, 
probably the first to the Military Tract. He settled near Mr. 
Franklin, and the two lived in tents until May, when they both 
erected cabins, aiding one another in their labors. Mr. Shinn with 
two of his sons cleared a piece of ground and planted three acres of 
Corn. It took but comparatively little labor to raise grain, but to 
have it ground or prepared for food was a hard task. At this early 
^ay there were no mills within reach of these early pilgrims. The 
first mill they had to go to was a horse-mill run by John Shaw in 
Calhoun county. Mr. Franklin erected his cabin upon the south- 
east quarter of section 22, Atlas township, or what is now Atlas, 
three-fourths of a mile from Atlas and about 150 yards north of 
where the road has since run. Many years ago, even, the place was 
covered with a spindling growth of young trees. 

Mr. Shinn located as a near neighbor to Mr. Franklin. He 
became a great wolf-hunter, prompted by the fact of his being una- 
ble to raise stock, owing to their ravages. He lost 200 pigs by 
that ra])acious animal, and resolved to make war upon them. He 
finall}^ succeeded in raising fine hogs by shutting them up in a 
close log stable from their earliest pighood. 

The Shinn family were originally from New Jersey. On their 
way West they stopped for awhile at Cincinnati, where they fol- 
lowed gardening. After a long and useful life Mr. Shinn died at a 
little over 70 years of age, while on a visit to his daughter at Pitts- 
field in 1852. He took an active part in the early history of the 
county. 

THE COMING OF THE ROSSES. 

In the year 1820 there also came, from Pittsfield, Mass., the 
Rosses: William (Col.), Clarendon, Leonard (Capt.), and Henry J. 
(Dr.); also Samuel Davis, Wm. Sprague and Joseph Cogswell, all 
settling in or near Atlas .Leonard had been Captain in the war of 
1812, and William obtained his title afterward by having been ap- 
pointed Colonel of Illinois militia. Davis was a bee-hunter, who 
built fur himself and large family a log cabin on section 16. Two 



\ 



HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 201 

years afterward he moved into Missouri. Most of these men 
brought their families to their new homes the following February, 
having previously left them at Alton. Mr. Cogswell was from 
Berkshire, Mass. 

The Rosses in coming West had a tedious journey. They came 
by flat-boats down the Alleghany and Ohio rivers, and by wagons 
from Shawneetown to Upper Alton, where at that time but one 
house existed, occupied by Major Hunter. Here they left their 
families, and coming northward, they found an Indian camp at the 
mouth of the Illinois river, where they split puncheons and laid 
them across two canoes and thus safely carried over their wagons. 
The horses were made to swim alongside. Continuing up the Mis- 
sissippi bottom they marked the trees as they went, for there were 
no roads and nothing to guide them but an occasional Indian trail. 
They arrived at section 27 in township 6 south and 5 west, "' at 
last," whence, according to tradition, the name "Atlas." Some 
wished to name the place '' Charlotte," after a certain lady in the 
company. This beautiful land of prairie and timber charmed the 
immigrants, and they at once set to work their energies and con- 
structed a camp to shelter themselves while preparing quarters for 
their families. They hurried up four rough log cabins, knowing 
that Indians were numerous and that probably not more than five 
white men were within 50 miles of them east of the Mississippi. 

SEBLEY, m'gIFFIN AND NEWMAN. 

James M. Seele^', father of Dr. Seeley, of Pittsiield, came to this 
county about this time. Charles McGiffin and Levi Newman set- 
tled on this side of the Mississippi river opposite Louisiana on a 
slough called " McGiffin's Slough," but not known by that name 
now; but they had no families. McGiffin died two years afterward 
and Newman moved over into Morgan county. 

JOHN AND JEREMIAH KOSS, BROWN, WOOD AND KEYES. 

In 1821, John and Jeremiah Ross, brothers of the preceding' 
Rufus ]3rown, John Wood (afterward State Governor) and Willard 
Keyes arrived at Atlas. Here Brown kept a tavern, but he and 
these two Rosses and Mr. Wood removed to_^dams county. When 
they first came to Pike county Wood and Keyes first settled on the 
16th section just below New Canton and kept bachelor's hall on the 
bank of a creek, subsequently named "Keyes " creek, after one of 
these men. They had a few hogs, two yoke of oxen and a small 
iron plow, by which latter they broke up a piece of ground before 
building a cabin. In three or four years they sold out and went to 
Adams county, where Wood founded the city of Quincy. He was 
then a young man, vigorous and ambitious. One day he, with 
William Ross, the founder of Atlas, and Capt. Ross, the Sheriff" of 
Pike county, were traveling over the country north and west of this 
county, but then within its borders. When nearing the Mississippi 



202 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

river he told his companions to follow him and he would show them 
where he was going to build a city. They went about a mile off the 
main trail when they reached the present site of the city of Quincy. 
The view presented to the trio of sturdy frontiersmen was a magnifi- 
cent one. The hand of the white man had never touched the soil, 
or disturbed the beautiful decorations of nature. Below them swept 
the Father of Waters yet unburdened by steam navigation. Mr, 
Wood tried to show his companions the advantages the location 
had, but Mr. Ross, thoroughly interested in building up his own 
town of Atlas and so sanguine of its future greatness, that the beau- 
tiful and excellent location selected by Mr, Wood was completely 
overshadowed by that enjoyed by his village. Mr, Wm. Ross con- 
gratulated his young friend and hoped he would make of his town 
a success, but he despaired of it ever amounting to much, for, as he 
remarked to the Governor, "It's too near Atlas." 

OTHER SETTLERS, 

In 1821 there also came to the county James McDonald, who 
settled opposite Louisiana, on Sny Island, and kept a ferry. He 
opened the first farm on the road between Atlas and Louisiana, but 
floods drowned him out. He was from Washington county, N. Y., 
and his family consisted of himself, wife and four daughters. The 
next spring he was found dead at his ferry, supposed to have been 
murdered. Joseph Jackson afterwtrd married his widow. 

In the summer of 1821, Garrett Yan Deusen came to the county ' 
and settled on the Illinois river near the old Griggsville Landing. 
He was the first settler on the east side of the county except two 
transient French families, who had located some distance below. 
He erected the second band-mill in the county, the first having been 
put up by Col. Ross, at Atlas. 

THE " SICKLY SEASON." 

The summer of 1821 sorely tried the hearts of the sturdy settlers 
in and about Atlas. That was a sickly season and scarcely a family 
but followed some of its members to the newly made cemetery, 
until over one-half the entire population were numbered with the 
dead. The prevailing cause of the visitation of such a calamity to 
the settlers was the malaria emanating from the vegetable decay of 
the newly broken prairie and the decomposition of immense quan- 
tities of lisli in tiie ponds below tlie town. The victims of this 
dreadful malady were laid in cofiins made from bass-wood puncheons, 
hollowed out and consigned to earth in a grave-yard near Franklin's 
first location, and about 400 yards west of Shinn's. The bones and 
dust of 80 persons now lie buried there, and at present there is not 
a stone or head-board, or any signs whatever of its being a cemetery. 
There was no physician nearer than Louisiana during this scourge, 
and with this fact, and taking into consideration the poor facilities 
the settlers had for providing for and nursing the sick, it remains 
no wonder that so many died. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 203 

During this year Col. Ross built a small brick house, the first in 
the countj. Two years afterward he erected a much larger brick 
structure adjoining it. 

FIRST PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. 

This year also the first court-house in the county was built. 
Daniel Shinn took the contract for cutting and hauling the logs, at 
$6, and for $26 he got out the puncheons and finished the building. 
It was completed without nails or iron in any shape. It was 16 by 
18 feet in dimensions, with one door and two windows, the door on 
the east side, one window on the south side and another on the west 
side; desks made of puncheons; chimney outside; and the clap- 
boards of the roof held on with weight-poles and knees. There 
were no trees around the house, but plenty of hazel-brush in the 
vicinity. 

This year the first school was taught in the county, by John Jay 
Ross, son of Capt. Leonard Ross. It was kept in the court-house, 
and the names of his pupils were, so far as remembered, Orlando, 
Charlotte, Schuyler, Mary Emily and Elizabeth Ross, Benjamin, 
John, Eliza and Phoebe Shinn, John Webb, Frederick and Eliza 
Franklin, Jeremiah and William Tungate, James, Laura and Nancy 
Sprague. James W. Whitney taught the next school, which was 
also at Atlas. 

A FEW MORE OF THE EARLIEST PILGRIMS. 

About this time Dexter Wheelock and wife settled at Atlas, where 
for a time he kept a hotel and a general store. He had been a 
drummar in the war of 1812, and' was an active and generous man. 
He died many years ago, and his son, John G. Wheelock, has been 
a prominent citizen of the county. 

The spring of 1822 two brothers named Buchanan settled at "Big 
Spring." A Mr. Allen (father of Lewis) came to the county this 
year, and was probably the first settler in the neighborhood of Mil- 
ton. His wife was a sister of the celebrated Daniel Boone. An 
old gentleman named Clemmons also settled about this time near 
Milton, where his sons now reside. Joel Moore, now living two 
miles north of Pittsfield, on Bay creek, was the first settler on that 
stream. 

This year Mr. Franklin sold out his place near Atlas, to Col. 
Ross, for $30 or $40, and removed to a point a little south of Pitts- 
field, where Mr. Allen now lives; he sold out here again ere long 
to Mr. Groodin, and located near Milton, on a prairie called after 
him, " Franklin's Prairie;" and this home too he subsequently sold, 
removing this time to Perry. He died in Milton in 1878. 

Mr. Hoskins (father of John) came to the county soon after the 
Ross family. 

FIRST WHITE CHILD BORN IN THE COUNTY. 

The first white person born in this county was Nancy Ross, 
daughter of Col. Wm. Ross, born May 1, 1822! She died JSTov. 18 



204 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

of the same year at Atlas. Some say, however, that there was a 
white person born in this county some time previous to this; liow 
true that is we cannot state authoritatively. 

TRIP TO LOUISIANA. 

The first settlers suffered much from want of provision, as well as 
from the loTieliness of their wilderness homes. Durini; the vear 
1822, Franklin and Shinn, getting out of provisions, started to Lou- 
isiana for a supply. On arriving at the river they gave the cus- 
tomary signal for the ferryman to come over after tliem, but could 
not make him hear. Being strong and fearless they undertook to 
swim the great river, even with their clothing on. They buffeted 
the waves well for a time, and made good progress, but unfortu- 
nately Mr. Shinn took the cramp, and came near drowning, and 
would have drowned if it had not been for his companion's pres- 
ence of mind. Franklin, by beating him, got him out of the cramp.. 
In order to make further progress, however, they were compelled 
to divest themselves of their clothing. After a long, hard and dan- 
gerous struggle they finally landed upon the Missouri shore, about 
three-quarters of a mile below town, but void of clothing. They 
made their presence known, however, and were soon furnished with 
clothing. 

CRIMINAL DROWNED. 

During this same year (1822) a man by the name of Franklin, 
not Ebenezer, stole a gun from a Mr. Hume. In making away with 
it in his haste he was unfortunate enough to lose it while swimming 
McGee's creek. He was pursued, caught, and in a very summary 
trial before Col. Ross, Justice of the Peace, was sentenced to have 
25 lashes laid upon his bare back. This punishment being inflicted 
(and we are told he bore it nobly), he was given his liberty. He 
soon committed another crime, however, was caught, but broke from 
custody. The pioneers were full of pluck, and when they set out to 
accomplish anything they generally did it, at whatever price. He 
was tracked to Fort Edwards (now Warsaw) and again captured. 
They had no jail or place to confine such a cunning fellow with any 
safety; so it was determined to send him to the jail at Edwardsville. 
Constable Farr and John Wood (ex-Governor) took ciiarge of him 
to convey him to Edwardsville. Knowing he would take advan- 
tage of every opportunity to escape, they lashed him to the back of 
a mule, by tying liis feet underneath. They came to a creek on 
their journey, and the young man thinking that an excellent oppor- 
tunity to escape, plunged in, even against the threatenings of his 
escort. Pie heeded them not, but yelled back that he would "go to 
h — 1 and kick the gate open for them. " The water was high and 
before the mule had reached the farther shore he went down be- 
neath the waves, carrying with him his rider. Both were drowned. 
Franklin's body was rescued and buried upon the bank of the creek. 
When Messrs. Farr and Wood returned to Atlas, Col. Ross asked 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 205 

them where their prisoner was, they had returned so quickly. " Oh, 
we've drowned him," was their indifferent reply. " You have to 
account for him in some way according to law, you know," said CoL 
Koss. "Oh, yes," they as^ain replied, "we've drowned him." 
Franklin's bones were some time afterward taken up and wired to- 
gether by JDr. Yandeventer, and the skeleton is now in the posses- 
sion of his family at Yersailles, 111. 

BISSELL, HUSONG, NICH0LA.S AND MATTHEWS. 

In 1823 Alfred Bissell came to tlie county and located at -JSTew 
Hartford, or rather, "nearly a mile north of the present town. Mr. 
Bissell raised the first apples in Pike county. He finally sold out 
to a Mr. Brown, some of whose family still reside upon the place. 
Daniel Husong came to the county the same year, also an old 
man by the name of Nicholas, who was the first settler near High- 
land. Another gentleman, Mr. John Matthews, who was consid- 
erably advanced in life, the father of B. L. Matthews, and the 
grandfather of Col. Matthews, came and located north of Griggs 
ville. 

After this period settlers came in rapidly, and it is quite impos- 
sible for us to note the advent of each one. That will be done to a 
very great extent in our townsliip histories. 

FIRST FOURTH-OF-JULY CELEBRATION. 

The first Fourth-of-July celebration ever held in Pike county, 
and p-obably in the Military Tract, was held at Atlas in 1823. 
Col. Ross thus speaks of it in a letter written at the time to a 
friend in the East, which is still preserved: "July 4, 1823.— The 
first celebration of the Fourth of July was held in Atlas, Pike 
county, 111. Oration delivered by Nicholas Hanson, of Albany, 
N. Y. The Declaration of Independence was read. There was an 
audience of about fifty persons, who afterward partook of an excel- 
lent dinner prepared by Rufus Brown at his tavern. The audience 
marched in procession after dinner. A jolly good time was had 
drinking toasts, etc., and 'all went merry as a marriage belf;' this 
being the first celebration ever held in Pike county, or in this Mil- 

itary Tract." 

This Rufus Brown, spoken of, subsequently removed to Quincy, 
where he built a log house on the lot where the Quincy House now 
stands. After living in Quincy for a time, he pulled up and moved 
further We?t, and has since died. 

FIRST JAIL AND VISIT OF THE INDIANS. 

1824. — This year the first jail at Atlas was built. Daniel 
Husong hewed the logs and Daniel Shinn did most of the work on 
the building. The door was four inches thick. Wrought spikes 
were used, and for hinges bars were employed which were as thick 
as a man's arm. The only window was a hole about the size of a 



206 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

pane of glass. The logs were a foot square and " scotched " down, 
and the place for ushering in prisoners was in the roof. It was a 

food jail, however, — even better, some think, than the jail at 
'ittsfield some years ago. The old Atlas jail building is still in 
existence, but has been removed to near the Levee and is consider- 
ably dilapidated. 

This year old Keokuk and 500 ot his men, on their way to fight 
Indians below St. Louis, stopped on the Sny near Atlas, over night, 
and had a war dance. They had sent to the whites at Atlas a 
notice in advance that they intended them no harm. Keokuk was 
a fine-looking man, it is said, while Black Hawk, who also fre- 
quently visited this region, was rather a small man, with one eye. 

FIRST MALE CHILD BORN IN THE COUNTY, 

Nov. 11, 1824, Marcellus Ross was born, a son to Col. Wm. 
Ross at Atlas, the first white male child born in Pike county. It 
is stated, liowever, in Mr. Grimshaw's historical sketch, that a son 
to Ebenezer Franklin was born before this, and still others say 
that a son was born before this date in the family of Mr. Ward. In 
the proceedings of the Old Settlers' Association it is stated that 
Rev. John Hopkins, of New Hartford, was born in Pike county 
May 30, 1822; that he attended school at Atlas when there were 
but five scholars, and that he bound after the first reaper in the 
county. In July, 1836, Col. William Ross and family removed to 
Pittsfield, where he remained until his death, and where Marcellus 
still resides. 

COL. BARNEY. 

In 1826 there came to Atlas, from Berkshire, Mass., that eminent 
man. Col. Benjamin Barney, who still survives, residing at Barry. 
He "was a man of great physical powers, of strong natural sense, 
benevolent, patriotic, not learned in book lore, but wise in that 
which made him a leader in trying times; was sober, industrious 
and always at his post. His tales of early adventure are marvelous, 
and yet undoubtedly true." — Grimshaw. He was born in Septem- 
ber, 1795, emigrated first to Sandusky, O., and afterward was one 
of the first five settlers in Seneca county in that State. In Ohio 
he married Minerva Harris, who died in 1849. He was the first 
blacksmith in Pike county, and probably the first in the whole 
Military Tract. He made the first plow ever made in this county, 
and was for a long time known as " the county blacksmith." He 
was induced to stop at Atlas mainly on account of his being offered 
the position of Deputy Sheriff by Capt. Ross, the newly elected 
Sheriff. Col. Barnej' bore a prominent part in the Black Hawk 
war, and his life has all along been so identified with the history 
of Pike county that his name will occur frequently in this volume. 




^ t^/^ A-^^r^x-L-i) 




BARRY 



-] 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 209 

COL. barney's trip to OARROLLTON. 

Daring this age of quick transit we often speak of mail " facili- 
ties," but for pioneer times it would be more appropriate to say 
mail " difficulties." It must be borne in mind that it cost 25 cents 
for the early pilgrims who came to this country to get a letter from 
their friends in the East or South, and then the mails came only at 
long intervals. Col. Barney relates a bit of experience as a mail- 
carrier in early day, which is quite thrilling. 

There had been no mail received at Atlas for about six weeks. 
The Illinois river was high, and filled with running ice so that it 
was impossible to cross it with any degree of safety. Capt. Ross 
was postmaster at Atlas, the only place in the county where there 
was a postoffice, and he as well as the other settlers were exceed- 
ingly anxious to get the mail from Carrollton, the point from 
which the Pike county mail was brought. Carrollton is on the east 
side of the river and 40 miles distant from Atlas. Postmaster 
Ross had made liberal offers to induce some one to go after the 
mail, but none had yet succeeded in getting it. The six dollars he 
had offered was a great motive, and at least three men at different 
times had attempted the trip, but could get no further than the 
Illinois river, and would return discoui-aged. At last, becoming 
exceedingly anxious to hear from the outside world, Mr. Ross made 
the very liberal offer of ten dollars to any one who would carry the 
mail to Carrollton and return with the mail from that point. This 
offer was made Saturday night, and Col. Barney resolved to attempt 
to win the prize. It must be remembered that in those primitive 
times ten dollars was considered a large amount of money; and the 
Colonel said, when he returned and got his money, that he felt as 
though he was rich enough to start a bank. 

Mr. Barney was up before day Sunday morning getting ready 
for the trip. His wife prepared a lunch of corn-cake and venison 
for him to take with him and eat upon the way; but unfortunately 
he forgot it when he left home. He had traveled but a few miles 
ere it began to snow. The large flakes began to fall thicker and 
faster, and the wind began to blow and soon the storming elements 
were raging around him with great fury. He quickened the pace 
of his horse and finally arrived at the Illinois river at a point 
where there had been a ferry and where he intended to cross. The 
man who had conducted the terry had recently died, leaving a 
family of wife and several small children. They lived in a rude 
cabin upon the western bank of the river; the widowed mother 
lay sick and near death's door; they were without medicine, food 
or care, and suffering untold misery. The Colonel put his horse 
in the smoke-house attached to the cabin, which was so small that 
the horse could not turn around in it. He then hired a lad who 
was there at this time to assist him over the river. After much 
difficulty he reached the eastern bank and started off on his trip to 
Carrollton on foot. 

14 



210 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

The Atlas mail was small, .yet he found .reat difficulty in making 
his vav through the deep snow. He at last_ reached his destina ton, 
^t tlie mail^and started homeward. Before leav.ng Carro Iton 
Wver, he called upon the doctor and reported the comhtion 
if Te wo.nan at the ferry. The phys can said '^^ -^ .^^^^^ 
down to the river two or three times on his way to visit hei but 
CO Id not Ut over, and had concluded that she was dead He gave 
he ColonSl sonie'medicine for her and the l<i-V"Yothe V"^ 
nffiop o-ave him a large package ot provisions also to take to the 
d^tilsSl wo an. Tlus\.ack?ge weighed about 16 pounds, and 
witl the mail, which was liuite large and consisted mostly o mi i- 
rary 1 atter, he started on foot for the river. t was dusk when he , 
arHved n the river bottom. To add to the already great peril m 
whicl he found himself, a large pack of wolves, about oOi" num- 
ber followed him, some ot them yelping turiously. The boklei 
ones would approach closely and gnarl at the lone oo inan whom 
?hey were eager to make a meal of. He would frighten them oft 
by^sirppin' his hands on the mail-bags, making a loud, sharp 
noi 'e ^^TMs he did repeatedly, and perhaps it was the only way he 
Zld <.et hroucrh safely, as lie had no lire-arms or weapons ot any 
kind ^He eadied the river only to find difficulties more comph- 
S- ircould not get over. He hallooed, but m vain He got 
'nto an old boat which lay fastened in the ice out trom the shore 
,nd lay down, thinking he would be compelled to remain there 
du in/tle night. He%oon found himself shivering with cold 
and would certainly freeze to death if he remained there longer 
He aToused himself got a pole and finally worked his way over the 
riveHZcake to cake of the floating ice, though a dangerous ask 
was He remained over night at the cabin and gave the widow 
tie medic ne and provision sent her. These relieved her i^-esent 
TmT,hnt she con iiiued to decline, and shortly atterward died. 

The Co bnel at last reached Atlas, with the long-looked-for mail 
He nade the settlers joyous with the letters bfongllt from th^^^^^ 
Sends and was himselt made happy by the receipt ot ten dollars, 
which he had certainly well earned. 



DROWNING OF JAMES WARD. 



In thesprino- of 1S26, James Ward, who had settled about four 

,ni s s utSif Itlas near Six-Mile creek, and whose larm lay partly 

on the bluff and partly in the bottom, made a trip to lort Clark, 

now Peo il and^ther settlements in that direction i- coinpany 

with Col. Ross, on an electioneering tour, o^.^^^'^^ ^^^^f, !?"^f 

Sn arriving at Crooked creek on their return just above a dntt of 

flood- woodf Mr. Ward ventured to cross, but was drowned Mi. 

Ross thus left in a wilderness with the sliades of night fast hover- 

.^rai'^ id him, and the gloom cast over him by the loss ot his 

compaii on, wandered on down the stream, not daring to cross and 

not de irin- to stop. Soon he saw a light in the distance and tol- 

bwed on dSwn un il he came to the cabin of a lone hunter. Here 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 211 

he was taken in, provided for and kept for the night. In the 
morning the body was recovered and buried upon the bank. The 
horse had made the shore and was found fastened to a tree by his 
bridle being caught in a limb. A year or so afterward the bones 
of the drowned man were taken up and re interred with Masonic 
honors. 

COL. boss' keel-boat. 

In 1826 Col. Ross built a keel-boat called ''The Basket," which 
was hauled down to the Sny and launched. It would hold about 50 
tons, and in this craft the Colonel shipped the produce of the 
neighborhood, as beef, pork, hides, etc. He used to pack about 400 
head of cattle every season. Dressed beef was only two and a half 
cents a pound. Dealers had the hide and tallow as their reward 
for killing and dressing. They sold their beef in the South, Eew 
Orleans generally, for five dollars a barrel, tallow ten cents a pound, 
dry hides five cents, andgreen hides two and a half cents a pound. 
To get their boats over sand-bars they would unload the barrels, 
roll them over the bars and then reload. On one trip it required 
one whole day to get over a distance of twelve miles. 

A FEW OCCURRENCES OF 1826. 

Capt. Hale, a Missionary Baptist minister, came to the county in 
the summer of 1826, but at this time several other ministers were 
also preaching in Pike county, as Messrs. Garrison, Medford and 
Lewis Allen. Mr. Medford was a smart man, and had a circuit, 
extending from Eushville to some point in Calhoun county. Capt. 
Hale probably organized the first Baptist Church in the county. 

This year also the first store building in the county was erected, 
by Col. Eoss at Atlas. It was built of hewed logs, and in dimen- 
sions was 16 feet square. The principal part of a merchant's stock 
those days was whisky. 

In the fall of 1826 the first whisky made in the county was man- 
ufactured by Mr. Milhizcr, a Pennsylvania Dutchman, although it 
IS also claimed that Mr. Blair, spoken of a little further on, erected 
the first distillery; but his distillery was erected in 1829 or 1830. 
Mr. Milhizer made but one barrel of whisky. 

Soon after his arrival Col. Ross put up a" band-mill by which he 
could grind four or five bushels a day, but he soon built a larger 
mill which, with four good horses, would grind from 25 to 30 bush- 
els a day._ Settlers from even 25 miles above Quincy used to come 
to this mill. Good fine flour, however, was brought from Cincin- 
nati, O., but this costly article was used only on occasion of visits 
from friends, or on Sunday when the family thought they could stand 
theexpense of such a luxury. For most of their milling at this 
period the settlers in this section went to St. Louis, Mo. There 
was no Alton then. 

The first coal burned in Pike county was from Pittsburg, Pa., 
and used by Benj. Barney in his blacksmith shop in 1826. l5urini^ 



212 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

the suuinier of 1827 there was a great deal of rain, and the streams 
•rose hio-her than tliey ever did afterward until 1851. The Sny Carte 
was navigable for steam-bouts at least as far up as Atlas, as Col. 
Ross proved to the astonishment of many. He had three steam-, 
boats in his service, and one of them in particular, the "Mechanic," 
came up to a point directly opposite Atlas. Its arrival was an- 
nounced by the firing of guns. 

The first wheat raised in Pike county was raised this year by Col. 
Ross and Mr. Seeley, and it was also the first wheat ground within 
the limits of the county. 

This year came Benjamin B. Barney, no relation of Col. Barney. 
Endeavoring to trace their relationship one day the Colonel said he 
was from Massachusetts, when Benjamin B. replied with an oath, 
^'Oh, if you are a Yankee you are no connection of mine." This 
Benjamin B. Barney bought Col. Ross' horse-mill and kept it a 
long time, probably until it was worn out or finally abandoned. 

1827. 

In the vicinity of Atlas, Henry Long, from Baltimore city, settled 
about the year 1827. During a residence of many years, until his 
decease on his farm, he was a useful citizen and upright man. He 
reared a second numerous family of intelligent and educated chil- 
dren. His son, Jesse Long, has been a Supervisor of Atlas town- 
ship, and resides on the old homestead of his father. Nathan Wat- 
son, now living about five miles south of Pittsfield with his son Job, 
came to the county in 1827. During this year or some time pre- 
viously, there came to Atlas, James M. Seeley, who was for 12 years 
(1828 — '10) noted as the honest, easy Sheriff of Pike coilnty. It 
was his duty to collect revenue. If a man was not ready to pay bis 
tax, Seeley paid it and trusted him. Mr. S. had a numerous family, 
of whom Dr. E. M. Seeley, who was a surgeon during the late war, 
was one; another was Dr. David Seeley, who was an early settler 
of Texas, where he died. 

1828. 

Among the many prominent citizens now living who came to the 
county in 1828, was James Ross, who introduced and used the first 
cradle in the county for cutting wheat. It was a great curiosity to 
the pioneers, but a familiar thing to him, as he was from Pennsyl- 
vania where cradles were common. He equipped and ran the first 
turner's lathe and cabinet-shop in Pike county. This shop was in 
one end of the first clerk's ofhce building in Atlas. His shop was 
burned out here. He is now closing his long and eventful life in 
Pittsfield. Even when he was 60 years of age he was a fine dancer 
and could whistle almost equal to the flute. It has always been 
interesting to hear him tell stories of pioneer times. 

This year a saw and grist mill was built at Rockport by James 
McMurphy and son, who used limestones for burrs. They also built 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 213 

a flat-boat which they ran to Galena in their trade. At this time 
there were but three steam-boats on the Mississippi river. 

This vear Wm. Montgomery Blair, a New-Light minister, came 
with his family to Kinderhook. His son Montgomery, now living 
at Barry, was then 19 years of age. The family emigrated origi- 
nally from Kentucky to Ohio, then to Indiana "and lastly to this 
connty. When tliey arrived here, however, they found that several 
other families had preceded them in this part of the county, namely, 
an old hermit named Peter Harper, a refugee from justice, having 
come here from Indiana. He was at Kinderhook. " To the north 
of where Barry now stands were David Edwards and Edward 
Earle, and to the south lived Samuel Gary, on section 30, then the 
Jackson family and Mr. Howard and John Milhizer. Harper lived 
at Kinderhook until his death. 

Mr. Blair built the first log cabin at Kinderhook, and the next 
year he built the first mill in this part of the countv, and also a dis- 
tillery, which is said by some to be the first in the countv. Although 
this gentleman made considerable whisky, the distillery had finally 
to be abandoned on account of there not being grain enough raised 
in the country to make the business pay. He sometimes made as 
high as two or three barrels of whisky per day by a process known 
as " steam distilling." Wheat at this time was only three " bits " 
a bushel, and Mr. Blair kept a stock on hand for two or three years 
waiting for a better market. Milling was so difficult to obtain that 
several days were generally wasted by persevering parties lingering 
aronnd the mill to see that their grist- was ground in its proper 
turn, or in frequent visits to the mill. At this period beef and 
pork \\^ere only one and a half cents a pound. A large three-year- 
old steer would bring only ten dollars. 

About this period Benj. Matthews, a lad of 18 years, settled in 
the northern part of the county. 

1829 AND ONWARD. 

By this time the immigrants had become sd numerous and the 
events of history so complicated that they cannot be very well 
grouped by years either in the memories of" old settlers or in writ- 
ten historj'. 

The second court-house w^as built in 1829 by Elijah Petty and 
Col. Koss, contractors, at a cost of $650. About this tinie the 
clerk's ofhce building was erected in Atlas. It was a double log 
building, and one end was occupied by James Ross as a cabine't 
shop. ^ This building was totally destroyed by fire one night during 
the winter of the big snow, as referred to further on. Many of the 
earliest records were thus lost, and many others would have 
been burned but for the great exertions and 'bravery of Mr. James 
Ross. 

John Barnej^ now residing at Pittsfield, is a brother of Col. Benj. 
Barney, and came to the county in 1830. Soon after the county- 
seat was removed to Pittsfield, Mr. John Barney was elected treas- 



214 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, 

urer, which office lie filled with fidelity for a number of years. All 
the money raised and expended for the construction of the present 
court-house and the first Pittsfield jail passed through his hands. 
It being once charged that he was a little behind with the public 
funds, an investigation was instituted, which resulted in showing that 
instead of his being in debt to the county, the county was owing him 
over a hundred dollars. 

Fielding Hanks settled in Pike county in 1830, and was proba- 
bly the first tanner here. , 




CHAPTER IL 
EARLY SETTLEMENT— CONTINUED. 

THE WINTER OF THE BIG SNOW. 

We now come to the winter of the deep snow, 1830-'l. The snow 
of that winter commenced falling Nov. 10, and did not all go away 
until the following April, yet the largest fall of snow did not hegin 
until the 29th of December. This was the heaviest snow that ever 
fell in Illinois within the memory of the oldest settler of this part 
of the State. According to the traditions of the Indians as related 
to the pioneers, a snow fell from 50 to 75 years before the settle- 
ment by the white people, which swept away the numerous herds of 
buffalo and elk that roamed over the vast prairies at that time. 
This tradition was verified by the large number of bones of these 
animals found in different localities on the prairies when first visited 
by the wdiites. The deep snow is one of the landmarks of the pio- 
neer. He reckons, in giving dates of early occurrences, so many 
years before or so many after the deep snow. He calculates the 
date of his coming, his 'marriage and birth of his children from it, 
and well might it make a lasting im])ression upon their minds. 

In the northern portion of the county the snow at first was about 
three feet deep on a level, and as it settled a crust formed on the 
surface. The winter was also unusually cold, and this, in connec- 
tion with the snow covering the mast and other food of wild animals, 
resulted in starving and freezing to death most of the game, as deer, 
wild hogs and tnrkey. The deer, indeed, had been rendered scarce 
by the sweeping fires of the preceding autumn which the Indians 
had set out. After all this, however, there was but very little suf- 
fering among the citizens of this county. They had plenty of meat 
and hulled corn, and with this simple fare they were content. 
What wild game there was alive in the forest was easily caught, on 
account of their reduced condition and the depth of the crusty snow 
which impeded their progress in the chase. Col. Ross chased down 
two deer with a horse, and caught and killed them by hand. The 
men got out of liquor, however, and this was their greatest priva- 
tion; but their suffering on this account was probably more imagin- 
ary than real. On the 18th of February two men who had engaged 
to chop some wood for Col. Barney backed out of their agreement 



216 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

wlien they found he had no whisky. Mr. Barne}', recollecting that 
a neighbor owed him a pint of whisky on a bet made at some former 
time, induced the men to go to work by offering them a treat. This 
whisky being the last in the neighbor's demijohn had some drug in 
it, but that "did not hurt the liquor any," as it was so scarce and 
costly, it being worth $1.25 a gallon. Clothing was also a little 
scarce, as the new comers into the new country liad but very few 
sheep. For most of their substantial clothing the pioneers of these 
times had to depend u])on home-made nuiterial. 

In the northern part of the county the snow was so deep as to 
cover the ears of the outstanding corn and make it very difficult to 
gather. Joshua Woosley, who, on account of the two preceding 
years being vei'V favorable, inadvertently let his stock of corn on 
hand get quite low, gave men three bushels a day for picking 
corn; and it was surprising how much of the article these hardy 
pioneers would gather amid such surroundings. Twenty men in 
four davs gathered 2,500 bushels. 

During the Sjtriug a freshet came with the melting snow, and the 
waters of the Sny undermined the mills at Kockjiort so that they 
sank down. Col. Koss had 50 or 60 men at work there nearlj^ all 
spring filling up the places washed out. 

During this winter the clerk's office building at Atlas was burned 
down. Col. Ross first discovered fire breaking out in that end of 
the structure where "Jimmy" Ross had his cabinet-shop, and raised 
the alarm; but the wind was blowing fiercely and nearly all was 
lost. This building was not more than five rods from Col. Barney's 
residence, and he and " Jimmy" succeeded in rescuing some of the 
papers and records of the office, which but few of the other citizens 
seemed to care but little about. Many such things grow valuable 
with the lapse of time, and doubtless many more papers might have 
been saved which would render this history more complete. 

The year 1831 M^as also marked by a freeze in August which 
nearly ruined the corn crop before it was sufficiently mature, and con- 
sequently the following s])ring the farmers had to send to Kentucky 
for seed corn, paying for it on its delivery $3 a bushel. Boats came 
up the river about one a week, and their arrival was always the oc- 
casion of joy or disappointment. Tlie settlers, however, got all the 
seed corn they wanted, those who were flush being willing to divide 
with their less ibrtunate neighbors and trust them, depending upon 
the success of their next crop for pay. Shipping on the Mississippi 
at this period was limited to only three steam-boats between St. 
Louis and Galena, and whatever freighting was done bv fiat and 
keel boats, which were poled, rowed, sailed, cordelled and towed. 

THE FIRST NEGRO SETTLERS. 

"Free Frank," a colored man, arrived in Hadley township, this 
county, in the spring of 1831, with his wife Lucy and three chil- 
dren. They were originally from Kentucky and had spent the pre- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



217 



ceding winter in Greene county, III. This family were the first 
settlers in that township, and none others arrived for two years. 
To conform to the custom of the age the Legislature gave tree 
Frank the surname of McWorter, and he was ever afterward 
known as Frank McWorter. He was a live, enterprising man, and 
laid out the town of New Philadelphia, which once had great 
promise of making a good town. He bad bought his own freedom 
and that of his wife and many of his children, and left provision in 
his will to buy grandchildren, which was carried out by his son, 
Solomon McWorter. Frank died about the year 185T, at TT years 
of age His wife died in her 99th year in 18T1. Mr. McWorter 
was born in North Carolina, his wife in Yirginia. They were both 
members of the Baptist Church and led exemplary .lives. By in- 
dustry and economy they left a valuable farm to their heirs. _ A 
large and respectable settlement of their descendants now exists 
around the old home. 

In 1832 or 1833 a colored man came to the southern part ot tlie 
county known by the name of "Bob," who wanted to marry a white 
girl, the daughter of a Mr. Guernsey. This aroused the indignation 
of the whites, and as soon as he saw the citizens after him he took 
to his heels and ran away so fast that "50 men couldn't catch him! 

NUMEROUS SETTLERS. 

Before the Black Hawk war there came to this county, settling 
in various parts, besides those we have mentioned and many others, 
Hawkins J udd, Geo. W. Hinman, Stephen R. Watson, Garrett 
YanDeusen, Daniel Clingensmith, N. E. Quinby, M. Branson and 
Horace Horton. Messrs. Hinman and Judd were County Com- 
missioners with Col. Barney when they bought of the United States 
for $200 the quarter section of land upon which Fittsfield was 
located. They are now dead. Mr. Van Deusen, an eccentric 
Knickerbocker Dutchman, was a Justice of the Peace and likely one 
of the earliest settlers east of Pittsfield on Blue river, andwas the 
originator of a queer device to crack corn, operated something atter 
the manner supposed to be in vogue in the days of Adam and Eve. 
He used the stream of Blue river at a narrow place, and by catching 
and confining the water therefrom in a hollow tree or trough, open 
at the end up stream and closed at the lower end, he worked a 
swinging vessel which was suspended over a mortar to crack Indian 
corn. The process was to let the trough fill with water nearly to 
overflowing, when by its weight it would descend, dashing the pestle 
into the mortar and crushing the corn. The pestle being adjusted 
some distance from the end of the trough up stream, the water 
spilled beyond the mortar, and the machine adjusted itself for an- 
other beat at the corn. Col. N. E. .Quinby was a lawyer. Mr. 
Clingensmith settled in the northern part of the county: he died 
in 1835. Capt. Horton was a jolly tar from Connecticut, an en- 
ergetic man and a good settler. He came in 1832 and located above 
Rock port. Branson and Watson, the latter a tailor, settled at Atlas. 



^18 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



THE YEAK OF THE' BLACK HAWK WAR. 

Chronologically we have now arrived at the period of the Black 
Hawk war, and the connection of Pike connty with that epoch will 
be given in the chajiter upon that wai-. No county ] erhaps took a 
more active and decided ]){irt in this struggle of the jnoneers with 
the Indians than this county. Almost as eoon as it was known that 
soldiers were wanted Pike county had tilled her quota. In an early 
day Indians were quite numeious here, but we have no record of 
any depredations being committed by them other than petty theft. 
The Sacs and Foxes made their headquai'teis along the Sny for 
many years, where they were often visited by Black Hawk and 
Xeokuk. At or near Atlas the whites often saw them in their war 
dances. These Indians however gave the settlers of Pike county 
very little trouble. Indeed they sometimes evinced some title to 
the epithet "noble." As for example, when a squaw was at one 
time sick of a fever and was nursed and doctored by a white family 
at Atlas until she got CTitirely well to the surprise of her Indian 
friends, they were very thankful and showed their gratitude in many 
ways. 

In this connection we may relate a little anecdote characteristic 
of early times. John Jay Ross and a Mr. Filer thought they 
would have some fun one day by frightening Mr. Young and his 
family who resided at Atlas, and in the vicinity of his house they 
imitated the noise and whoop of Indians so ])ertectly that Mr, and 
Mrs. Young thought they were surrounded by blood-thirsty red- 
skins. They were greatly frightened and chugged their children 
into a small cellar whicii was not large enough for themselves to 
get into. They ran out into the mustard patch and remained there 
until the afternoon of the next day, so scared were they, before they 
dared to return to the house and liberate their suffering children. 

.TAMES W. WHITNEY. 

A very noted character in the earliest days of Pike county 
was James W. Whitnej^ more generally known as "Lord Coke," on 
account of his knowledge of law. He was teacher of the second 
school at Atlas, but having no family or permanent home he can 
scarcely be denominated a "settler." He was the first Circuit and 
County Clerk, and held many local ofhces. He was a native of 
Massachusetts, a man of considerable education, having some 
knowledge of Latin. He came to Illinois before it was a State and 
resided at or near Edwardsville. Not much is known of his former 
life, as he was always very taciturn when the subject was intro- 
duced. It is said that there. was a hidden sorrow in his former life 
which was a delicate matter to touch upon. He wrote a very pecu- 
liar hand, which would indicate that he was an oddity. At first 
sight one would have taken him to be a well-preserved preacher or 
schoolmaster of the days of the earlier Adamses. His dress was 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 219 

plain and even homely; his hair was sparse and all combed to the 
back of his head, and often tied with a buckskin string or old black 
shoe-string as a cue. Pecuniarily he was not prosperous, and he 
was very indifferent with respect to his dress. He made his jour- 
neys generally afoot and alone, putting up where night found him, 
with some friend, and his acquaintance was very extensive. He 
was always welcomed b}^ the lonely pioneers, as he was a kind of 
gazetteer, bringing them the news when newspapers were scarce. 
He lived sometimes alone in a log cabin and sometimes he made 
the city of Quincy his headquarters. 

" Lord Coke " was also known as the " Speaker of the Lobby," as 
he was the leader ot that branch of the Legislature for many years. 
When theaters and shows were rare, the citizens, judges and legis- 
lators at Yandalia were all ago": to witness the convening of the 
Lobby. It was a great event. A throng would assemble, and after 
some ceremony "Lord Coke" would monnt the stand and call the 
house to order. He would deliver his annual message, which would 
be received with cheers and laughter. Many hits and jokes were 
embodied in the message. Sometimes the satire was very broad, 
and at one time he hurt his standing with the Supreme Court by a 
farcical account of a meeting represented to have been held by that 
Coui't and leading: members of the Bar to " exterminate the varmints 
of the State." He presided over the "Lobby" with magisterial 
sway, and when mock heroics moved the man he would be a very 
important personage. The '• Lobby " was organized by appointing 
subordinate officers and numerous committees, whose titles and 
functions would be of the most ludicrous character; and the mem- 
bers composing the same would be in physical form, public stand- 
ing and personal bearing the most opposite of that position and 
character. For example. Col. Thos. Mather, President of the State 
Bank of Dlinois, was a man short in stature but of great rotundity 
of person, cpiiet in demeanor; Judge Thomas Brown and Jesse 
Thomas, jr., were fine, portly gentlemen. Such as these " Lord 
Coke" would announce, and that in print, as the most suitable 
members of " the committee on gymnastics and ground and lofty 
tumbling." Many reports of these committees would be submitted 
which would be in accord with their burlesque titles. These reports 
were often written by "Lord Coke" himself, and there was a broad 
personality in them rather Hudibrastic. 

At the Bar " Lord Coke" was not successful, as there was a want 
of practical sense in his applications and his law was often obsolete. 
He died Dec. 13, 1860, between 83 and 85 years of age. 

OTHER PROMINENT CHARACTERS. 

Parvin Panllin, a native of INew Jersey, came in mature years 
to this county, served one term as a Representative in the Illinois 
Legislature, and was Probate Judge, discharging always his duty 
with honor and efficiency. He died many years ago. 



220 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Ephraim Cannon was an early settler of Pike county, and for a 
time Sheriff. 

Robert and Joseph Goodin and Fisher Pettj^ were amongst the 
noted men of Highland. Petty was a County Commissioner at 
Pittsiield; Mr. Murphy was the first County Surveyor; and Joseph 
Goodin was County Sui-veyor thereafter and a good officer. He was 
living a few years ago in Missouri. 

John George Nicolay, an illustrious representative of Pike county 
education, was born in Germany, and came to this county an ob- 
scure boy; being very studious he became higlil}' self-educated; 
learned the printer's trade in Pittsfield; married Miss Bates of 
that ])lace; he edited the Free Press for a short time, and when 
O. M. Hatch was elected Secretary of State Mr. N. was his clerk 
for two years at Springfield; read law in Abraham Lincoln's office, 
and on the election of Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency of the United 
States he became one of his private secretaries; subsequently he 
was Consul to Paris, and is now Marshal of the Supreme Court of 
the United States, which is a life office or a tenure during good 
behavior. 

John Hay, son of Dr. Hay, of Warsaw, and nephew of Milton 
Hay, next mentioned, and for some time a resident of Pittsfield, 
was a c nipanion of Mr. Nicolay in the study of law in Mr. Lin- 
coln's office at Springfield and in being private secretary of the 
President. AVhile in Pittsfield he published " Pike County Bal- 
lads," a collection of capital pieces of poetry, among the most noted 
of which are " Banty Tim," "Little Breeches" and "Bludsoe." 

Milton Hay, now ranking high as a Jawyer at Springfield, resided 
in Pittsfield in his earlier days as an attorney at law. He has since 
been in a Constitutional Convention and in the Legislature of the 
State. 

Maior Charles J. Sellon we can claim as a son of Pike countv, his 
parents having been the present wife of Col. D. B. Bush, by her 
former husband, Rev. John Sellon, an Episcopal clergyman who 
once owned St. Ann's Church, New York city, and was a wealthy 
man, and whose sister was the wife of Sir Benjamin Brodie, the 
eminent English physician. Charles J. was brought up princi- 
pally in the family of- Col. Bush, was in the Mexican war (in the 
battle of Buena Vista), and during our late war was Major of an 
Illinois regiment; was editor of the S))ringfield (111.) Journal; still 
later on the Peoria Transcript. He died in 1862. 

"Aunt" Roby Ross, still living at Barry, in her 92d year, came 
with her people to Atlas, She was born Sept. 27, 1789, in Ren- 
sellaer county, N. y., and was first the wife of Clarendon Ross 'and 
afterward of his brother Capt. Leonard Ross. Clarendon Ross was 
the first man who died in the countv and Captain Ross is long since 
dead. Aunt Roby's memor}' is still clear, and she relates many in- 
teresting experiences and events of early times. Her house was the 
stopping ])lace for many ]ieople; she i)as fed as many as a hundred 
in a day. She would ai-range tables out of doors made of clapboards 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 221 

placed upon sticks, supported b}' stakes driven in the ground. In 
that day they had an abundance of meat, ,veo;etables and sometimes 
fried cakes and crab-applesauce. Mrs. Koss's son Schuyler, by her 
first husband, died at the age of 20, in 1832, at Atlas. 

Merrill E. Rattan, the first Postmaster at Pittsfield, long since 
dead, was also Probate Judge. He kept a hotel on the same lot 
where the Oregon House now stands. Wm. Watson, once a Pro- 
bate Judge, is still living in Pittsfield. As a business man Mr. 
Watson was ever foremost and has accumulated some property. 
Robert R. Greene and his cousin Austin Barber opened and carried 
on the first large store in Pittsfield. These gentlemen are both yet 
living in that town. Mrs. G. was one of the earliest and highly 
respected school-teachers. Mr. Barber was for a period County Clerk. 
Wm. A. Grimshaw came to Pike county in 1833. For his biog- 
raphy see history of Pittsfield township. John U. Grimshaw, 
cousin of the former, settled near Pittsfield in 1834, and afterward 
moved to town and for many years was an active merchant. He 
died many years since. Jackson Grimshaw, a brother of William 
A., was a resident of Pittsfield for 1-1 years, then of Quincy, Ills., 
where he died in December, 1875. 

Belus and Egbert Jones, brothers, were old settlers. Bel us was 
never a lawyer, but a pettifogger, who hung on to " Lord Coke"( J. 
W. Whitney) like a bobtail to a kite. At court time it was said, 
" No court till Coke«and Belus come." 

Major James Tolbert, an old Yirginian, was an ofiicer in the lYth 
Illinois Militia at an early day. He was an early settler of Pike 
county. 

Lyman Scott, an early settler, married a daughter of Leonard 
Ross. He was for a time one of the owners of a former mill at 
Rockport. He was a pushing business man. Many years ago he 
went to Kansas and is now dead. 

John Neeley, an early County Commissioner, removed to Texas 
and has since died. 

John Lyster, at times a Justice of the Peace, was an early settler 
in the Meredith and Neeley neighborhood near the Illinois river, 
now Detroit township. 

David Dutton early settled in the vicinity of Pleasant Yale, once 
County Commissioner, a prosperous farmer, and peculiar in his 
ways. He has long since deceased. 

Among the early settlers of Pike county was Mrs. Nancy M. 
Heath, who taught the first school in Pittsfield in the winter of 
1834. She had 14 scholars, taught in a rented house and boarded 
herself. Her terms were $3 per scholat* for 12 weeks. The names 
of her patrons were Jonathan Pike, Col. Johnson, Wm. Watson, 
Ephraim Cannon, James McNary, Wm. Grimshaw, Dr. Worthing- 
ton, Mr. Davis, and John TurnbuU. Her maiden name was Dun- 
bar, and she was born Jan. 1, 1791, the first white child born in 
Cincinnati; was brought up by Gov. McArthur, of Ohio; in 1813 
she married Dr. Jonathan Heath, who was born on the south bank 



222 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

of the Potomac, Morefield, Hardy county, Va. She came to Naples 
Morgan county, in 1825, taught school there, and came to Pittsfield in 
1834. The school-house, which was also their dwelling, was a small 
hewed-log house rented of Mr. Turnbull. She has had six children, 
five girls and one son, all dead. Mrs. Heath is still living in Pitts- 
field, but has had feeble health for many years. Her daughter, 
afterward Mrs. A. V. Wills, also taught school with her. 

Dr. Hezekiah Dodge emigrated from Virginia to Bayville, this 
county, in an early day. In his physical structure he was " long, 
lean and lank, and moved upon a spindle shank." 

Mr. Gray, an early settler and prominent citizen of the county, 
was Sherifi' about 1851; was, Postmaster at Barry, and afterward for 
many years his home has been in Pittsfield. 

Joshua Woosley, an early settler of Hadley township, has been 
Sheriff, and taken quite an active part in the politics of the county. 
He is still a man of great activity, living on the old homestead. 

Among many other pioneers of Pike county we would mention, 
Henry E,. Ramsey, Jacob Ilodgen (father of Dr. John Hodgen), 
Charles T. Brewster, W. B. Grimes, D, B. Bush, Elias Kent Kane 
(nephew of the celebrated Elisha Kent Kane, the Arctic explorer), 
all of whom have been more or less prominent in the history of this 
county. A little anecdote concerning Mr. Kent, who settled 
in Montezuma township in 1836, we cannot forbear to relate here. 

He went ont deer-hunting one day, soon scaring up three large 
deer, which ran around him in a circle about 300 yards distant. He 
stood watching them with cocked gun in his hands, not knowing 
why he did not shoot; but subsequently learned from friends that 
he mnst have had the " buck ague." 

Many other names of earl}' settlers will appear in the histories of 
the respective townships. 

Among the sons of Pike county who have departed to other fields 
of glory, are: Ozlas M. Hatch and Alexander Starne, both of Pitts- 
field, then of Griggsville; both have run about the same career in 
this county, having been Clerks of the Circuit Court, members of 
the Legislature, and Secretaries of State; and both are now resi- 
dents of Springfield, in prosperous circumstances. Mr. Starne left 
Philadelphia in 1836, " with the intention of getting so far away 
from home that he never could get back again," and he chose the 
beautiful section of country called Pike county for his permanent 
home. He relates many amusing stories concerning the olden 
times, clock peddlers, abolition riots. Dr. Dix's first land purchase 
and trip to the grist-mill. 

Among other numerous settlers in various parts of the county 
we would name the following: Rev. John Shinn, one of the early 
preachers of the county, settled just west of Phillips' Ferry; then 
came David Johnson, who bought the farm owned by him. He 
settled there in 1828, and for many years was Surveyor of the 
county. Near him was Richard Wade; the next two who came 
were a Mr. Bateman and Andrew Phillips. Geo. W. Hinman, an 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 223 

early prominent man, came in 1829. Joel Moore was the first set- 
tler north of Atlas toward Griggsville.. jSTathan W. Jones, a resi- 
dent of Griggsville, was a well-known earjy settler. Abel Shelley, 
the Bradburys, Charles and Martin Harrington were also promi- 
nent pioneers. Boone Scholl, tlie founder of Perry, which was laid 
out first as " Booneville," was an early settler. 

In concluding our personal mention of early settlers, we quote the 
followino^ from Mr. Grirashaw's "Centennial Address;" 

"Alfred Grubb, once called the 'Little Bay Horse,' for his 
sprightliness, was a good Sheriff and a County Judge. Thomas 
Orr, noted as a grand juror for many long years, was respected by 
all. Thomas Hull, a good farmer and remarkable for his active 
piety. These all leave numerous descendants of respectability. 
The Blairs (father and several sons), all good men, were in the 
vicinity of Barry before Pittsfield was laid out. William, son of 
the senior, was a marked member of the Illinois Legislature, and 
an upright and useful man. He is long dead. Montgomery Blair 
was once a member of the Constitutional Convention of 181:7. 
Harvey Blair is yet alive, and is an estimable farmer. 

"It is impossible in this sketch to notice all the early settlers; 
some have emigrated, others have died. At court time at an early 
day in Pittsfield, Samuel Gibson, Henry Kent, George Gibson, 
Sam'l Sitton, Esquire Hayden, the Tucker brothers would be seen, 
and Wm. Johnson, James Johnson, John and Jacob Heavener. 
The latter dressed in the homeliest garb, with his long rifle as 
bosom friend. James Johnson was a conspicuous man. Both of 
these men were possessed of great nerve and endurance, and imfde 
great havoc amongst the deer. Small " varmint " they desf)ised. 
Sam 1 G. Sitton survives in his 75th year; and on June 29th, 1876, 
he cut on his own farm an acre of wheat with a sickle and bound 
it up on that day, and the next day was at Pittsfield as spry as 
usual. Harvey Dunn, of Chambersburg, was an old settler, and 
in 1847 was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Illinois. 
He was a very unassuming but intelligent, honest man; but is 
long dead. Stephen R. Gray, venerable and respected in years, 
yet lives. He was Sheriff about 1851. He is an early settler and 
resided at or near Barry, and was at one time Postmaster thereat. 
Hamilton Wills is yet as happy as ever, jolly in person, comfort- 
able in business, an old settler in Pittsfield, as a Justice of the 
Peace in former j^ears useful and respected. Richard Kerr, of 
Pleasant Hill township, was an old farmer, a leading whig, and 
represented Pike county in the Legislature for one term. He died 
many years since, esteemed by all, leaving many relatives in Pike. 

"Bonaparte Greathonse, of Milton, was County Commissioner 
at an earlv dav, a man of o'reat worth and a srood farmer. He is 
lono- dead and left surviving- him a numerous familv. Several of 
his sons are practitioners at law. Sam'l L. Crane, now venerable 
in years, was a very early settler of Morgan county. 111., and has 
filled acceptably with perfect integrity the oftice of Postmaster at 



224 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Pittsfield. He is now in ])rivate lite. He is the father of that 
useful son, resident of Pittslield, James H. Crane, who has been 
Circuit Clerk of Pike county, yet lives here, and is a De])uty Clerk 
in the office of Geo. W. Jones, our present and efficient popular 
circuit clerk. AVni. B. Grimes yet lives in Pittstield. He was an 
able and honest County Clerk for one term, succeeding Wm. 
Steers, who was a good and worthy officer; and his successor is 
Jonathan L. Frye, who was a son of an honest miller, Jonathan 
Frye. James McWilliams, venerable for his years, influential in 
his town of Griggsville, has been a Representative of the county 
in the Legislature and often a Supervisor of Griggsville township. 
Daniel I). Hicks, now the esteemed Cashier of the First ISTational 
Bank, is an old resident of Pittstield and has honorably filled 
several offices. He was once .Sheriff of the county. During his 
term of office a riot took place one election day in Pittsfield, when 
many wild boys wlio had been good soldiers in the Mexican war 
took a most active part in the riot, calling out, ' We are some 
punkins.' By aid of a posse of the people, called by Hicks, the 
riot was put down." 

MR. HINMAn's letter. 

"We copy the following very excellently prepared historical article 
from the Griggsville Reflector of July 1, 1876. It was prepared 
by Asa Hinman, son of the veteran pioneer, George W. Hinman. 
It so clearly portrays various features of the county's history, and 
knowing that it will be accepted as from a reliable source, we make 
no alterations in it, but present it as from the pen of Mr. Hinman: 

"In 1829, I think Oct. 14th, my father, George W. Hinman, 
crossed the Illinois river at Phillips' Ferry with his family to make 
a permanent residence in Pike county. He drove out to tJie foot 
of the mound upon which the town of Griggsville now stands, 
and stopped with a man by the name of Bateman, who had made 
a small improvement and laid claim to the S. W . quarter of sec. 
14, T. 4. S., 8 W., which my father soon afterward bought and 
occupied. This was on the main traveled route from Phillips' 
Ferry to Quincy and Atlas, the county- seats of Adams and Pike, 
the two routes parting on top of the mound in what is now called 
Quincy Avenue. The first settlement on the road, which was then 
known as the Atlas trail, after passing the site where Griggsville 
was afterward built, was seven miles out on Bay creek, where Joel 
Moore had settled some two or three years before. He emigrated 
from North Carolina, and, as I have understood, served in the 
army of the United States for the land he lived upon. The next 
settlement was Col. Seeley's, twelve miles farther and three miles 
from Atlas, on the trail to Quincy. It was thirty miles to the first 
house, where lived John Wiggle, a German, who formed the 
nucleus for the large German settlement that afterward settled in 
that part of Adams county. 

" I believe Atlas was the only laid-out town in Pike county at 



a •> '^ 






yL£C<ft^ 



PERRY 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 227 

that time. At Phillips' Ferry there was a small settlement. I 
will name those I remember: J^imrod Phillips, Dr. Bennett, first 
owners of the ferry, Tebo & McWorthy. One and a half miles np 
the road lived Charles Hazelrig, the only blacksmith in the eastern 
part of the county. 

"The settlement on the road west from the ferry was David 
Johnson's, who settled on the farm owned for a long time by the 
Rev. John Shinn and now the property of E. S. Parker. Mr. John- 
son settled there in 1828. He was surveyor in this county for many 
years. Near this place on the north side of the road lived Richard 
Wade. The next two settlements were Bateman, of whom I have 
spoken, and Andrew Phillips, who lived just east of Marshall's 
blacksmith shop. Dr. Phillips lived one and a half miles south of 
town on the farm now owned by Davis. North of town lived Mar- 
shall Kee, John Mattliews. father of B. L. Matthews, and grand- 
father of Ool, Matthews, Abel Shelly, Wm. Wilkerson, Sam Hola- 
way, Abraham Scholl, Sara. Chenoweth, and an old gentleman by 
the name of Ayers. All these I have named were men of families; 
and none to my knowledge now remain but David Johnson, who 
still lives in the town of Perry, and is badly crippled with rheuma- 
tism, but otherwise is in good health. Many of their children and 
grandchildren yet remain in the county. 

"Although the immediate descendants of these old pioneers grew 
up without an opportunity to get an education, many of them are, 
yes, I may say most of them, are noble, high-minded men and wo- 
men, and are generally among the foremost to make a sacrifice to 
secure for their children a substantial education; and while on this 
subjec", I will say, if there was a school-house in the county I was not 
aware of its location. The first school-house near Griggsville was 
built in 1831. It was located a little northeast of town, a small log 
cabin, stick-and-clay chimney, the floor laid from slabs split from 
lind logs, and the seats made of some material mounted on wooden 
legs. For light, one log was cut out of the building, a hewn slab 
put under this opening and paper pasted over it in cold weather; 
then with a rousing log fire, Webster's speller, the Testament, 
sometimes the Life of Washington, sometimes Jack Downing, Rob- 
inson Crusoe, or whatever happened to be in the library at home, 
and a few copies of Daboll's or Pike's arithmetic, and a long 'gad' 
or two, Master Robert Rankin used to 'teach the young idea how 
to shoot.' Some of my young friends no doubt will laugh at my 
description of our educational privileges in those days, but this 
happened less than half a century ago and within less than half a 
mile and in sight of that fine school-house that so adorns the town 
and adds so much to your educational privileges. My description 
of this one will answer with very little variation all the first schools 
in this part of the county. 

"The next settlements to those already mentioned were along the 
bluff near Chanibersburg and a few in the neighborhood of Detroit. 
The first settlers were poor, honest and brave, always kind to 

15 



228 IIISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

friends and ready to resent an insult, but rarely with any weapon 
only sucli as nature furnislied them with. 

" The first settlements were nearly entirely confined to the edge 
of the timber where small fields could be cleaned and plowed with 
one yoke of oxen or a span of horses, the prairie sod being tough, 
requiring heavy teams to plow it. 

"At this time game was very abundant. Deer, turkeys, prairie 
chickens, quail, raccoon, opossum and skunk were here in immense 
numbers. The buffalo had disappeared, but from the amount of 
horns and bones that lay bleaching on the prairies they must have 
been here in vast numbers. 

" At this time occasional bands of Indians would come in to hunt, 
but the settlers would form into companies, shoulder their rifles 
and inarch out to their camps and drive them away. 

" Now, I can imagine some of my young friends would like to 
know how these poor settlers lived and what kind of houses they 
had, how they dressed themselves, and many other questions. Well, 
I have told you game was plenty; so was wild honey; the land pro- 
ductive and every man and boy who was large enough knew how to 
use the rifle and bring down the game. And up to the winter of 
1830-'! the winters had been very mild. Flax grew well, and cot- 
ton for the first few years did well. The women had all been raised 
to spin, weave and manufacture all the clothing that was needed in 
the family; but a large portion of the men dressed deer-skins and 
made themselves pants and coats, or what they called hunting- 
shirts. Some wore moccasins made of the same material, others 
would buy leather and manufacture shoes for their own family, or 
perhaps some neighbor would become quite an expert at cobbling, 
and besides doing all the shoe work for his own family, would do 
also a good deal for his neighbors; and I have seen women that 
could make quite a respectable shoe. The men would frequently 
manufacture caps for themselves and boys from the skins of foxes, 
coons and muskrats. Honey, at that day, was almost the only 
sweetening, besides maple sugar, that was used. Very little tea 
and coffee were used. Cows were cheap and the rich and nutritious 
grass caused them to produce choice milk and butter. Everybody 
used milk in those days. Potatoes, squashes, pumpkins and the 
various vegetables were securely stored for winter. The people 
had no money; they made but very few debts and very little dealing 
at the stores. What they did was niostl}^ trade in furs, peltries and 
beeswax ; and some of the oldest settlers would have a little surplus 
to sell to new comers. 

" It was several years before there was any grain shipped from 
this part of the country. The only means of transportation was a 
keel-boat owned and run by Ira Kellogg from Naples to St. Louis. 
It would make a trip once in five or six weeks. Naples was the 
only trading point for all the east side of the county. All the mills 
I can tliink of now that were then in Pike county, were Jolinson's 
little grist and saw mill, two miles above Chamliersburg, built in 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 229 

1830 or 1831, Van Densen's little corn-cracker on Blue river, that 
would grind from one to two bushels per hour according to the 
stage of water, and Barney's horse-mill, some four or five miles 
from where Pittsfield now stands. As these mills did not accom- 
modate half the settlers, hand-mills, mortars and pestles were re- 
sorted to, and quantities of homin}'^ were used during the winter 
season. 

" Now, for the habitations. Well, thej were all built of logs 
after the fashion of the school-house I described. All had fire- 
places and only one room. The cooking was done in iron vessels 
on and around the log fire. If the weather was cold, the family 
large, or company in, which very frequently happened, the wood 
was piled on so as to raise the heat and cause all hands to sit back 
to give the cooks room to work. In at least two corners of the 
cabin would be one-legged bedsteads, made by boring two holes at 
right angles into the logs and two to correspond into a single post 
to receive the outer ends of the two rails. Clapboards, being laid 
across, formed quite a convenient bedstead; and besides these I 
have often seen a loom and spinning-wheel in use in the same 
cabin. This state of afikirs would often last for years before another 
room would be added, 

" At the time of which 1 write, settlements w^ere not very rapid. 
The land was not in market. Congress had passed an act that all 
actual settlers who had lived for one year upon the public lands 
were entitled to enter or buy 160 acres at any time before the land 
was offered at public sale, which was in the fall of 1830; but very 
few of the settlers had any money to buy the land upon which they 
lived. The land office for this district was at Edwardsville, at which 
place a loan office was opened by Mason & Co. They would loan 
$200 to a settler which would pay the Government for 160 acres of 
land, the settler giving mortgage on the land and personal security 
for the paj^ment of the $200 with 35 per cent, interest. 

"Soon after .this, settlements became more frequent, many of 
the new comers bringing some money with them. Many of the old 
settlers who had borrowed money at the enormous rate of interest 
referred to, sold their land and improvements, thereby enabling 
them to pay the mortgage and have some money left to buy another 
tract of unimproved land. The most of these early settlers were 
from the Southern States. Yery few of them had ever had many 
advantages of an education; and, coming into a new country, where 
for several years schools were unknown, and then for several years 
more the only schools we had being gotten up by the individual 
efforts of the poor settlers, we see how limited their education must 
have been. We had no school fund then, no law to levy tax for 
school purposes, and school-houses were built by individual eiSbrt, 
and teachers hired in the same way. Books and papers were very 
scarce, I think the nearest paper published in the State was at 
Yandalia, the seat of Government at that time. Our postoffice was 



230 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 

at Naples, in Morgan, now Scott, county, wliere we paid twentj'-five 
cents postage on a letter. 

"With these limited advantages nearly all the children of that 
da}^ grew to be men and women with but little education, or what 
' is considered so at the present day. And let me say to my young 
friends, when you feel disposed to laugh at the speech, orthography, 
or grammar of old fogies who have come up from those days, just 
laugh and feel good, and then remember them with gratitude for 
the many sacrifices and noble efforts they have made to secure to 
you the grand educational advantages you now enjoy under our 
free-school system. 

" In December, 1830, snow fell to the depth of three feet on a 
level and drifted in many places to eight or ten feet. This was kept 
up by snow-falls until the middle of March. This has been known 
and referred to as the winter of the deep snow. During this win- 
ter vast numbers of deer, turkey and other game died, or were 
killed -by thoughtless hunters. During these early settlements 
Wolves were very abundant and very destructive on pigs and sheep. 
This county had a great many snakes, of which the rattlesnake was 
the most numerous and dangerous, persons and animals being fre- 
quently bitten by them, causitig the most intense pain and occa- 
sionally producing death. The habits of these reptiles were to 
gather up late in the fall at some rocky blulF or other place where 
they could make their way underground beyond the reach of frost 
and remain there until warm weather in May, when they crawled 
out and lay around in the sun a few days and then dispersed for 
miles over the surrounding country. During the time of their 
coming out in May we used to visit their dens and kill them in 
large numbers. This practice, in the course of a few years, greatly 
lessened their numbers, but still, in some localities a few remain. 

" In the fall of 1830, if my recollection is right, we had the first 
preaching, by a Methodist minister named Hunter, whose circuit or 
mission covered all the territory south of Rushville and Warsaw, 
lying between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. He went around 
this circuit once in four weeks. The preaching place for a little 
societv that was formed in the neio^hborhood of Grio-gsWlle was at 
ray father's house, on the S. W. quarter of sec. 14, T. 4 S., K. 3 W. 

"Asa Hinman." 

MR. garrison's letter. 

In 1876, when F. M. Grimes was preparing the history of Monte- 
zuma township, he i-eceived the following very descriptive letter 
from Z. A. Garrison, of Oregon: 

" Fifty years ago I with my father and his family crossed the 
Illinois river in a small hand ferry-boat atMeacham's Ferry, where 
Montezuma now etands. We went west four miles and settled in 
.the timber, a pretty country abounding with game of all kinds. 
Deer, turkey and bees were very plenty. The Indians were our most 
numerous neighbors, being about twenty to one white man. In the 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 231 

winter of 1829 and 1830, the deep snow fell, which was four feet on 
a level. The summer following 1 was tending the ferry for Solo- 
mon Seevers at Montezuma and saw the first steam-boat that 
ploughed the Illinois river. It was a small steri\-wheeler. When 
opposite the ferry the wheel rolled up so much grass that it could 
not turn, and the men had to cut it loose and pole her through the 
grass. There was but one water mill in the county and that was 
on Big Blue. It was a tub-wheel and a very faithful one it was. 
When it got one grain cracked it' would jump upon another with a 
powerful vim and crack it too. The nearest store in the county was 
kept by Col. Ross at Atlas. Women wore homespun cotton dresses, 
and deer-skin moccasins. Men and boys dressed in buckskin from 
head to foot, and on the head a coon or fox skin cap; ate hog and 
hominy, lived sociably and enjoyed each other's company with true 
friendship." 

COUNTY-SEAT MOVED TO PITTSFIELD. 

By the year 1831 it was seen that the county-seat could not long 
remain at Atlas, and a movement was started to fix its future and 
permanent location. The Legislature of the following winter 
authorized the appointment of three commissioners to locate the 
permanent seat of justice, which commissioners were Havv^kins 
Judd. Geo. W. Hinman and Benj. Barney. After thoroughly can- 
vassing the situation they chose that beautiful site, centrally located 
in the county, whereon the present town of Pittsfield stands. The 
parties who wished to make the best of the situation had not the 
necessary $200 to enter the land with. It was difiicult to borrow it 
anywhere in the county except of the Boss family, and they were 
interested in Atlas and opposed to Pittsfield. Of course some ill- 
feeling was engendered, and Mr. Hinman and Col. Barney got so 
mad they swore they "would never hold ofiice again," and the Colo- 
nel has kept his word. They signed a note and obtained the money 
of Col. Ross, had the ground surveyed, let the building of the 
court-house to a Mr. Burke, and the commissioners held court in it 
in the fall of 1833, and the next spring the Circuit Court was held 
there. The Commissioners favoring the location were elected by a 
handsome majority at the next election, showing how the people of 
the county felt on the subject. 

THE BEAUTIFUL PEAIKIES. 

The large prairies of the county presented a most beautiful sight 
before they were settled. The following ver}^ descriptive lines on 
"The Prairies of Illinois," by Capt. Basil Hall, graphically por- 
trays their beauty in their wild and native state: 

" The charm of prairie exists in its extension, its green, flowery 
carpet, its undulating surface, and the skirt of forest whereby it is 
surrounded; the latter feature being of all others the most signifi- 
cant and expressive, since it characterizes the landscape, and defines 
the form and boundary of the plain. If the prairie is little, its 



232 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

greatest beauty consists in the vicinity of the encompassing edge of 
forests, which may be compared to the shores of a hdce, being inter- 
sected with many deep, inward bends, as so many inlets, and at in- 
tervals projecting very far, not nnlike a promontory or protruding 
arm of land. These projections sometimes so closely approach each 
other, that the traveler passing through between them may be said 
to walk in the midst of an alley overshadowed by the forest, before 
he enters again upon another broad prairie. Where the plain is ex- 
tensive, the delineations of the forest in the distant background ap- 
pear as would a misty ocean beach afar off. The eye stjmetimes 
surveys the green prairie without discovering on the illimitable 
plain a tree or bush, or any other object save the wilderness of 
tlowers and grass, while on other occasions the view is enlivened by 
the groves dispersed like islands over the plain, or by a solitary 
tree rising above the wilderness. The resemblance to the sea which 
some of these prairies exhibit is really most striking. In the spring, 
when the young grass has just clothed the soil with a soddy carpet 
of the most delicate green, but especially when the sun is rising be- 
hind a distant elevation of the ground and its rays are reflected by 
myriads of dew-drops, a more pleasing and more eye-benetitting 
view cannot be imagined. 

"The delightful aspect of the prairie, its- amenities, and the ab- 
sence of that sombre awe inspired by forests, contribute to forcing 
away that sentiment of loneliness which usually steals upon the 
mind of the solitary wanderer in the wilderness; for, although he 
espies no liabitatipn, and sees no human being, and knows himself 
to be far oflT from every settlement of man, he can scarcely defend 
himself from believing that he is traveling through a landscape 
embellished by human art. The flowers are so delicate and elegant 
as apparently to be distributed for mere ornament over the plain; 
the groves and groups of trees seem to be dispersed over the prairie 
to enliven the landscape, and we can scarcely get rid of the impres- 
sion invading our imagination, of the whole scene being flung out 
and created for the satisfaction of the sentiment of beauty in refined 
men. 

"In the summer the ]irairie is covered with tall grass, which is 
coarse in appearance, and soon assumes a yellow color, waving in 
the wind like a ripe crop of corn. In the early stages of its growth 
it resembles young wheat, and in this state furnishes such rich and 
succulent food for cattle that the latter choose it often in preference 
to wheat, it being no doubt a very congenial fodder to them, since 
it is impossible to conceive of better butter than is made while the 
grass is in this stage. 

"In the early stages of its growth the grass is intei'spersed with 
little flowers, — the violet, the strawberry-blossom, and others of 
the most delicate structure. When the grass grows higher these 
disappear, and taller flowers, displaying more lively colors, take 
their place; and still later a series of still higher but less delicately 
formed flowers appear on the surface. While the grass is green 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 233 

these beautiful plains are adorned with every imaginable variety of 
color. It is impossible to conceive of a greater diversity, or dis- 
cover a predominating color, save the green, which forms a beauti- 
ful dead color, relieving the splendor of the others. In the summer 
the plants grow taller, and the colors more lively; in the autumn 
another generation of flowers arises which possesses less clearness 
and variety of color and less fragrancy. In the winter the prairie 
presents a melancholy aspect. Often the lire, which the hunters 
annually send over the prairies in order to dislodge the game, will 
destroy the eiitire vegetation, giving to the soil a uniform black ap- 
pearance, like that of a vast plain of charcoal; then the wind sweep- 
ing over the prairie will find nothing which it might put in motion, 
no leaves which it might disperse, no haulms which it might shake. 
No sooner does the snow commence to fall tlian the animals, unless 
already frightened away by the fire, retire into the forests, when the 
most dreary, oppressive solitude will reign on the burnt prairies, 
which often occupy many square miles of territory," 

PBAIRIE FIRES. 

Fires would visit the grassy plains every autumn. The settlers 
who had pushed out from the timber took great precaution to pre- 
vent their crops, houses and barns from being destroyed, yet not 
always did they succeed. Many incidents are related of prairie 
fires. The great conflagrations were caused either accidentally, or 
designedly from wantonness, or with a view of bewildering the 
game. The fire often spread further than it was intended it should. 
Wherever were extensive prairie lands, one-half was burned in the 
spring and the other half in the autumn, in order to produce a more 
rapid growth of the naturally exhuberant grass, destroying at the 
same time the tall and thick weed stalks. Violent winds M^onld 
often arise and drive the flames with such rapidity that riders on 
the fleetest steeds could scarcely escape. On the approach of a 
prairie fire the farmer would immediately set about "burning back," 
— that is, burning off the grass close by the fences, that the larger 
fire upon arriving would become extinguished for want of aliment. 
In order to be able, however, to make proper use of this measure of 
safety, it was very essential that every farmer should encompass 
with a ditch those of his fences adjoining the prairie. When known 
that the conflagration could cause no danger, the settler, though 
accustomed to them, could not refrain from gazing with admiration 
upon the magnificent spectacle. Language cannot convey, words 
cannot express, the faintest idea of the splendor and grandeur of 
such a conflagration during the night. It was as if the pale queen 
of night, disdaining to take her accustomed place in the heavens, 
had dispatched myriads upon myriads of messengers to light their 
torches at the altar of the setting sun until all had flashed into one 
long and continuous blaze. 

The following graphic description of prairie flres was written by 
a traveler through this region in 1849: 



234 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

''Soon the fires began to kindle wider and rise higher from the 
long grass; the gentle breeze increased to stronger currents, and 
soon tanned the small, flickering blaze into fierce torrent flames, 
which curled up and leaped along in resistless splendor; and like 
quickly raising the dark curtain from the luminous stage, the scenes 
before me were suddenly changed, as if by the magician's wand, into 
one boundless amphitheater, blazing from earth to heaven and 
sweeping the horizon round, — columns of lurid flames sportively 
mounting up to tlie zenith, and dark clouds of crimson smoke curl- 
ing away and aloft till they nearly obscured stars and moon, while 
the rushing, crashing sounds, like roaring cataracts mingled with 
distant thunders, were almost deafening; danger, death, glared all 
around; it screamed for victims; yet, notwithstanding the immi- 
nent peril of prairie fires, one is loth, irresolute, almost unable to 
withdraw or seek refuge." 

INCIDENTS OF PIONEER LIFE. 

The amusements of the pioneers were peculiar to themselves. 
Saturday afternoon was a holiday in which no man was expected to 
work. A load of produce might be taken to " town " for sale or 
traftic without violence to custom, but no more serious labor could 
be tolerated. When on Saturday afternoon the town was reached, 
"fun commenced." Had two neighbors business to transact, here 
it was done. Horses were " swapped," difficulties settled and free 
fights indulo^ed in. Blue and red ribbons were not worn in those 
days, and whisky was free as water; twelve and one-half cents would 
buy a quart, and thirty-five or forty cents would buy a gallon, and 
at such prices enormous quantities were consumed. Go to any 
town in the county and ask tlie first pioneer you meet, he will tell 
you of notable Saturday-afternoon fights, either of which to-day 
would fill a column of the Police News, with elaborate engravings 
to match. Indeed, fights on Saturday in the villages and settle- 
ment centers were so customary tliat when a Saturday passed with 
no fight in the neighborhood, it was the occasion of considerable 
remark for weeks. 

Rough, ready to fight, as these pioneers were, their latch-string 
was always out. No stranger ever stopped at their cabins without 
receiving a hearty welcome. 

The settler in the early days was not only hospitable but also 
philanthropic, and never neglected an opportunity to aid a neigh- 
bor. House-raisings were his special delight. Let a new-comer 
arrive in the neighborhood and all were ready to help him. One 
would send a bushel or two of potatoes, another a piece of meat, 
another some other article that could be used to eke out the larder; 
but when the new-comer had his logs cut and all ready for the rais- 
ing, then the fun commenced. Teams, men, axes, all were on the 
ground at an early hour, logs were hauled, scored, one side hewed, 
it may be, and before night willing hands had erected a residence 
as comfortable and commodious as any in the settlement, and at 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 235 

night was ready for the " house-warming," where dancing was kept 
up until the " wee short hours," and where all enjoyed themselves 
in a manner unknown to the people of to-day. Let a neighbor get 
sick in the fall, as frequently occurred, and some neighbor would 
inaugurate a " chopping bee " or corn-gathering, for his benefit, 
when all his fall work would be done in a day, — corn gathered and 
cribbed, wood chopped and hauled, and everything put in good 
shape for the winter. After the day's labors were completed, song 
and dance were in order, and until morning, perhaps, the younger 
members of the community would keep up their hilarity. 

The only amusements of the pioneers had a hospitable, kindly 
core and were connected with some helpful act for needy neighbors. 
It was not only in amusements, but in all other acts of life that this 
kindliness was manifested, as instances which living witnesses can 
testify to will illustrate. 

TRADE. 

The earliest commercial transactions carried on in this county 
were but neighborhood exchanges, in great part. True, now and 
then a farmer would load a flat-boat with beeswax, honey, tallow 
and peltries, with perhaps a few bushels of wheat or corn or a few 
hundred clapboards, and float down the Illinois or Mississippi river 
to St. Louis, or even to N^ew Orleans, where he would exchange his 
produce for substantial in the way of groceries and a little ready 
money, w^ith which he would return by some one of two or three 
steam-boats then running; or if the period of the trip was before 
the advent of steam-boats he would turn his load into cash and 
come home on foot. 

After the advent of steam-boats a new system of commerce sprang 
up. Every town would contain one or two merchants who would 
buy corn, wheat and dressed hogs in the fall, store them in ware- 
houses on the river at some of the " landings," and when the river 
opened in the spring would ship his winter's accumulations to St. 
Louis, Cincinnati or ]S(ew Orleans for sale, and with the proceeds 
visit New York and lay in six months' supply of goods. So far as 
the farmer was concerned in all these transactions money was an 
unknown factor. Goods were always sold on twelve months' time 
and payment made with the proceeds of the farmers' crops. When 
the crops were sold and the merchant satisfied the surplus was paid 
out in orders on the store to laboring men and to satisfy other 
creditors. When a day's work was done by a working man his 
employer would say, " Well, what store do you want your order on? " 
and the order was always cheerfully accepted. 

Hogs were always sold ready dressed. The farmer, if forehanded, 
would call in his neighbors some bright fall or winter morning to 
help ''kill hogs." Immense kettles filled with water had been 
boiling since dawn. The sleds of the farmer covered with loose 
plank formed a platform for dressing, and a cask or half hogshead, 
with an old quilt thrown over the top, was prepared in which to 



236 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

scald. From a crotch of some convenient tree a projecting pole 
was rigged to hold the dtad animals. When everything was 
arranged the best shot of the neighborhood loaded his trusty rifle 
and the work of killing commenced. To make a " hog squeal " in 
shooting or " shoulder-stick," i. e., run the point of the knife used 
into the shoulder instead of the cavity of the breast, was a disgrace. 
As each hog fell the "sticker" mounted him and plunged a long, 
well-sharpened knife into his throat, and others caught him by the 
legs and drew him to the scalding tub now filled with hot water, 
into which a shovel-full of good screen-wood ashes had been thrown. 
The cleaners now took the departed porcine, immersed him head 
first into the scalding tub, drew him back and forward a time 
or two, tried the hair, and if it would '' slip " easily the animal 
was turned and the other end underwent the same }}rocess. As 
soon as taken from the water the scrapers with case-knives went to 
work and soon had the animal denuded of hair, when two stout 
fellows would take it up between them and a third man to manage 
the "gambrel " (which was a stout stick about two feet long, sharp- 
ened at both ends to be inserted between the muscles of the hind 
legs at or near the hock joint), the animal would be elevated to the 
pole and the entrails removed by some skillful hand. 

When the work of killing was completed and the hogs had time 
to cool, such as were intended for domestic use were cut up, the 
lard tried out by tlie women of the household, and the surplus taken 
to town to market. In those days almost every merchant had, at 
the rear end of his place of business or at some convenient neigh- 
boring building, a " pork-house," and would buy the pork of his cus- 
tomers and of such others as would sell to him, and " cut " it for 
market. This gave employment to a large number of hands in 
every village cutting pork — work which lasted all winter; also to a 
large number of teams hauling to the river, and coopers making 
pork barrels.- 

Prices of pork then were not so high as at present. Thousands 
of hogs dressed for market have been sold in this county at $1.25 
to $1.50j|per hundred pounds: sometimes the}" were sold by the dozen, 
bringing from $12 to $18 pfir dozen, owing to size and quality. 
When, as the county grew older and communications easier between 
the seaboard and the great West, prices went up to $2 and $2.50 per 
hundred ])ounds, the farmers thought they would always be content 
to raise pork at such a fine price. 

There was one feature in this method of buying pork that made 
any town in Pike county a paradise for the poor man in winter. 
" Spare-ribs, " " tender loins, " '* pigs' heads " and " feet " were not 
considered of an}" value, and were given freely to all who asked. If 
a barrel were taken to any pork-house and salt furnished, the barrel 
would be filled and salted down with tender loins or spare-ribs for 
nothing. So great in many cases was the quantity of spare-ribs, 
etc., to be disposed of, that they would be hauled away in wagon 
loads and dumped in the woods out of town. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 23 Y 

In those days if wheat brought half a dollar per bushel the 
farmer was satisfied, A good young milch-cow could be bought for 
from $5 to $10, and that payable in work. 

Those might truly be called close times, yet the citizens of the 
county were accommodating, and no case of actual suffering for the 
necessaries of life was known to exist before each vied with the 
other to relieve it. 

PKEACHING OF THE GOSPEL. 

The early settlers were not entirely without preaching. Says an 
old pioneer on this subject: "The ministers of the gospel of the 
Savior of the world hunted us up and preached to what few there 
were; therefore, we did not degenerate and turn heathen, as any 
community will where the sound of the gospel is not heard. I shall 
not give their names, though sacred in memory, for they were not 
after the fleece, but after the flock, because they had but little to 
say about science and philosophy, but spoke of purer things." 

In speaking of the early preachers Col. Wm. Ross, in a letter 
read before the first meeting of the Old Settlers' Association, said: 
^' Among my early recollections are the faithful services rendered 
by pioneer ministers of the gospel, among whom the name of 
Brotlier Trotter is familiar. He rendered faithful services as a 
minister of Christ, and was well received by all Christian denomina- 
tions as a liberal-minded Christian and a noble man. " 
■ Rev. W. D. Trotter, the gentleman above referred to, was present 
at this meeting, and reviewed the hardships and trials of the early 
settlers of Pike county to the great entertainment of the audience. 
He had been a missionary in this county as early as 1830. He ex- 
hibited a balance sheet of his receipts and expenditures during 
the year 1832-'3, in what wag then called Blue River Mission. He 
received from the mission $88; the conference paid him $12 in ad- 
dition, making his salary $100 for his services for the year. 

Hon. Wm. A. Grinshaw delivered the oration of the occasion 
and referred to this subject in the following language: " We all 
worship God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and 
under our vine and fig tree. When Brother Trotter, who is now 
present, venerable with years and revered for piety, or old Father 
Wolf, now gathered to his fathers, blessed for his good deeds, came 
around to his appointment, all of every religion and no one religion 
turned out to meeting in the woods or the log school-house, or at 
a settler's home; we had no fine churches in those days. Mormons 
puzzled the unwary by their startling pretense at new revelations. 
Or, if disappointed by the regular minister, old Father Petty would 
recite in prayer Belsliazzar's feast in trembling tones of piety. " 

In early day when public gatherings were occasions of great ex- 
citement and means of conveyance rare the people would walk a 
great way to church. Girls have been known to walk six miles to 
church, to " meeting " as it was termed in those days. Persons 



238 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

very often would ride horseback, two or three on a horse, and go ten 
or fifteen miles in this way, bringing along their bread and cheese. 
Until public buildings were erected meetings would be held in 
private houses, as they were offered by their owners, or in groves. 

EDUCATION. 

Though struggling through the pressure of poverty and privation 
the early settlers planted among them the school-house at the earli- 
est practical period. So important an object as the education of 
their children they did not defer until they could build more comely 
and convenient houses. They were for a time content with such as 
corresponded with their rude dwellings, but soon better buildings 
and accommodations were provided. As may readily be supposed, 
the accommodations of the earliest schools were not good. Some- 
times schools were taught in small log houses erected for the pur- 
pose. Stoves and such heating apparatus as are now in use were 
unknown. A mud-and-stick chimney in one end of the building, 
with earthen hearth and fire-place wide and deep enough to take 
in a four-foot back-log, and smaller wood to m:it"ch, served for warm- 
ing purposes in winter and a kind of conservar^ry in summer. For 
windows, part of a log was cutout in either >ide and may be a few 
lights of eight-by-ten glass set in, or just as likely as not the 
aperture would be covered over with greased paper. Writing 
benches were made of wide planks, or likely puncheons, resting on 
pins or arms, driven into two-inch auger-holes bored into the logs 
beneath the windows, Seats were made out of puncheons, and 
flooring of the same material. Everything was rude and plain, but 
many of ^America's greatest men have gone out from just such 
school-houses to grapple with the world and make names for them- 
selves, and have come to be an hono^ to their country. Among 
these we can name Abraham Lincoln, our martyred President, one 
of the noblest men ever known to the world's history. Stephen A. 
Douglas, one of the greatest statesmen of the age, began his career 
in Illinois teaching in one of these primitive school-houses. 

Things are changed now. We no longer see the log school-house. 
Their places are filled with handsome frame or brick structures, 
which, for elegance and beauty of design, rival those of older 
settled countries; and in place of the "masters" who were " looked 
up to " as superior beings, and were consulted on all matters of law, 
physic and religion, there are teachers of liberal culture, intelligent 
and progressive, many of whom have a broad and comprehensive 
idea of education, and regard their labor as something more than 
merely teaching in order to make a living, — more than a knowledge 
of a great number of facts in the great universe of mind and mat- 
ter. It means culture, the developing and disciplining of all the 
faculties of the human mind. It is the comprehension of the entire 
being of man. And the school or teacher who takes charge and care 
of the young should provide the means and methods for carrying 
forward the process in all departments of their complex nature, 
physical, mental and spiritual. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 239 



EARLY MILLING. 



One of <the greatest difficulties encountered by the early settlers 
was in having their milling done. By a liberal application of enter- 
prise and muscle they experienced but little trouble in producing 
an abundance of the cereals, but having it converted into breadstuff 
was a source of much hard labor. The hand-mill introduced was a 
great improvement over the mortar or tin grater, a description of 
which is given elsewhere in this volume. Then the band-mill was 
introduced. 

John Shaw ran a horse-mill for a time in Calhoun county, where 
the earliest settlers sometimes went, but it appears he soon aban- 
doned it. Wm. Ross then started one at Atlas. The burrs of this 
mill were limestone, and it is said that in every bushel of meal 
ground in this mill there would be a peck of stone dust. Many of 
the settlers had to travel long distances to mill, and then often wait 
for several days before they could get their grist. 

After the large mill was built at Rockport it was the great center 
for milling for all this section of country. 

MORMONS. 

The Mormons first settled at " Morraont.own," about three miles 
east of Pittsfield, in 1839, and by 1845 there were 300 voters in that 
settlement. They were quiet and harmless. On the building of 
Nauvoo most of them removed to that place. They tried to work 
some miracles about Pittsfield, but not with very signal success. 
We heard of but one crime committed by them during their career 
in this county, and that was not particularly a Mormon crime. A 
man among them named Benj. Sweat was convicted of passing 
counterfeit gold : was caught at Jacksonville. He was very poor 
and excited the sympathies of the people, and a petition was pre- 
sented for his release, which was granted. 

COTTON. 

In pioneer times a little cotton was raised in the Military Tract, 
and as late as 1861 and 1862 there was cotton raised in Pikecounty. 
Lindsay Dilworth, living eight miles from Pittsfield, raised 17 
pounds from three rows, each 100 feet long. One-half of it was 
frost-bitten : the remainder was white and fine-fibered. In 1862 
Wm. Ross, jr., raised some very good cotton. 

ASIATIC CHOLERA. 

While this scourge wrought great devastation in some sections of 
the United States in 184:8-'9, Pikecounty almost escaped its ravages. 
In and about Pittsfield Dr. Comstock, DeWitt St. John, David 
Ober and wife, Mr. Main, Alvin Hash's wife and several strangers 
died, and at Kinderhook there were 15 or 20 cases of the disease. 
It seemed to have got out into the county from Louisiana, whither 
it had been brought by steamers from the lower Mississippi. 



240 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



STATE IMPROVEMENTS. 



The celebrated internal improvement system inaui^nrated by the 
State in 1836-'7 did nut give Pike county any railroads or canals, 
or even promise any; but an appropriation of several thousand 
dollars was made, which was economically expended in the im- 
provement of highways. Commissioners were appointed, men 
were hired to superintend the work, and wagon roads were made 
evener or improved from Quincy through the northeastern part 
of the county, from Pittsfield to Florence, and one from Griggsville 
to the Illinois river. These works were completed, however, by 
county and township aid. 

ORIGIN OF NAMES OF CREEKS. 

McCraney's creek, formerly called '' McDonald's creek," by the 
Government surv^ey, was named after McCraney, who was the first 
settler upon its banks. He was a man of great endurance and a 
skillful sportsman. One day he chased down a gray wolf with his 
horse, when he placed one foot upon the animal's neck and with 
the other succeeded in breaking his legs so that he could get some- 
thing with which to con)pleteI_y dispatch him. 

lladley creek was named after Col. Levi Hadley, an early settler. 

Dutch Church creek was named after a rocky bluff near its bank 
which is supposed to resemble an old Dutch church in the city of 
Albany, N. Y. Keyes creek was named after Willard Keyes. 

Ambrosia creek was named from the purity of its waters. 

Two-Mile creek was named from its crossing the bluif two miles 
from Atlas. 

Six-Mile creek is six miles below Atlas. 

Bay creek was so called from the bay into which it runs. 

FIRST THINGS IN PIKE COUNTY. 

The first settler in Pike county was Ebenezer Franklin, who 
also cut the first tree and built the first log cabin, in 1820. 

The first white person born in the county was Nancy, daughter 
to Col. Wm. Ross, at Atlas, May 1, 1822, who died Nov. 18, the 
same year. 

Marcellus Ross, now living one mile east of Pittsfield, was the 
first white male child born in Pike countv. 

The first death in the county was that of Clarendon Ross, at 
Atlas. 

Daniel Sliinn brought the first wagon into the county in 1820. 

Col. Benj. Barney was the first blacksmith in the county, erect- 
ing his shop at Atlas in 1826. He also burned the first coal in the 
county, it having been shipped from Pittsburg, Pa. 

James Ross brought and used the first grain cradle here, in 1828. 

James Ross also equipped and ran the first turner's lathe and 
cabinet shop, at Atlas, in 1828. ^ 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. , 241 

Col. Wm. Ross built the first brick house in the county, at Atlas, 
in 1821. 

He also erected the first store building, at Atlas, in 1826, and 
also the first grist-mill, a band-mill, at Atlas, about the same time. 

Fielding Hanks was the first to follow tanning in Pike county. 

Tlie first Circuit Court was held at Coles' Grove, Oct. 1, 1821. 

The first Court at Atlas was held " the first Thursday after the 
fourth Monday in April,'' which would be May 1, 1823. 

The first court-house within the present limits of Pike county 
was built at Atlas in 1824. 

The first jail was erected at Atlas in 1824. 

The first school was taught at Atlas by John Jay Ross in 1822. 

The first Church was organized in the Ross family at Atlas prior 
to 1830. It was Congregational. 

The first church building in Pittsfield was the Congregational, 
and built by Col. Ross. 

Capt. Hale, a Baptist minister, probably organized the first Baptist 
church in Pike county. 

The first library was founded at Atlas, about 1833-4. 

The first Fourth-of-July celebration was held at Atlas in 1823. 

The first political meeting was held in Montezuma township in 
1834, when Col. Ross, who was running for the Legislature, made 
a speech. About 50 voters were present, besides boys. No nomi- 
nations or appointments were made. 

The first whisky distilled in the county was manufactured by Mr. 
Milhizer in 1826. 

The first wheat was raised by Col. Ross and Mr. Seeley near 
Atlaf, which was also the first ground in Pike county and made 
into biscuit. The flour was bolted through book muslin. 

The first apples were raised by Alfred Bissell, near New Hartford, 
and the first at Pittsfield by Col. "Wm. Ross. 

The first man hung in the Military Tract was a Mr. Cunning- 
ham, at Quincy. 

The first man executed in Pike county was Bartholomew Barnes, 
at Pittsfield, Dec. 29, 1872. 

The first State Senator elected from Pike county was Col. Wm. 
Ross. 

The first County Commissioners were Capt. Leonard Ross, John 
Shaw and Wm. Ward. 

The first County Treasurer was Nathaniel Shaw, appointed in 
1821. 

The first County and Circuit Clerk was James W. Whitney. 

T. L. Hall, of Detroit tp., taught the first singing school, at Atlas. 

The first Justices of the Peace were Ebenezer Smith and Stephen 
Dewey, appointed in 1821. 

The first Constable was Belus Jones, appointed in 1821. 

The first Masonic lodge was held up-stairs, at the house of Col. 
Ross, in Atlas, between 1830 and 1834. The desk used on the 
occasion is still in the possession of Marcellus Ross. It is a plain 



242 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 

box, strono^ly built, fifteen inches square and two and one-half feet 
lii^h, and contains two shelves. In one side is a door swung on 
hinges. 

WHAT THE PIONEERS HAVE DONE. 

Pike county is a grand county, in many respects second to none 
in the State, and in almost everything that goes to make a live, 
prosjierous community, not far l)eliind the best. Beneath its fertile 
soil is coal enough to supply the State for generations; its harvests 
are bountiful; it enjoys a medium climate and many other things 
that make them a contented, prosperous and happy people; but the 

fieople owe much to those who opened up these avenues that have 
ed to their ])resent condition and ha])])y surroundings. Unremit- 
ting toil and labor have driven off the sickly miasmas that brooded 
over swampy prairies. Energy and perseverance have peopled every 
section of the wild lands, and changed them from wastes and deserts 
to gardens of beauty and profit. When but a few years ago the 
barking wolves made the night hideous with their wild shrieks and 
howls, now is heard only the lowing and bleating of domestic ani- 
mals. Only a half century ago the wild whoop of the Indian rent 
the air where now are heard the engine and rumbling trains of cars, 
bearing away to markets the products of the soil and the labor of 
its people. Then the savage built his rude huts on the spot wliere 
now.rise the dwellings and school-houses and church spires of civil- 
ized life. How great the transformation! This change has been 
brought about by the incessant toil and aggregated labor of thou- 
sands of tired hands and anxious hearts, and the noble aspirations 
of such men and women as make any country great. What will 
another half century accomplish'^ 

There are few, very few, of these old pioneers yet lingering on the 
shores of time as connecting links of the past with the pre&ent. 
What must their thoughts be as with their dim eyes they view the 
scenes that surround them? We often hear people talk about the 
old-fogy ideas and fogy ways, and want of enterprise on the part of 
the old men who have gone through the experiences of pioneer life. 
Sometimes, perhaps, such remarks are just, but, considering the 
experiences, education and entire life of such men, such remarks are 
better unsaid. They have had their trials, misfortunes, hardships 
and adventures, and shall we now, as they are passing far down the 
western declivity of life, and many of them gone, point to them the 
finger of derision and laugh and sneer at the simplicity of their 
ways? Let us rather cheer them up, revere and respect them, for 
beneath those rough exteriors beat hearts as noble as ever throbbed 
in the human breast. These veterans have been compelled to live 
for weeks upon hominy and, if bread at all, it was bread made from 
corn ground in hand-mills, or pounded up with mortars. Their 
children have been destitute of shoes during the winter ; their 
families had no clothing except what was carded, spun, wove and 
made into garments by their own hands; schools they had none; 



X- 



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'•rt,4vw!at*W* 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 245 

churches thej had none; afflicted with sickness incident to all new 
countries, sometimes the entire family at once; luxuries of life they 
had none; the auxiliaries, improvements, inventions and labor-sav- 
ing machinery of to-day they had not; and what they possessed they 
obtained by the hardest of labor and individual exertions; yet they 
bore these hardships and privations without murmuring, hoping for 
better times to come, and often, too, with but little prospects of 
realization. 

As before mentioned, the changes written on every hand are most 
wonderful. It has been but three-score years since the white man 
began to exercise dominion over this region, erst the home of the 
red man, yet the visitor of to-day, ignorant of the past of the county, 
could scarcely be made to realize that within these years there has 
grown up a population of 50,000 people, who in all the accomplish- 
ments of life are as far advanced as are inhabitants of the counties of 
older States. Schools, churches, colleges, palatial dwellings, beauti- 
ful grounds, large, well-cultivated and productive farms, as well as 
cities, towns and busy manufactories, have grown up, and occupy 
the hunting grounds and camping places of the Indians, and in 
every direction there are evidences of wealth, comfort and luxury. 
There is but little left of the old landmarks. Advanced civilization 
and the progressive demands of revolving years have obliterated 
all traces of Indian occupancy, until they are only remembered in 
name. 

In closing this chapter we again would impress upon the minds 
of our readers the fact that they owe a debt of gratitude to those 
who pioneered Pike county, which can be but partially repaid. 
Never grow unmindful of the peril and adventure, fortitude, self- 
sacrifice and heroic devotion so prominently displayed in their lives. 
As time sweeps on its ceaseless flight, may the cherished memories 
of them lose none of their greenness, but may the future genera- 
tions alike cherish and perpetuate them with a just devotion to 
gratitude. 

16 



CHAPTER III. 
ORGANIC HISTORY. 

THE MILITARY TRACT. 

At the close of the war between the United States and England 
in 1812 our Government laid off a tract of land in Illinois for the 
soldiers who participated in that war. The land thus appropriated 
was embraced in the region between the Mississippi and the Illinois 
rivers, and south of the north line of Mercer county. Its northern 
boundary, therefore, ran east to Peru on the Illinois river, and a 
little south of the middle of Bureau and Henry counties. To it the 
name '' Military Tract " was given, and by that name this section is 
still known. Within this boundary is embraced one of the most 
fertile regions of the globe. Scarcely had Congress made the proper 
provisions to enable the soldiers to secure their land ere a few of the 
most daring and resolute started to possess it. There were only a 
few, however, who at first regarded their " quarter-section " of suf- 
ficient value to induce them to endure the hardships of the pioneer 
in its settlement and improvement. Many of them sold their patent 
to a fine " prairie quarter " in this county for one hundred dollars, 
others for less, while some traded theirs for a horse, a cow, or a 
watch, regarding themselves as just so much ahead. It is said that 
an old shoemaker, of New York city, bought several as fine quarters 
of land as are in Pike county with a pair of shoes. He would make 
a pair of shoes for which the soldier would deed him his " patent 
quarter" of land. This was a source of no little trouble to the 
actual settlers, for they could not always tell which quarter of land 
belonged to a soldier, or which was " Congress land" and could be 
pre-empted. Even when a settler found a suitable location known 
to be " patent land," with a desire to purchase, he experienced great 
difficulty in finding the owner, and often did not find him until he had 
put hundreds of dollars' worth of improvements on it, when the 
patentee was sure to turn up. Many of the early settlers presumed 
that the owner never would be known ; but in many instances, after 
a patent quarter-section was made valuable by improvement, the 
original patent would be brought on by some one, who would 
oust the occupant and take possession, sometimes paying him some- 
thing for his improvements and sometimes not. Many holders of 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 247 

patents had no pity. This condition of affairs presented a tempta- 
tion to merciless "land-sharks," who would come into this section 
and work up cases, ostensibly for the original patentees, but really 
for their own pockets. The most notorious of tliese was one Toliver 
Craig, who actually made it a business to forge patents and deeds. 
This he carried on extensively from 184Y to 1854, especially in 
Knox and Fulton counties, and to some extent in Pike. He had 
forty bogus deeds put on record in one day at Knoxville. He was 
arrested in New York State, in 1854, by O. M. Boggess, of Mon- 
mouth, and taken to the jail at Cincinnati, Oliio, where he attempted 
suicide by arsenic; but at the end of the j^ear he was released on 
bail. 

PIKE COUNTY. 

As a part of the Territory of Hlinois in 1790 all of that portion 
of Illinois south of what is now Peoria was made a county and 
named St. Clair, in honor of Gen. St. Clair, Governor of the 
Northwestern Territory. Cohokia was the county-seat of this 
county. In 1812 that part of Illinois Territory above St. Louia 
was created into a county called Madison, with Edwardsville as 
the county-seat, Illinois was admitted as a State in 1818, and in 
1821 all that part of Madison county between the Mississippi and 
Illinois rivers was organized into a county and named Pike. Its 
name was chosen in honor of Gen. Pike, of the war of 1812. The 
tract of country now known as Pike county was survej^ed by the 
Government in the years 1817-'9, and soon afterward attracted at- 
tention on account of its natural advantages for commerce, fertility 
of soil and abundance of water. It is the oldest county in the 
Military Tract, and one of the largest, containing 510,764 acres, or 
800 square miles, in 23 townships. The following is a copy of the 
act organizing the county : 

An act to form a new county on the bounty lands. Approved Jan. 31, 1831. 

Section 1. Be it enacted, etc., that all that tract of country within the follow- 
ing boundaries, to wit: Beginning at the mouth of the Illinois river and runnino- 
thence up the middle of said river to the fork of the same, thence up the south 
fork of said river until it strikes the State line of Indiana, thence north with said 
line to the north boundary line of this State, thence west with said line to the west 
boundary line of this State, and thence with said line to the place of beginning, 
shall constitute a separate county to be called Pike. 

Sec. 2. Be it further enacted that there shall be appointed the following per- 
sons, to wit : Levi Roberts, John Shaw and Nicholas Hanson, to meet at the 
house of Levi Roberts, in said county, on or before the first day of March next, to 
fix the temporary seat of justice of said county, the said seat of justice to be south 
of the base line of said county. 

Sec. 3. Be it further enacted, etc., that the citizens of Pike county be hereby 
declared entitled in all respects to the same rights and privileges that are allowed 
in general to other counties in the State. 

Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, etc., that said county of Pike be and form a part 
of the first judicial circuit. 

This act to take effect and be in force from and after its passage. 



248 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

COUNTY-SEAT LOCATED. 

The following act was passed at the next session of the Legisla- 
ture : 

An act defining the boundabies of 'Pike county, and for otukr purposes. Approved 

Dec. 30, 1822. 

Section 1. Be it enacted by the people of the State of Illinois represented in 
General Assembly, that the county of Pike shall be bounded as follows, to wit: 
On the north 1)}' the base line; on the east by the Illinois river; on the west by 
the Mis-iissippi ; and all the rest and residue of the territory, roniposing the 
county of Pike before the passage of this act, shall be attac;hed to, and be apart of, 
said county until otherwise disposed of by the General Assembly of this State. 

Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, etc., for the purpose of tixing the permanent 
seat of justice of said county, the following i)ersons be and the same are hereby 
appointed Commissioners, to wit: Garrett VanDusen, Ossian M. Koss, John M. 
Smith, Daniel Ford and Daniel Shinn, who, after being duly sworn by some judge 
or justice of the peace of this State, faithfully and impartially to discharge the 
duties imposed upon them by this act, shall meet at the houseOf .John Shaw, in 
said county, on or before the first day of March next, and proceed to determine on 
tlie permanent seat of justice of said county, and designate the same, taking into 
consideration the condition and convenience of the people, the future population 
of the county, and the health and eligibility ot the place; and they are hereby 
authorized to receive as a donation for the use of said county any quantity of 
land that may be determined on by them, from any proprietor that may choose to 
offer such donation of land ; which place, so fixed and determined upon, the said 
Commissioners shall certify, under their hands and seals, and return the same to 
next Commissioners of Court in said county, ■which shall cause an entry there- 
of to be made upon their books of record . 

Sec 3. Be it further enacted, etc. , that the said Commissioners shall receive, 
as a compensation for their service, the sum of two dollars per day for each day 
by them necessarily spent in discharging the duties imposed upon them by this 
act, to be allowed by the Commissioners of the Court, and paid out of the county 
treasury. 

Pursuant to that portion of the above act as relating to locating 
the county-seat, the Commissioners made their report to the County 
Commissioners at their March term of Court, 1823, and presented 
the Court with a deed from William Ross and liufus Brown for an 
acre of land upon section 27, Atlas township. 

COUNTIES CUT FROM PIKE. 

When Pike county was organized it embraced all of that country 
between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, and extended east along 
the line of the main fork of the Illinois, the Kankakee river, to the 
Indiana State line and onto the northern boundary of the State, in- 
cluding the country where Rock Island, Galena, Peoria and Chi- 
cago now are. It was indeed a large county, and embraced what is 
now the wealthiest and most populous portion of the Great West. 
The extensive.lead mines of Galena had not yet been discovered, and 
Chicago was only a trading?and military post. The Commissioners of 
Pike county, as will be noticed in the following chapter, exercised 
full authority, so far as the duties of their respective offices were 
concerned, over all this vast region. 

Settlers soon began to locate here and there in the Military Tract. 
Two years had scarcely passed ere the few settlers east of the fourth 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 249 

principal meridian and north of the base line desired a county, and 
appealed to the Legislature for power to organize one. Ossian M. 
Ross, the founder of Lewistown, Fulton county, and one of the 
prime movers in the organization of that county, was at that time 
a member of the County Commissioners' Court of Pike county. 
The following is an abstract of the act referred to: 

An act approved Jan. 28, 1823, forming the county of Fulton out 
of all the attached part of Pike, beginning where the fourth princi- 
pal meridian intersects the Illinois river, thence up the middle of said 
river to where the line between ranges live and six east strikes the 
said river, thence north with the said line between ranges five and 
six east, to the township line between townships nine and ten north, 
then west with said line to the fourth principal meridian, then south 
to the place of beginning; and all the rest and residue of the at- 
tached part of the county of Pike east of the fourth principal merid- 
ian shall be attached to Fulton county. 

Jan. 13, 1825, Schuyler county was cutoff from Pike and Fulton, 
and included all that country within the following boundaries: 
" Commencing at a place where the township line between town- 
ships two and three south touches the Illinois river, thence west on 
said line to the range line between ranges four and five west, thence 
north from said line to the northwest corner of township three 
north, range one west, thence east on said township line to the Illi- 
nois river, thence down the said river to the place of beginning." 

The same year an act was passed forming new counties. Those 
formed were Adams, Hancock, McDonough, Warren, Mercer, Henry, 
Putnam and Knox. Their boundaries were fixed by the act of Jan. 
30, 1825. Calhoun county was cut off from Pike county and organ- 
ized in 1825. 

GENERAL REVIEW. 

No whites settled north of Alton for agricultural purposes prior 
to 1819. During that year and the next there was a sufiicient num-^ 
ber of settlers to organize a county. Accordingly the Legislature' 
of 1820-'l, as above seen, organized the county of Pike, which then 
included all of the State of Illinois between the Illinois and Missis- 
sippi rivers. The county-seat was first fixed at Coles' Grove, ad- 
joining the locality of Gilead, afterward the county-seat of Calhoun 
county. This place was named after Edward Coles, Governor of 
Illinois. 

We copy the following topographical sketch of Pike county from 
"Peck's Illinois Gazetteer," published in 1834, as giving an idea of 
the county at that early date: 

" Pike county is the oldest county in the Military Tract, and was 
erected from Madison and other counties in 1821. It then em- 
braced the whole county northwest of the Illinois river, but by sub- 
sequent formation of new counties it is now reduced to .ordinary 
size, containing twenty-two townships, or about 800 square miles. 
It is bounded north by Adams, east by Schuyler and the Illinois 



250 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

river, south by that river and Calhoun, and west by the Mississippi. 
Besides the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, which wash two sides, 
it has the Sny Carte slough, running the whole length of its west- 
ern border, which floats steam-boats to Atlas at a full stage of water. 
Pike county is watered by the Pigeon, liadley, Keyes, Black, 
Dutch Church. Six-Mile and Bay creeks, which flow into the Mis- 
sissippi; and Big and Little Blue, and the North and West Forks 
of McGee's creek, which enter into the Illinois. Good mill-sites 
are furnislied by these streams. 

"The land is various. The section of country, or rather island, 
between the Sny Carte slough and the Mississippi, is a sandy soil, 
but mostly inundated land at the spring flood. It furnishes a great 
summer and winter range for stock, affording considerable open 
prairie, with skirts of heavy bottom timber near the streams. 
Along the bluffs and for two or three miles back the land is chiefly 
timbered, but cut up with ravines and quite rolling. Far in the in- 
terior and toward Schuyler county excellent prairie and timber 
lands are found, especially about the Blue rivers and McGee's 
creek. This must eventually be a rich and populous county. 

" In Pleasant Yale, on Keyes creek, is a salt spring twenty feet 
in diameter, which boils from the earth and throws off a stream of 
some size, and forms a salt pond in its vicinity. Salt has been made 
here, though not in great quantities. 

" In the county are seven water saw-mills, four grist-mills, one 
carding-machine, five stores, and a horse ferry-boat across the Mis- 
sissippi to Louisiana." 

HANSON AND SHAW. 

The State Constitution, adopted on the admission of Illinois into 
the Union in 1818, prohibited slavery in this State. Owing to this 
fact many of the early immigrants coming West,Vho were from 
the slave States of Virginia and Kentucky, passed right through 
this garden of Eden into Missouri. An effort was made, therefore, 
to so amend the Constitution as to permit slavery in this State that 
it might be more attractive to settlers, and the sequel showed that 
Illinois had a narrow escape from the dreadful evils of slavery. 
When the necessary preliminary resolution was offered in the Sen- 
ate it was ascertained that the requisite two-thirds vote to pass the 
resolution for the call of a convention to amend the Constitution 
could be obtained and to spare; but in the House they needed one 
vote. At first it was strenuously argued that the two-thirds vote 
meant two-thirds of the two Houses in joint convention; but the 
opponents were too powerful in their argument upon this point. 
The majority, however, was not to be foiled in their purpose. An- 
other mode presented itself: all that was required was courage to 
perpetrate a gross outrage on a recalcitrant member. There had 
been a contested election case from Pike county. The sitting mem- 
ber decided by the House to l)e entitled to the seat was Nicholas 
Hanson, and the contestant, John Shaw, the " Black Prince." Han- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 251 

son's vote had been obtained for the re-election of Jesse B. Thomas, 
strongly pro-slavery, to the United States Senate; but further than 
this he would not go. Shaw, who favored the convention project, 
was now discovered to be entitled to the seat. A motion was there- 
upon made to reconsider the admission of Hanson, which prevailed. 
It was next further moved to strike out the name of Hanson and 
insert that of Shaw. During the pendency of the resolution a 
tumultuous crowd assembled in the evening at the State House, 
and after the delivery of a number of incendiary speeches, inflam- 
ing the minds of the people against Hanson, they proceeded 
through the town (Yandalia) with his eflagy in a blaze, accompa- 
nied with the beating of drums, the sound of bugles, and shouts of 
" Convention or death." A motion to expel Hanson and admit 
Shaw was adopted, and the latter awarded the majority by voting 
for the convention resolution, which thus barely passed. The night 
following, a number of members of both Houses entered their sol- 
emn protest against this glaring outrage of unseating Hanson, both 
with the object intended and the manner of perpetrating it. Many 
reflecting men, earnest in their support of the convention question, 
condemned it, and it proved a powerful lever before the people in 
the defeat of the slavery scheme. The passage of the convention 
resolution was regarded as tantamount to its carriage at the polls. 

The pro-slavery party celebrated their triumph by an illumina- 
tion of the town, and the procession, accompanied by all the horrid 
paraphernalia and discordant music of a charivari^ marched to the 
residence of Governor Coles, and the quarters of the chief oppo- 
nents of the measure, where they performed with their demoniac 
music to annoy and insult them. 

The convention resolution was finally defeated by 1,800 majority 
at the polls. 

It is thus seen how Pike county gave the casting vote on the 
slavery question in this State in 1820. 

MARQUETTE COUNTY. 

The counties now bounding Pike on the north are Adams and 
Brown ; but in 1841 there was a county struck off from the east 
side of Adams and called Marquette. Columbus, being more cen- 
trally located in Adams county, became ambitious for the county- 
seat, but as Quincy was too powerful against this project, the eastern 
portion of Adams county was struck off by an act of the Legis- 
lature in order that the ambition of Columbus might be satisfied 
and become a county-seat. No attempt was made to organize the 
county until 1846, when Quincy again proved too powerful for 
them, and the following Legislature repealed the act defining the 
boundaries of the county. 

COUNTY-SEAT CONTEST. 

In 1842-'3 an effort was made to divide the county, the new 
county-seat to be at Barry. Dr. Thomas Worthington was a mem- 



252 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

ber of the State Senate, and Wm. Blair of the House, each repre- 
senting the interests of his section of the county. The bill introduced 
by Mr. Blair proposed to divide the county by a line running 
north and south through its extent; but, after the presentation 
of many petitions and remonstrances, and a period of consider- 
able excitement, the bill failed to pass the House. In 1850 the 
county was divided into 19 townships, and organized under the town- 
ship organization law of the Constitution of 1848. Under this 
mode the county is at present conducted. And that was the end 
of this little fight. The county remains, therefore, to the present 
day as it was outlined by the Legislature of 1825. In the fall of 
1846 the efibrt was renewed. Meetings were held in various parts 
of the county, and speeches were made on both sides of the ques- 
tion ; but public interest soon died down. 




CHAPTER IV. 

IMPOETANT LABORS OF THE COUNTY COMMIS- 
SIONERS' COURT. 

FIKST MEETING. 

The first meeting of the County Commissioners' Court of Pike 
county was held April 24, 1821. There were present Leonard Ross, 
John Shaw, and William Ward, the three Commissioners. After 
the Court was organized, Stephen Dewey was appointed Clerk 'pro 
tern, in the absence of James W. Whitney, the Clerk. The records 
give but little information in regard to the organization of the 
county. They begin with unqualified statements, and record the 
acts of the honored Court with greatest simplicity. 

The first business before the Court was an application for a li- 
cense to sell spirituous liquors made by Belus and Egbert Jones. 
The license was granted upon the payment of $3 into the newly 
made treasury by the Joneses. 

Belus Jones was then appointed Constable for the county of 
Pike. The liquor traflBc evidently was not great enough to em- 
ploy the entire time of the two gentlemen, and as the newly organ- 
ized county needed a Constable, Mr. Jones' services were solicited 
in that capacity. 

The county must needs have a Treasurer; accordingly Nathaniel 
Shaw was appointed to this important ofiice. The Court then ad- 
journed to meet at 7 o'clock a. m., April 25. 

According to adjournment the Commissioners assembled upon 
the morning of the 25th. The first business presented to the con- 
sideration of the Court was an application for license to sell 
liquors presented by Thomas Ferguson. The Court seemed to pos- 
sess a willingness to encourage the liquor business within the newly 
made county, as they granted Mr. Ferguson license for $2.50. 
Why they should grant him a license for 50 cents less than they 
charged the Joneses, we can not tell. Perhaps an increase of busi- 
ness and flattering prospects enabled them to reduce the " tax. " 

Ebenezer Smith and Stephen Dewey were then recommended 
" as fit and suitable persons for the Grovernor to commission Jus- 
tices of the Peace." The Court then adjourned until June. 



254 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

SECOND MEETING. 

Monday, June 4, 1821, the date set for the convening of the 
Court, John Sliaw appeared and opened Court, but there not being 
a quorum present the Court was kept open until 4 o'clock in the 
afternoon, when all of the Commissioners appeared and took their 
seats. Upon the following day James W. Whitney, who had been 
appointed Clerk of the Court, although we find no record of his 
appointment, " appeared in open Court and took the several oaths 
required by law, and gave bond in the penal sum of $1,000, and 
tendered Levi Roberts and Rigdon C. Fenton his securities, who 
were accepted and approved by the Court." 

TAVEKN LICENSE. 



At the June term, 1821, Nathaniel Hincksley was granted 
license " to keep a tavern. " 

A tavern in those days was a combination of an inn and a 
saloon. The proprietor, however, did not expect to derive any great 
revenue from the hotel, but looked to his liquors for an income. 
Many of these " taverns " were the smallest of log cabins. Here 
and there all over the country, sometimes miles from any other 
cabin, they might be found. Some of them were indicated to be 
such by signs nailed to a post, tree, or to the side of the cabin. 
These were of the rudest make and design. Some simply had the 
word "entertainment" scrawled upon them, while others, more ex- 
plicit, read "entertainment for man and beast." Some were still 
more definite and said simplj'^ " whisky and oats. " The storms of 
a half century, the advancement of civilization, the culture of the 
age, have all combined to transform these rudest of signs, scrib- 
bled by an uncultured pioneer upon hewn boards, into gilded and 
glittering letters artistically traced upon French-plate glass. 

The name by which the place was known where liquor was vended 
was shortly after this changed from " tavern " to " grocery " or 
" groggery, " and subsequentlj' assumed the appellation of" saloon ; " 
and finally, that coming into disrepute, many have adopted the 
more modern title of "sample room," "hall," "garden," etc. 

The following schedule of "tavern rates" was then established 
to govern Hincksley : 

Victuals, per meal, 25 cents 

Horse keeping, per night, Sl}^ " 

Lodging, per night, 12% " 

Whisky, per half pint, 12}4 " 

Rum and gin, per half pint, 25 " 

French Brandy, per half pint, 50 " 

Wine, per half pint, ^^}4 " 

JOHN KINZIE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE FOR PIKE COUNTY. 

Upon motion of Abraham Beck, Esq., John Kinzie was recom- 
mended to the Governor of Illinois as a fit and suitable person for 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 255 

Justice of the Peace for Pike county. This gentleman was the 
well-known first settler of Chicago, and at that time resided there, 
it then being in this county. It must be remembered that Pike 
county at that time spread over a vast territory, and embraced all 
of the northern part of the State. Yes, though unlearned in law 
and unacquainted with science and literature, the Commissioners 
held jurisdiction over a large district; and that they conducted the 
public aftairs rightly, and built a firm and solid foundation upon 
which the future prosperity and greatness of this portion of our 
beloved State should rest, can not be gainsaid. This is plainly 
evident from the unparalleled strides made in agricultural and me- 
chanical progress; from the hundreds of thousands of busy inhabi- 
tants now dwelling within this territory; and from the vast stores 
of wealth accumulated solely from resources within it. Those 
great and unconcealed wonders reflect honor and credit each day 
upon their founders; and as days and years multiply, when the 
same territory over which they presided shall be teeming with 
millions of earnest and energetic people, then will great honors and 
more exultant praise and adoration be expressed for the brave, 
sturdy pioneers who explored and opened up a region so prolific, 
and founded a community that for genius, enterprise and wealth 
will in the near future out-rank many older settled countries, and 
indeed will vie with many kingdoms of the earth. Then these vast 
prairies will be cultivated as a garden. Every forest tree and 
woodland will be utilized, and populous cities with numerous fac- 
tories and vast stores of commerce may be numbered by the score. 
Then will the modes of travel be superior to the remarkable rail- 
road +'acilities of to-day, and transport the increased products with 
greater facility. Indeed, everything will then be as different and 
as superior to what they are at present as the things of to-day are 
as compared with those of fifty years ago. Our readers may re- 
gard this as wild and unreasonable speculation, as wholly vision- 
ary; but they are only the conclusions deduced from a careful study 
of history, of a comparison of what has been accomplished, with 
certain advantages, with the results that the superior advantages 
now enjoyed will as certainly accomplish. 

THE POOR. 

One of the first acts of the noble-hearted Commissioners was to 
make provisions for their poor. The pioneers were generous and 
liberal to a fault when it came to provide the necessities of life to 
those more unfortunate in their midst. June 5, 1821, Baxter 
Bradwell and Joel Bacon were appointed overseers of the poor. 

KECOED BOOK. 

A record book was then ordered to be purchased, for which $3.00 
was given. This is a common paper-covered blank book of about 
200 pages, and at the present time the price wou-ld be considered 
high if the book were sold at half that amount. 



256 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

LAYING OUT ROADS. 

For many years the petitions for roads occupied a very large pro- 
portion of the Court's time and attention, and consumed more space 
to record than all other proceedings. They are similar in construc- 
tion, and it would be useless, and worse, to speak of them as often 
as they occur. We will onl}' give a specimen of these applications 
and the mode of dealing witli them. The records read as follows: 
"A petition of sundry inhabitants of this county was presented 
praying that a road may be laid out from McDonald's Ferry on the 
Mississippi river, the nearest and best course to the Illinois river to 
meet a road that may be laid out from thence to Yandalia." The 
prayer was granted, and Daniel Shinn, Clarendon Ross and Eben- 
ezer Franklin were appointed a committee to view and ascertain 
where said road should be located. 

Upon the 3d of July of the same year the committee reported 
and their report was: "Accept as far as the north line of section 27 
of township 6 south, in range 5 west [Atlas township], that being 
as far as said Commissioners were able to proceed, owing to the ex- 
cessive growth of vegetation; and it is further ordered that the time 
for viewing and laying out the remainder of said road shall be ex- 
tended until after the vegetation shall be destroyed by frost." 

Five days' work upon this road was required of each man who 
lived within two and one-half miles of it. This rule also applied 
to other roads laid out in those primitive times. One dollar was 
allowed for each day a man labored more than that. 

A petition was also presented for a road from Ferguson's Ferry, 
on the Illinois river, to Fort Edivards, upon the Mississippi river. 
Again we find " a petition presented by sundry citizens, Oct. 4, 
1821, for a road from Fort Clark (now Peoria) to the mouth of the 
Illinois river." Accordingly James JSixon, John Shaw and Eben- 
ezer Smith were appointed a committee to view the road from the 
house of Ebenezer Smith to Fort Clark. 

FERRY LICENSE. 

June 6, 1821, a license was granted James McDonald " to keep 
a ferry upon the east bank of the Mississippi river, opposite to the 
town of Louisianaville, on condition of his paying a tax of one dol- 
lar, besides Clerk's fee, and on his entering into bonds according 
to law, and that the following rates of ferriage be established, to 
wit : " 

For a single person, 25 cents 

For a single horse, 25 " 

Every head of cattle over one year old, 25 " 

Every hog, sheep or goat, 6^ " 

Every four-wheeled carriage, 1 00 " 

Ever}' hundred weight of dead lumber, 6J4 " 

Every two wheeled carriage, 75 " 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 257 

MILITIA PRECINCTS. 



Among the pioneers "training" or " muster day" was one 
which was looked forward to with feelings of pleasure. _ It was nec- 
essary to have a well organized militia to repel any invasions of 
the Indians which at that time were numerous through this sec- 
tion of the country. The Commissioners' Court, in its official capac- 
ity, took note of this, and accordingly, June 6, they "ordered that the 
militia of this county be organized into a regiment, and all that part 
of the county lying south of the township line between townships 
8 and 9 compose the first company district; and all north of that 
line to the base line compose the second company district ; and all 
north of the base line be and compose the third company district. 
Baxter Broadwell, Wm. Metz and Rigdon C. Fenton were ap- 
pointed Judges of election in the first company district ;_ Wm. 
Keyes, Peter D. Moyer and Clarendon Ross were appointed judges 
of election in the second company district; Ossian M. Ross, Dr. 
Davison and Amos Eveland, as judges of election in the third com- 
pany district. An election was then called for June 30, 1821, to 
select officers for the various companies. The base line, which runs 
east and west upon a parallel with Beardstown, was niade the divid- 
ing line between the two militia battalions of the regiment of Pike 
county. The battalion south of the base line was the first, and the 
one north the second, battalion. 



INDIAN TRAILS. 



A sum not to exceed ten dollars was appropriated " to defray the 
expenses of opening and clearing out the old trace from the head 
or upper end of Salt Prairie to the lower end of Sni Carte Prairie, 
and five dollars for opening and cleaning out the old trace from the 
lower end of Sni Carte Prairie to Ross settlement." Further on in 
the records we find^these orders rescinded, and at the same time 
Joel Bacon and James Levin were ordered credited with the amount 
of their road tax for having opened the said " trace." These traces 
were old Indian trails, but having been deserted for newer ones 
were unfit for travel. 



SUNDRY ACTS, 



John Shaw was paid $5.00 for his services as an interpreter at the 
October term of the Circuit Court during the trial of two Indians 
for murder. These 'were Shonwennekek and Pemesan, who are 
spoken of in connection with this trial more fully in the chapter 
upon the criminal record. 

Ossian M. Ross was then recommended to the Governor as a suit- 
able person for Justice of the Peace in Pike county. Mr. Ross at 
this time lived where Lewistown, Fulton county, now stands. He 
was with one exception the first settler of that county, and was the 
founder of Lewistown. 



258 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

There was no jail in the county at this time, and at the October 
term, 1821, "Nathan Shaw was given $22.50 for guarding Indian 
prisoners." These, we presume, were the two Indians referred to 
above, and who were on trial for murder. The same amount, and 
for the same purpose, was given to Christopher Long. 

Jan. 10, 1822, " Abner Eads, of Peoria, made application for 
license to keep a tavern in the house where he now resides, which 
is granted on him paying $1.50." 

Jan. 12, 1822, the Sherifi' was paid $50 for liis salary for the 
year. Mr. Whitney was given $30 for his services as Circuit 
Clerk, and $30 as Clerk of the Commissioners' Court, and $50 for 
his salary as Judge of Probate. 

Jan. 12, 1822, John Shaw was paid $8 for locating the county- 
seat, and Levi Roberts $4 for like services. 

Abraham Beck, Judge of Probate, died, and Jan. 12, 1822, the 
administrator of his estate was paid $16.60 as salary while he was 
Judge. 

FIRST INQUEST. 

The oflBcial papers of the inquest held over the body of James 
McDonald were ordered filed. McDonald ran a ferry across the 
Mississippi river at Louisiana. It is supposed he was murdered at 
his landing during the winter. He was found lying dead upon'the 
ice one day by two men on their way to Louisiana. They went to 
his ferry, but found him dead, and evidences of a long and severe 
scuflfle all around him, as if he had been struggling for life in a 
hand-to-hand combat. The tracks of two men led from this place 
across to Louisiana, and it was generally supposed they were the 
men who killed McDonald, although nothing in a legal way was 
ever done with them . , 

treasurer's FIRST REPORT. 

The first report made by a County Treasurer of Pike county was 
made March 5, 1822. We give it in full: 

Cash received into the Treasury $765 

Cash paid out under order of Court $701,283^^ 

Treasurer's compensation 38.25 

$739.53^ 

Balance in Treasury $25.47 

ROSS' TAVERN. 

Ossian M. Ross was then granted a license to keep a tavern at 
his house. He lived where the city of Lewistown now is. The same 
schedule which regulated other " Public Inns" or " Tavern-Keep- 
ers " were adopted to regulate him. 

David W. Barnes, O. M. Ross and Daniel Sweetland were ap- 
pointed trustees of the school section, tp. 5 north, R. 3 east, which 



HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 259 

is Lewistown tp., Fulton Co. These gentlemen lived in Lewis- 
town, and were its first settlers. 

ELECTION PKECINCTS. 

June 5, 1822, the county was divided into three election precincts. 
All that part of the county lying north of the township lines, between 
towns 4 and 5 south and west of the Illinois bluifs, and all north of 
the base line, was the first precinct. Election was ordered in this 
precinct at the house of O. M. E-oss, and that gentleman was ap- 
pointed judge of election. All that part of the county lying north 
of township lines between towns 9 and 10 south, and west of Illi- 
nois blufis and north of the base line, was made another precinct, 
and the " polls ordered opened at the house of Rufus Brown and 
Daniel Whipple, Leonard Ross and Wm. Ross, judges." " The re- 
mainder of the county was made another precinct, and election held 
at county-seat, and John Shaw, Stephen Dewey and Amos Ban- 
croft, judges." 

Davenport's tavern. 

June 6, 1822, it was ordered that a license to keep a tavern at or 
near Fort Armstrong, be granted to George Davenport for $3.00. 
This place was on the lower end of Rock Island. Mr. Davenport 
was the man who kept the trading post at Fort Armstrong, and in 
honor of him Davenport, Iowa, was named. The generous Com- 
missioners permitted Davenport to charge higher rates for " enter- 
tainment " than they did those nearer to the borders of civilization. 

NEW COMMISSIONERS. 

An election was held in August, 1822, for selecting three new 
Commissioners. Those chosen were David Dutton, James M. Seeley 
and Ossian M. Ross. Much trouble appears to have grown out of 
this election, as we find the election of the three honorable gentle- 
men was contested, and evidently very strongly, too. The con- 
testants were Ebenezer Smith, James Nixon and "William Metz. 
The case was appealed to the Circuit Court, Judge John Reynolds 
presiding. He decided in favor of the contestants. We cannot 
tell upon what grounds they contested the rights of Dutton, Seeley 
and Ross to take their seats as Commissioners, but from what we 
can glean from the indefinite records they did not comply with 
the law in taking the oath of office, as the contestauts claimed. 
These were merely technical grounds, but the law must be com- 
plied with to the letter. Smith, Nixon and Metz held a term of 
Court Sept. 3 and 4, 1822, but transacted no business of import- 
ance. The other gentlemen called Court for Oct. 10, but no quorum 
was present. Another session was held Oct. 24. Commissioners 
Dutton and Seeley being present. We find recorded upon the fol- 
lowing day " a certificate of the Hon. John Reynolds setting forth 



260 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

the result of the contested election." This decision was the result 
of a second hearing of the case by the Judge, and is as follows: 

"State of Illinois, ss: — Upon a second and full examination of 
the documents transmitted to me in relation to the contested elec- 
tion of the Sheriff", Coroner and County Commissioners for tlie county 
of Pike; and being satisfied that the certificates heretofore given by 
me of the election of Rigdon C. Fenton as Sheriff", Joel Bacon as Coro- 
ner and Ebenezer Smith, William Metz and James Nixon as County 
Commissioners, was given without sufficient consideration, I do 
hereby revoke the said certificates, and do now certify that Leonard 
Ross was duly elected Sheriff", Daniel Whipple, Coroner, and James 
M. Seeley, David Dutton and Ossian M. Ross County Commis- 
sioners for Pike county in said State. 

"Given under my hand and seal this 4 th day of September, 1822. 

" John Reynolds, 
" Justice of the Supreme Court of said State, and presiding in the 
first Judicial Circuit." 

Thus, after a long and hotly contested trial, the Judge reversed 
his former decision and reinstated Seeley, Dutton and Ross, as 
well as the SheriflP and Coroner, whom he had decided were not 
legally and rightfully entitled to hold the positions to which they 
claimed they had been elected. 

clerk's office. 

We find the following quaint item on record, which is in refer- 
ence to renting an office for the County and Circuit clerks . "John 
Shaw, having proposed to lease the county the building in Coles' 
Grove, adjoining the one now occupied by Rigdon C. Fenton, for 
the term of one year, to be occupied as a Clerk's office, for the sum 
of 6^ cents, and to be repaired by the county, under the direction 
of said Shaw, and to suit his convenience." 

COUNTY-SEAT MOVED TO ATLAS. 

Evidently a little rivalry had sprung up between the settlements 
at Atlas and Coles' Grove", the latter of which had been the county- 
seat up to this time (1823). Atlas was the most important town 
in the county, and it became ambitious to have the county build- 
ings located there, which it finally secured. Pursuant to an act of 
the Legislature, approved Dec. 30, 1822, "to fix upon and locate the 
permanent seat of justice for Pike county," the commission ap- 
pointed made their report at the March term of the Commissioners' 
Court, 1823, and presented a deed from William Ross and Rufus 
Brown for one acre of land, which was given as an inducement for 
the county to locate its seat of justice there. The report reads as 
follows : 

" The Commissioners appointed to fix upon and locate the per- 
manent seat of justice of Pike county have attended to the services 
assigned them, and do report that they have fixed the permanent 




^X ^A. 



/- 




'■■Y^' 
i 




^J^. 




/^^^<^ 



6RI6G5VILLE 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 263 

seat of justice of said county upon section 27, town 6 south, range 
5 west, and have taken a deed of the proprietor of one acre of land 
on which to erect the public buildiniys, which is particularly de- 
scribed in said deed, and that they have named the seat of justice 
Atlas. 

" John M. Smith, 
" Daniel Moore, 
" Daniel Shinn." 

NEW commissioner. 

An election was held March 18, 1823, to select a County Com- 
missioner to till vacancy occasioned by O. M. Ross, resigning. The 
county of Fulton, where Mr. Hoss lived, having just been formed, 
and he chosen Sheriff, Amos Bancroft was elected to till the va- 
cancy. 

DIFFICULTY IN SELECTING COUNTY-SEAT. 

It appears that some dissatisfaction arose from the selection 
made by the Commissioners for a county-seat. We presume that 
the feeling was then as now in this and all other counties. More 
than one place, settlement or town, think it is the most suitable 
and proper place for the county-seat. In relation to the difficulty 
at this time we find the following statement on record : "Nicholas 
Hanson and Leonard Ross presented a report of certain persons 
appointed by an act of the Legislature as Commissioners to locate 
the permanent seat of justice for Pike county, and moved to have 
said report tiled and recorded, which said motion for the reasons 
following : 1st, The authority given by the act aforesaid was a 
special joint authority and should have been strictly pursued ; 2d, 
It happens that but three out of tive Commissioners acted in the 
location of the count^'^-seat, when the law gave no power to a ma- 
jority to act ; 3d, That said Commissioners did not returiu and 
present their report at or before the time prescribed by law for the 
return of said report ; 4th, That the legal and qualified County 
Commissioners were in session at the time prescribed by law for 
the return of said report. And for the reasons aforesaid this Court 
does adjudge and decide that the proceedings of said Commission- 
ers to locate the permanent county-seat of Pike county are void, 
and that the temporary seat of justice of said county still remains 
at Coles' Grove." 

Tliis decision was finally reversed, as seen from the followino- or- 
der made at the June term of the Court in 1824: " The doings of 
this Court at a special term held on 26, 27 and 28 of January last, 
and also doings of this Court at last March term be, and the same 
are hereby, confirmed and estublished, except a contract entered 
into with John Shaw for the purpose of leasing a house, the rent of 
which was 6J cents, in Coles' Grove, which contract is by mutual 
consent released and dissolved; and also an order of adjudication 
respecting the county-seat, which order is revoked and rescinded." 
17 



264 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Thus, according to the selection made by the commission ap- 
pointed for that purpose, the county-seat was moved from Coles' 
Grove, now in Calhoun county, to Atlas. 

COUNTY DIVIDED INTO TOWNSHIPS. 

Upon the 28th of January, 182-i, the county of Pike was divided 
into three townships by the Court, as follows: That part commenc- 
ing at the mouth of the Illinois river, thence up the said river to 
the north line of the lirst tier of sections above the north line of 
town S south, thence running on said line west to the Mississippi 
river, thence down said river to place of beginning, constituted 
Coles' Grove township. That part embraced within the boundary 
beginning at the northeast corner of section 36 of township 7 south, 
on range line between ranges 4 and 5 west, thence along said 
range line north to tlie north line of the county, thence west to the 
Mississippi river, thence down said river to a point directly west of 
the place of beginning, thence to the place of beginning, which 
composed Atlas township. That part of the county within the fol- 
lowing limits was known as Franklin township: Commencing on 
the Illinois river one mile north of tiie north line of township 8 
south, thence up the said river to the base line, thence along said 
line to the range line between ranges 4 and 5 west, thence south 
running on the said range line to the northwest corner of sec- 
tion 31, of town 7 south, and range 4 west, thence along the 
north line of said section 31, and said first tier of sections north of 
town 8 south, to the place of beginning, together with all of the 
attached part of Pike county lying north of the aforesaid bounda- 
ries. 

Thus it will be seen that these were exceedingly large toAvnships. 
They embraced sevei'al counties, and extended over one of the fair- 
est portions of this great State. These divisions were made for the 
convenience of the settlers in voting, making roads, etc., yet from 
the extended size of each township we can see that many of the 
early voters had to travel many miles to cast his ballot. 

FEARLESS COMMISSIONERS. 

During the year the Commissioners pursued the even tenor of 
their way, granting petitions for roads, ferries, tavern licenses and 
election precincts; appointing and removing officers with an in- 
flexibility of purpose that is really amusing. AVhen they investi- 
gated a matter there were no ])a]liating circumstances to screen the 
delinquent, but the judicial guillotine cut off official heads with a 
refreshing impartialit3^ Negligent officers feared the power of the 
"tri|)le C" moi-e than Damocles feared the hair-suspended sword. 
They simply and ])lainly said ''Go," and the official hesitated not 
but went at once, and that was the end of it. 

In reference to this subject we find the following quaint docu- 
ment on record under date of July 29, 1824: 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 265 

"It appearing to this Court that the Clerk for some time past has 
not resided at the count_y-seat, nor kept tlie records and papers be- 
longing to the couiitj^ at this place; and the Court having consid- 
ered the tacts and the law arising upon the case, does adjudge and 
determine that the said office of Clerk is now vacant, and that for 
the aforesaid cause James W. Whitnej', the Clerk, be and is hereby 
removed from office." 

We suppose that Whitney Remained at Coles' Grove after the 
county-seat had been removed to Atlas, and the inconveniences of 
having the county offices and officials scattered over the country in 
that wise would not be endured longer by the strict, law-abiding 
Court. 

The Court assembled upon the following day, and not yethavino- 
selected a clerk, appointed JVIr. Whitney Clerk pro tern, "it appears 
that the Commissioners had nothing personally against Mr. Whit- 
ney, for the very next act of the Court was to recommend him to the 
Governor as a fit and proper person to be appointed County Sur- 
veyor, to fill the vacancy having occurred by the removal of Stephen 
Dewey out of the county. This man Dewey, the first Surveyor of 
Pike county, laid out the town of Lewistown, Fulton county, where 
he shortly afterward removed and served for many years as Circuit 
and County Clerk, and did efficient work in the organization and 
establishment of that county. 

It appears that the Court could find no suitable' person to take 
charge of the Clerk's office, for upon July 30, two days after Mr. 
Whitney was so summarily removed from office, he was re-instated. 
Perhaps a compromise was made between the Court and Mr. Whit- 
ney. It is more than likely that he was compelled to move to the 
county-seat in order to receive again the patronage of the Court. 
He served until April 27, 1825, when he resigned and George W. 
Britton was appointed in his stead. Whitney was indicted for mal- 
feasance in office, and the suit was withdrawn on condition he 
would resign. 

NEW JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

At the September term, 1824, in compliance with a petition from 
the citizens on and near Fever river (now Galena) and the lead 
mines, John Connelly, Moses Meeker and John S. Miller were 
recommended as proper persons for the Governor to commission Jus- 
tices of the Peace of Pike county. These men were the very earli- 
est settlers in northern Illinois, and of whom we speak more fully 
in a former chapter. April 27 of the following year Chas. D. St. 
Traine was recommended for the same office. 

COURT-HOUSE. 

The little temporary log court-house first built in Atlas soon be- 
came too small to accommodate the Court and county officers, so the 



266 [IISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

buildino^ of a new conrt-housc was discussed' and determined upon 
by the honoral^le Court, as is evinced by the following order : 

" Notice is licrcl\y given lluit on the 2~)tli day of June instant, attlie conrt-liouse 
in Atlas, Pilce county, Illinois, at 2 o'clock, p. m., will be let to the lowest bidder 
the buildinu; of a court-liousc so far as is hcreinaftt-r exiiressed: To be 40x:>() feet 
on the lioor and 20 feet high, two stories; to be built of brick, tlie two side walls 
below to be one and a half brick thick, the other walls to be one brick thick. 
The outside to be finished complete with doors and windows; the lower floor to 
be laid witli brick or tile, tirc-itlaces and paititions, except the partition of the 
grand Jury room, to be done with a plain wooden cornice. The Commissioners 
reserve one bid for the county. Plans to be shown and further jiarticulars made 
known at time and place of sale. 

" N. B. — County orders to be given to undertakers on interest until paid. It is 
proposed to give the job of pro(;uring the stone and mortar for building separate 
from the other part or \y.ivis, all of which is to be completed by the first day of 
January, A. D. 1827. Sullicient securities will be required." 

The contract for furnishino' stone and mortar was struck off to 
Daniel Shinii and Joseph Petty for $200. The main contract was 
given to Leonard and William Ross at $1,260. 

It appears, however, that the building of this fine structure was 
never carried to completion. The building rose in its magnificent 
proportions only in the visions of the honorable Commissioners. It 
was evidently too fine and expensive for the times. They rented 
an office for the County and Circuit Clerks, which in the winter of 
1830-31 burned down. 

Nothing further was done, according to tlie records, toward the 
building of a new court-house until April 7, 1829, when the sub- 
ject was again before the Court for its consideration. The Court 
then ordered the contract for the erection of a building of the fol- 
lovving dimensions and description to be let: "Said house to be 30 
feet long by 18 feet wide, to be two stories high, — the lower one 
nine feet and the upper one eight feet high. To be covered and 
enclosed in a good, workmanlike manner. To leave and case two 
outside doors in the lower story, and aho six windows in the same, 
and six windows in the u]-)per story. To ]nit in joists and sleepers 
for the upper and lower fioors. putting them down loose so as to 
serve as fioors. To be underpinned with six pillars, to be substan- 
tially made of stone, placing one at each corner of the house and 
one under each side in the middle; all to be done in a good, work- 
manlike manner. The undertaker to give bond with good and 
sutficient security in double the sum at which the same shall be 
stricken off for prompt and faithful performance of his contract. 
The contractor shall receive his pay out of the first moneys which 
shall come into the treasury not otherwise appropriated." 

The records continue as follows: "The court next proceeded to 
sell the building of said court-house to the lowest bidder, and after 
sufficient notice was given thereof, and the same for a long time 
exposed, it was stricken off to James Rice for the sum of $-1:93, 
that being the lowest sum bid therefor." 

James Rice failed to furnish the required security for the faithful 



HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 267 

performance of his contract, and accordingly June 1, 1829, the 
Sheriff was ordered to again " put up at public auction and sell the 
building of the same to'the lowest bidder, with the addition to the 
former plan of six feet in length and six feet in breadth." They 
furtlier altered the plans u})on the 6th of June, upon which day 
they met for the purpose of letting the contract for building it. 
They made the following alterations: "There shall be ten stone 
pillars, 18 inclies above the surface of the ground, six windows in 
the lower story with 16 lights in each window, 8 by 10, and 8 win- 
dows in upper story with 12 lights in each window, 8 by 10." 

The contract was "struck off" to Elisha Petty for $600. Wil- 
liam Ross went upon his bond for $1,200. Mr. Petty was subse- 
quently allowed $12.28 for extra work. 

The court-house was accepted by the Court Sept. 7, 1829. 

COUNTY-SEAT RE-LOCATED. 

It appears that the location of the county-seat at Atlas was not en- 
tirely satisfactory to everj- person, as we find an election was held in 
March, 1827, to select commissioners to re-locate the county-seat. 
David Dutton, Joel Meacham and William Meredith were chosen 
for this work. That any definite move was made by these gentlemen 
toward selecting another site for the county-seat we are not aware; 
the records are silent as to anything done by these gentlemen. By 
the year 1832 the subject of changing the county-seat from Atlas, 
however, was freely discussed. It was desired to have it more cen- 
trally located. The Legislature of 1832-'3 appointed a commis- 
sion to re-locate the county-seat. These gentlernea made their 
report m April 13, 1833, which is as follows: 

"We, the undersigned, having been appointed commissioners to change and re- 
locate the seat of justice of the county of Pike by the Legishiture of the State of 
Illinois, by an act approved Feb. 22, 1883, beg leave to report to your honorable 
body now in session, that after being duly sworn in conformity with said act, did, 
on the 9th day of April, 1833, enter upon the duties assigned us by said act, by ex- 
amination of said county of Pike, having a due regard to the present as well as 
the future settlement and prospective growth of said county, have selected and lo- 
cated the southeast quarter of section 24, in township 5 south, and range 4 west of 
the fourth principal meridian, as the countj -seat of the county of Pike, said coun- 
ty-seat to be known and designated by the name of Pittsfield. 
"April 17, 1833. 

"SAMUEL ALEXANDER, 
"EARLPEIRUE. 
"JOHN W. STERNE." 

Each of these gentlemen was paid $36 for his services. 

The town was platted and a sale of lots held April 15, 1833. The 
records proceed as follows: "The amount of notes and cash, after 
paying Wm. Ross, Esq., $200 borrowed of him to enter the quar- 
ter section on which the town of Pittsfield is located; the expenses 
to Alexander Peirce and Sterne $108, for locating said seat of jus- 
tice; also, for advertising sale of lots, paying for the survey of the 
same, making plat and all the expenses of the Commissioners' 



268 HISTORY OF PIKE COUJSTY. 

Court, wliich liave accrued in and about the location, sale of lots, 
laying oft' the town, etc., leaves the amount of $1)01.88, which sum 
is delivered over to the Treasurer as a special fund for the purpose 
of erecting public buildings." Thus it will be seen that the county 
]->urcliased the land upon which the business and much of the resi- 
dence portion of the town of Pittslield now stands for the sum of 
$200. The new town having been surveyed, large hard-wood stakes 
were driven, designating the corner of each lot, and being also the 
only guide to the location of streets. 

A])ril 15 was the day ai)pointod f(jr the first sale of lots at public 
auction. The settlers assembled from all ])arts of the county upon 
the site of the proposed village, each anxious to become the owner 
of a town lot. This and subsequent sales were held, and lots seem 
to have met with a ready sale at fair prices, which is the best evi- 
dence that the pioneers were not only enthusiastic in sentiment in 
relation to the bright ])rospects and future greatness of the town 
they were building, but w^ere also willing to lend all the material 
aid in their powei* to the consummation of the desired end. 

Another sale of lots was held Oct. 28, 1833, from which the 
county realized $1,150.74 cash, and notes to the amount of $876.73. 
Another sale was held June 4, 1834, when 38 lots were sold, real- 
izing $1,060 cash, after deducting $67 as expenses, and $704 worth 
of notes. Another sale was had Monday, May 2, 1836, when 102 
lots were sold for $9,354.50. Another, Oct. 6, 1837, when 28 lots 
brought $4,110. 

THE CLERK RESIGNS. 

The following document appears upon pages 121 and 122 of 2d 
volume of County Commissioners' Court records. It is the resig- 
nation of William Ross, as Clerk. He had served the county in 
that capacit}' faithfully and ably for a decade, and now as he is about 
to leave he writes his old associates the following resignation: 

Ati>as, Sept. 1, 1834 
'To the Uon. Bcnj. Barney, Geo. W . Hiaman and Andrew Phillips, County Oom- 
missioners for the County of Pike, and State of Illinois : 

Gentlemen: — The period will soon arrive in which it will become my duty to 
resign to you the office I hold on the appointment of your Court, on account of my 
having been elected a member of the next General Asscmblj' of this State. To 
hold both offices is incompatible nith the Constitution of our State and contrary 
to my wishes. I will therefore for the purpose of giving the Court time to select 
m_v successor, propose to make thi.s my resignation of the office of Clerk of your 
C<")urt, to take eJlect on the Soth day of November, 1834. 

In doing this, I beg of you to do me the justice to be assured that in presenting 
myself as a candidate at the late election, which has terminated in the necessity of 
my withdrawing my services from you, it is not without a strict regard to all 
the co:isi.lerati(m5 which I conceive bind a dutiful citizen to his country. I 
have been influenced by no ambitious motives or self-aggrandizement; but my 
sole ol)ject has been to restore and sustain the dignity of our country. 

Permit me here to ren\ irk thai it is a source of great pleasure to me that during 
a period of about ten years which 1 have had the honor to serve this county in sev- 
eral important offices, I have been so fortunate as to discharge those duties to the 
satisfaction of my fellow-citizens generally. 

Ilelyingupon the guidance of tiiat Being which controls the destinie3 of man, I 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, . 269 

hope andjtrust that I may be be permitted to retain that continuation of confidence 
which has been so recently manifested toward me until my latest breath. 
"With sentiments of great personal consideration, 

I remain, yours sincerely, 

W. Ross, C. C C. C. P. C. 

AD QUOD DAMNUM. 

This was a process to secure a mill site. In those early times 
the milling of the country was of no little importance. Mills were 
of snch great public necessity that they were permitted to be located 
upon any person's land, if the miller thought the site desirable. 
Sites along the streams were selected for water-power. A person 
looking for a mill-site would follow up and down the stream for 
the desired location, and when found he would go before the Com- 
missioners' Court and secure a writ of ad quod dmnnum. This 
would enable the miller to have the adjoining land officially exam- 
ined and the amount of damage for making the dain was secured. 

The old records contained numerous applications for these'writs. 
We quote one onl}^ as a specimen of others: 

" On application of Wm. Ross, and previous notice havins; been given of his in- 
tention, by publication on the door of the court-house for four weeks preceding 
the sitting of the Court, it is ordered tliat a writ of ad quod damnum issue, directed 
to the Sherifi of the county, commanding him to summon twelve good and law- 
ful men of his county to meet on the soutlieast quarter of section 18, in townsliip 
6 south, and range o west, to locate and set apart by metes and bounds so much 
of the said quarter section, not exceeding three acres, as they sliall think neces- 
ary for the purjiose of erecting a dam across the Sny Carte for a water grist and 

Aw-mill." 

« 

FIRST COURT-HOUSE AT PITTSFIELD. 

The county-seat having been re-located, a town laid out, lots 
sold, business houses and dwellings being erected, it became the 
duty of the Court to have a court-house built in the new town. 
Accordingly, Tuesday, June 4, 1833, the contract for building a 
court-house at Pittsfield was let to Israel N. Burtt, he agreeing to 
erect the structure for $1,095. This he speedily did, and the old 
building still stands upon the street at the corner of the alley, 
facing and just north of the Public Square. It is a frame build- 
ing, in a good state of preservation, and is occupied by Mr. Heck 
as a bakery and grocery. 

PRESENT COURT-HOUSE. 

Two years had scarcely rolled by ere the building of anew court- 
house was begun to be agitated. Some of the more aristocratic 
thought the county should have a finer court edifice, one more in 
keeping with the wealth and progress of the county. It is true the 
•count}'' had grown rapidly in population and wealth. Notice, 
therefore, was given by the Court that plans for a new building 
would be received. Upon the 5th day of February, 1836, the Court 
accepted the plans that were presented by Benjamin L, Osborne, 
and gave him a premium of $20 for the plans. 



■ 270 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 

The county not owning desirable ground, as it was thonglit, u}3on 
which to locate the conteni})lated structure, the Court appointed 
James Johnson, James D. Morrison and William Watson agents 
to procure by purchase or exchange a suitable piece of ground. 
This committee accordingly procured of Daniel B. Bush a part ot 
lot 6, block 5, being the whole front of said lot upon the Public 
Square, running back 100 feet, for which they gave Mr, Bush a 
part of lot 8, block 5. This location was not satisfactory to all ])ar- 
ties, and quite a bitter war arose as to where the court-house should 
stand. It was at last decided that it should be located upon the 
center of the Public Square. 

At the September term, 1836, Wm. Ross, Uriah Brown and 
James Jcflmson were appointed agents upon the part of the county 
to contract for the erection of a court-house, "said building to be 
placed in the center of the Public Square, and not to cost over 
$15,000." These gentlemen entered into contract with Benjamin 
T. Osborne, George D. Foot and Judson Clement for the erection 
of the court-house for the sum of $15,000. Daniel D. White, 
Henry Caswell and Lyman Beeman were appointed a committee 
to superintend its erection. 

The construction of the court-hous6 was pushed rapidly on, and 
Dec. 8, 1838, it was delivered over to the Sherifi', though in an un- 
finished condition. It was used for court purposes in this way for 
a time before completion. By June, 1839, it was completed, and 
Foot, Clement and Osborne were ]iaid the balance due them in 
county orders, upon which the county paid 12 per cent, interest. 

This structure still stands and is in use to-day. It is located in 
the center of a small square, which is set with many large and 
beautiful trees. The main upper room is used for circuit court 
purposes. Besides this room there are two other smaller ones, one 
of which is occupied by the State's Attorney, the other a jury room. 
Upon the main floor there is a hall-way running through the build- 
ing from north to south. Upon either side of this are offices for 
the county officials. Upon the west side are the County Judges, 
Sheriff's and School Superintendent's offices, and upon the oppo- 
site side are the offices of the County Treasurer and Surveyor, 

This building when erected was among the finest and largest 
court-houses in the West, and for many years it stood foremost 
among the public buildings of Illinois, and was pointed to with 
pride, not only by the citizens of Pike county, but by those through- 
out Central Illinois. It stood as a monument of the enterprise of 
the pioneers of this section, and was one of the grandest evidences, 
of the prosperity of the newly settled State. It stands to-day as- 
solid as when first built. Everj' stone and brick is in its place,, 
and every timber has stood the storms of nearly half a century un- 
shaken. Around this old building cluster pleasant recollections of 
the long-ago. Within its storm-beaten walls have been heard pleas 
as rich in eloq'icnce as were ever presented to jndge or jury. 
Within those old walls, made sacred by time and the memories of 



HISTOKY OF PIKE COUKTY. 271 

some of the grandest characters and most gifted men known in the 
history of Illinois, many a scene full of historic interest has oc- 
curred, which, could we accurately picture, would be read more as a 
romance than prosaic history. What numbers of trembling and 
downcast prisoners have stood before the learned tribunal within 
the old upper room, to plead "Guilty," or "Not Guilty!" Then 
the long, hotly-contested trial came; witnesses examined and cross- 
examined; the wrangle and wordy wars between the lawyers; the 
appeal to the jurj^ and addresses, which for logic, eloquence, touch- 
ing, sympathetic eloquence, have not been excelled in all the broad 
land. How" many times have the twelve jurors, sworn to be im- 
partial, filed into their little secret room, to consult and decide the 
fate of the prisoner at the bar! Then how often have the joyous 
words come forth, " Not Guilty!" But, again, how very many 
have stood before the J udge to hear in measured tones their sen- 
tence! Sometimes it was thought Justice was outraged; that the 
Judge, jury and Prosecuting Attorney had prostituted their high 
positions, violated their sworn duty, and made easy the escape for 
culprits; yet, taking it all in all, the goddess of justice has shed no 
more tears over insults to her holy and righteous charge here than 
she has at any other judgment-bar in the State. Law and justice 
have almost always been vindicated, and the offender punished. 

Could these old walls speak and tell us of the eloquent and effect- 
ive pleadings of Lincoln, Baker, Kichardson, McDougal, Browning,, 
Bushnell, Manning, Walker and others, or of the learned decisions 
of Douglas, Young, Thomas and Walker, that they have listened to, 
how eagerly vve would seek them ! We do not forget that at the pres- 
ent time justice is as swiftly vindicated as ever before; that the Pike 
county Bar is at its maximum in point of legal a.bility. It takes 
the mazes of time to add the luster of fame to the labors and char- 
acter of most men. That wdiich is of the past, or of the future, we 
are wont to believe possesses moi'e merit than that which we have 
with us. Thus it is with the legal lights of to-day. 

Just west of the court-house and within the Court Square stands 
the "fire-proof." This building contains the offices of the Circuit 
and County Clerks, and was erected in 1854. It was first ordered 
built upon the northwest corner of the Square, but that order was 
rescinded and it was decided to erect it "near the west gate of the 
Public Square, upon the south side of the walk, the south side 
ranging with the south side of the court-house, the west end 24 
feet from the fence of the Public Square." 

FENCE AROUND THE SQUARE. 

Speaking of the fence around the Public Square calls to mind 
an order of the Court of June, 1845, giving the President and 
Trustees of Pittsfield permission to fence the Public Square and 
plant within the enclosure ornamental or shade trees. Heretofore, 
we presume, there was neither fence nor shrubbery in the vicinity 
of the court-house, save the hazel-brush that stood in its native 



272 HISTORY OP' PIKE COUNTY. 

grow.th within tlie Square. Here, we are told that Wm. R. Peters 
often ted his cattle. 

We find in tiie records of the Board of Sa]>ervisor3 that in April, 
1854, that hody a])])ropriated $200, on condition that the town of 
Pittsfiehl shouKl a[)])ropriate a like amount, to build a fence around 
the Public Square, "ten feet insideof present fence, and put hitch- 
ing posts where the fence stood." 

FIRST JAIL AT PITTSFIELD, 

Necessarily, as faithful historians, we are compelled to mar the 
pleasant progress of this chapter by reference to prison bars. It 
seems as the county advanced in wealth and population the evil 
princi])le ke])t pace with it; and as immaculate and good as the 
pioneer fathers undoubtedly were, even among them there were 
wicked and vicious characters. The old log jail at Atlas never was 
a very strong or secure one, and prisoners were continually escap- 
ing. When the county-seat was moved to Pittsfield, it was deter- 
mined to build a good, sul^stantial j.iil. Accordingly the contract 
for building a jail was let to M. E. Rattan, March 5, 1835, for a 
prison to cost $3,889. The building was to be 28x36 in size, two 
stories high, and to be made of stone. It appears that considerable 
time was employed in its erection, for we find it was not received 
by the county until June, 1839, when Mr. Rattan was allowed $300 
for the extra work performed. 

A NEW REGIME IN CHOOSING COMMISSIONERS. 

Heretofore the terms of office of all three of the Commissioners 
had expired at the same time, being elected for two years; but in 
1838 a new rule was adopted, in compliance witlianact of the Leg- 
islature. Now they were to be elected for three years and one re- 
tire every year, thus leaving two experienced men in office. For 
the first terms, however, one of them should serve only one year, 
another two, and the third three years. On convening at the fall 
term of this year they drew lots to decide the term each should 
serve. Three pieces ojf paper, upon which were written " one year," 
"two years," ," three years," respectively, were thrown together, 
and each Commissioner drew one. John W. Bureh drew " one 
year,'' Alfred Grubb, " two years," and John Neeley " three 
years." 

POOR FARM. 

At the December term, 1843, the Court provided a farm for the 
poor of the county, and instead of " letting out" or " selling" the 
paupers as heretofore, they were obliged to go to that farm. The 
first pau])er of whom we find mention on the records was Joseph 
Moore. He died in June, 1830. Green Street was the next one 
mentioned. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



2T3 



LAST MEETINGS. 

The Commissioners' Court continued to manao:e the affiiirs of 
the county until 1849, when the new Constitution of the State 
went into effect, which abolished this time-honored Court. Before 
adjourning finally, however, it ordered a vote to be taken for or 
against township organization, and then adjourned till " court in 
course," but never re-assembled. 




CHAPTER V. 
GEOLOGY* 

A large proportion of the upland of Pike county was originally 
heavily timbered, but there are several small prairies in the cen- 
tral and northern portions. It is a well-watered county, and the 
valley of the Mississippi is from 8 to 12 miles wide, most of it 
h'ing on the Illinois side. More than one-lifth of the area of the 
county lies in this valley. The general level of the uplands may 
be estimated at from 200 to 300 feet above the great water courses, 
with no very well-defined water-shed. The soil on the timbered 
lands is generally a chocolate-colored clay loam, becoming lighter 
in color on the banks of the streams and in the vicinity of the 
river bluffs. 

The geological structure of this county is somewhat peculiar, 
and the strata exposed within its limits comprise the upper part of 
the Niagara'limestone, the whole series of Lower Carboniferous 
limestones except the Chester group, and a limited thickness of 
Coal Measures, with the usual surface deposits of Loess and Drift. 
The most northerly outcrop of Devonian beds is in Calhoun county. 
The Loess and Drift measure 40 to 100 feet in thickness in Pike 
county, the Coal Measures 20 to 60, St. Louis limestone one to 30, 
Keokuk group 100 to 125, Burlington limestone 150 to 200, Kin- 
derhook 100 to 120, and the Niagara limestone one to 50. 

The Niagara limestone is found only in the soutliwest part of 
the county, where its main outcrop is at the base of the bluffs 
between Rockport and the south line of the county and for a short 
distance up Six-Mile creek. It contains a few fossils at the out- 
crop near Pleasant Hill, among which are Trilobites and a few 
shells. At Mr. AVells' place, N.^W. J sec, 17, Pleasant Hill town- 
ship, the buff-colored magnesia beds of this group are exposed 
about 10 feet in thickness, and the rock has been quarried for 
building-stone. On the S. E. J sec. 8 there is an exposure of about 
22 feet of this limestone, the lower 10 feet being a graj', even- 
bedded limestone, and the upper 12 feet a buff-colored magnesian 

♦Abstracted from State Geological Report by l^rof. A. II. Worthen. 



HISTORY OF PIKJE COUNTY. 275 

rock, closely resembling the rock from the Grafton quarries. It 
is the prevailing rock at Pleasant Hill, where it forms a limestone 
bench about 30 feet high, above the road, at the base of the bluffs. 
Two miles north of Pleasant Hill, on a branch of Six-Mile creek, 
the upper part of this limestone is exposed in the bed of the creek. 

KINDERHOOK GROUP. 

One of the best exposures of this group in this county is just 
above Kinderhook: whence tlie name. It is at the point of the 
bluff, and comprises 2C feet of Loess, 15 of Burlington limestone, 6 
of thin-bedded, fine-grained limestone, 36 of thin-bedded sandstone 
and sandy shales, and 40 feet of clay and sandy shales, partly 
hidden. Fossil shells are found in the sandstone. This group is 
also well exposed at Rockport and two miles below Atlas, and 
somewhat exposed at the base of the Illinois river bluffs. Almost 
everywhere in the county the Burlington limestone overlies the 
group, which determines the topographical features of the region 
also underlaid by the shales and gritstones of the group. 

BURLINGTON LIMESTONE. 

This limestone forms the bed rock over fully one-half the up- 
lands. It is from 50 to 100 feet in thickness, and its best expo- 
sures are among the river bluffs. It is a rather coarse-grained, 
gray stone, interspersed with brown layers, and is largely com- 
posed of the fossilized remains of crinoids and mollusks. In the 
Mississippi bluff, near the north line of the county, 40 feet or more 
of the lower portion of this limestone is exposed, forming the upper 
escarpment of the bluff, and consisting of alternate beds of gray and 
brown limestone, usually in regular and tolerably thick beds. It 
has fossils, and has been extensively quarried on Big Blue creek 
for building purposes. On the eastern side of the county the most 
northerly outcrop of this limestone is near Griggsville Landing, 
where the cherty beds of the upper division of this rock are exposed 
at the base of the bluff. The outcrop here is about 50 feet thick. 
It appears about the same at Montezuma, and is seen exposed at 
points all along these bluffs. It is well exposed on Bay creek, 
forming the main portion of the bluffs along this stream from near 
Pittsfield to the southeast corner of the county. It is the most im- 
portant of all the limestones exposed in this county, both as regards 
extent of exposure and its economical value. As a building stone 
it is not equal to the magnesiau beds of the jNiagara group, as 
found near Pleasant Hill, but is nevertheless very durable. It can 
be found over half the county. 

KEOKUK GROUP, 

This group lies just above the Burlington limestone, and out- 
crops over a large portion of the northern and northeastern parts 
of the county, where it is frequently found immediately beneath 



276 niSTORY OF pike county. 

tlie Coal Measures. The St. Louis group, which should properly 
intervene, was worn away before tiie coal epoch. It consists of 
light gray and bluish gray cherty limestones at the base, which 
closely resemble the upper beds of the Burlington limestone. Some 
of tiie limestone strata are as crinoidal in their structure as the 
Burlington, but they are usually more bluish gray in color. 
There is usually a series of cherty beds, 10 to 30 feet in thickness^ 
Beparating the main limestones of the two groups, which may 
properly be regarded as transitional. The upper division consists 
of lime -clay shales and thin-bedded limestones, containing geodes 
lined with crystallized quartz, chalcedony, calcite, dolomite, crystals 
of zinc blende and iron pyrites. Tiie pyrites is usually in minute 
crystals implanted on quartz. 

This division may be seen a mileand a half southeast of Griggsville, 
and where it first appears beneath the Coal Measures the geodes are 
imbedded in a ferruginous sandstone, which perhaps represents 
the conglomerate usually lying at the base of the Coal Measures. 
This indicates that before or during the formation of this conglom- 
erate the shales originally inclosing the geodes were swept away," 
and the geodes were then enclosed in sand which subsequently 
hardened. These geode-bearing limestones are exposed near Perry 
Springs, where the waters derive their mineral ingredients from 
these beds. At Chambersburg, the limestones of this group form 
the bed of McGee's creek. Other prominent exposures of these 
limestones are at Griggsville Landing, on Hadley's creek, near 
Huntley's coal-bank, etc. From this stratum much good building 
stone has been quarried. 

ST. LOUIS GROUP. 

On the banks of McGee's creek only are indications of the pres- 
ence of this group. The beds exposed here consist of brown mag- 
nesian limestone and shales, 20 to 30 feet thick. A mile and a half 
northwest of Perry quarries have been opened in these beds, and 
about three miles north of Perry Springs they are again exposed, 
overlaid by shale, the whole being about 20 feet in thickness. 

COAL MEASURES. 

The coal formation occupies but a limited area in the central 
and northern portions of this county, underlying the whole of New 
Salem township, and a portion only of the four surrounding town- 
ships. The thickness does not probably exceed 60 feet. The fol- 
lowing are the principal points where coal has been dug in Pike 
county: 

Huntley's, N.W. J sec. 15, Iladley township; coal 16 to 24: inches 
thick, overlaid by about 6 inches of black shale. 

Huntley's new bank, N.W. i sec. 10, Hadley township; bed 6 
feet thick, with a parting of clay shale in the middle, about 2 inches 
in thickness. The coal in the upper part of this seam is rather 
soft, and contains considerable iron bisulphide. The lower division 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 27T 

affords a harder and better coal and rests upon a gray fire clay 2 
feet or more in thickness. 

Three miles east of Barry coal has been dug on a small branch 
south of the Philadelphia road; and a mile further south there is a 
blue clay shale 25 to 30 feet thick exposed along the creek which 
intersects the river blutis near New Canton. It contains septaria 
and tuten-mergel, and closely resembles the shale over the coal at 

Huntley's mine. ^ i ivr 

From this point the western boundary of the Coal Measures 
trends southeastwardly to llouseworth's coal bank, two miles and a 
half northwest of Pittsfield, on N.W. i sec. 16, Pittstield township. 
Coal about IS inches thick, overlaid by about three feet of dark blue 
shale, passing upward into sandy shale 10 feet more. 

Four miles west of Griggsville, coal is found on Mr. Dunham's 
place. It is 14 to 20 inches thick, overlaid by about two feet of 
fossiliferous black shale. This seam of coal outcrops on S. E. J sec. 
11, same township, and in the ravines between Griggsville and 
Philadelphia, via New Salem. 

A half mile south of Griggsville coal has also been worked, the 
seam being 18 to 24 inches thick. 

On Lazarus Koss' place, a mile- and a half northwest of Perry 
Springs, some indications of coal may be seen in the bluffs of the 
middle fork of McGee's creek. 

QUATERNARY SYSTEM. 

Abroad belt of alluvial bottom lands, 6 to 12 miles wide, skirts 
the whole western border of Pike county. The deposit consists of 
alternations of clay, sand and loam, in quite regular strata, but of 
variable thickness. The soil is exceedingly fertile, and where they 
are above high water, they constitute the most productive and val- 
uable lands in the county. A large proportion of this land was 
originally prairie, but now there are many belts of heavy timber 
skirting the small streams intersecting these bottoms. 

On the east side of the county there is very little bottom land 
from the south line of the county to the north line of Flint town- 
ship, where it begins to widen, and thence to the north line of the 
county the Illinois bottoms are 2 to 5 miles wide; but they are too 
low and wet for cultivation. A portion of them are heavily tim- 
bered with Cottonwood, sycamore, soft maple, elm, ash, hackberry, 
honey locust, linden, black walnut, water oak, hickory, etc. 

LOESS. 

. The river bluffs on both sides of the county are capped with this 
formation, which ranges from 10 to 60 feet or more. _ It always 
overlies the Drift, where both are present, and hence is of more 
recent origin. It generally consists of buff or brown marly days 
or sands, usually stratified, and often so coherent as to remain in 
vertical walls 20 or 30 feet high when cut through. From 75 to 



278 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTV. 

80 per cent, of it is silica, 10 to 15 per cent, alniriina and iron per- 
oxide, 3 to 4 per cent, lime, and 1 to 2 per cent, magnesia. In the 
vicinity of (^hainbersburo^ the Loess is 60 to 70 feet thick. Every- 
where it furnishes a light, porous sub-soil, which is admirably 
adapted to the growth of fruit trees, vines and small fruits. In 
soins ])laces it contains a variety of fossil shells which present the 
usual bleached and water- worn ap])earancc of the deadsliells of onr 
ponds and bayous. It also affords a variety of chalky lumps and 
masses which assume many imitative forms, as of potatoes and the 
disks called "clay-stones " in New England. It also gives origin 
to the bald knobs so frequently met with along the river bluffs, and 
is often rounded into natural mounds which have been very, gener- 
ally used by the Indians as burial places, Tlie bones of extinct 
animals are often found in the marly beds of this formation, along 
with land and fresh-water shells. 

DRIFT. 

This deposit consists of variously colored clays containing gravel 
and boulders. It underlies the Loess, and hence is not visible along 
the bluffs. In the interior of the county it is often penetrated by 
well-diggers. It thins out toward the bluffs. At the base of the 
Drift near Barry there is a bed of clean, yellow flint gravel, par- 
tially cemented by iron oxide into a ferruginous conglomerate. 

ECONOMICAL GEOLOGY. 

Pike county lias an abundance of building stone. The Niagara 
limestone near Pleasant Hill furnishes a buff magnesian rock, in 
very regular beds, fully equal in quality to that of Grafton and 
Joliet. Part of the stone in the public-school building at Pittsfield 
was ])rought from Joliet, while stone just as good and beautiful was 
outcropping within ten miles of that town. "A want of the knowl- 
edge of this fact," says Mr. Worthen, "has probably cost the citi- 
zens of Pike county far more than their proportion of the entire 
cost of the geological survey of Illinois." 

The Burlington limestone, which outcrops over a wide area in 
this county, will furnish an unlimited supply of excellent building 
stone. It is probably not less than 150 feet thick. The more flinty 
portions are the best material for macadamizing roads. Near 
Montezuma is a 10-foot bed of excellent dimension stone. Similar 
beds are exposed on Big Blue creek four miles southeast of Pitts- 
field, where they are 40 feet thick, containing masses two to four 
feet in thickness. On the west side of the county it forms an 
almost continuous outcrop, 10 to 40 feet thick, along the river 
bluffs; and on the east side of the county it also forms a continuous 
outcrop in the bluffs from Griggsville Landing south. 

The lower portion of the Keokuk limestone is fully as useful as 
the preceding. Excellent quarries are worked two miles north of 
Griorgfsville on the south fork of McGee's creek. The stone is com- 



^--y 




k 




DEPRY TP 



t4^tJ(y/(/ et\t^ 



w 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 281 

posed almost entirely of the joints and plates of crinoids, cemented 
together by a calcareous paste. 

The St. Louis group, although limited in extent, furnishes some 
good building stone, mostly found in Perry township and vicinity, 
as already described. 

The coal deposits in this county are 'all, except at Huntley's 
place, too thin for profitable working. Where surface " stripping," 
however, can be done, it pays to mine the thinner deposits. Hunt- 
ley's is probably a local deposit, a " pocket," which will soon be 
exhausted. 

No mineral ore, except a little iron, has been found in Pike 
county. 

The Burlington and Keokuk groups furnish the best of material 
for quick-lime. The St. Louis group, which is generally preferred, 
is very limited. 

Good hydraulic limestone for cement can be obtained from the 
Kinderhook group. 

Fire clay, which usually underlies the coal, can be mined with 
the coal to advantage. The brown clays of the Drift and the Loess 
furnish superior material for brick. 

For marble the bed of oolitic conglomerate of the Kinderhook 
group at Kockport furnishes a stone capable of a fine polish and 
makes a beautiful variegated marble ; but the bed, so far as ex- 
amined, is rather thin for profitable working. Some of the sub- 
crystalline beds of the Burlington limestone also receive a high 
polish and make a fine ornamental stone. 

The Perry mineral springs, three in number, issue from the up- 
per part of the Keokuk limestone which underlies the valley and 
outcrops along the blufis. The principal ingredients of the water 
here are the bi-carbonates of lime and magnesia, the silicate of 
potash and soda and the carbonate of potash. For further account 
of these springs see history of Perry township in this volume. 

There are a few small caves in Pike county, two near Barry, into 
one of which one can enter a distance of 550 feet and the other 400 
feet. In early day panthers were known to inhabit these caves. In 
Pearl township, on land owned by Judge Atkinson, the railroad 
employees of the Chicago & Alton company were blasting rock in 
1871 or 1872, when they discovered a small cave in which were 
found lime carbonate drippings in the form of stalagmites and sta- 
lactites. Many of these are of imitative forms and can be iniao-. 
ined to be petrified human beings or animals. An exaggerated 
account of this cave was published in the Pittsfield paper's at the 
time, which led many people to believe something wonderful was 
found at the place. 

18 



CHAPTER VI. 
ZOOLOGY. 

QUADRUPEDS. 

Of the species of native animals that once roamed tlie flowery 
prairies and wild forests of Pike county, but few of the smaller 
remain, and none of the larger. Of the latter we cannot even find 
a spe^iimen preserved in taxidermy. The buffalo which grazed 
upon the verdant prairies has been driven westward. With or be- 
fore it went the beaver, elk, badger, panther, l)lack wolf and l)lack 
bear. Some animals that were (juite numerous have become very 
rare, such as the gray fox, the catamount, otter, lynx, and the beau- 
tiful Virginia deer. 

There still remain many of the different species, mostly inhabit- 
iuj- tlie country adjacent to the Illinois and Mississippi rivers and 
a few of the otlier "lai-ger streams. These are, however, fast disap- 
pearing, and ere long will be known only in history, as are the 
deer, the beaver, and the bison. Among those still to be found 
here are the gray wolf, which is numerous in some parts, the opos- 
sum, raccoon, mink, mnskrat, the common weasel, the small brown 
weasel, skunk, woodchuck, or Maryland marmot, prairie mole, com- 
mon shrew mole, meadow and deer mouse, and the gray rabbit. 
Of squirrels there are the gray timber squirrel, the fox, chip- 
munk, the large gray prairie squirrel, the striped and the spotted 
prairie squirrel, and the beautiful flying squirrel. The dark-brown 
and the reddish bat are common. Other small animals have been 
found here which have strayed from other localities. 

BIRDS. 

Of the 5,000 existing species of birds many have sojourned in 
this county, some temporarily and others for a considerable time. 
Many migratory species come only at long intervals, and therefore 
but little is known of them. 

There is not a more fascinating study than that afforded by our 
feathered friends. Their free movements through seemingly bound- 
less space, the joyous songs of many, and the characteristic tones of 
all, their brilliant colors, their lively manners, and their wonderful 



IIISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 283 

instincts, have t'rora earliest ages made a strong impression on the 
minds of men, and in the infancy of intellect gave rise to many 
peculiar and mysterious associations. Hence the flight of birds 
was made the foundation of a peculiar art of divination. Religion 
borrowed many symbols from them, and poetry many of its orna- 
ments. Birds avail themselves of their powers of wing to seek sit- 
uations adapted for them in respect to temperature and supply of 
fctod. The arrival of summer birds is always a welcome sign of 
advancing spring, and is associated with all that is cheerful and 
delightful. Some birds come almost at the same date annually; 
others are more influenced by the character of the season, as mild 
or severe. 

Pike county is highly favored, compared with any county north 
of it, as the Virginia red-bird and cedar-bird remain here during 
the winter, and the indigo-bird is here in its season. Parroquets 
also used to abound in this region. 

The following list is as nearly correct as can be compiled from 
the available information upon the subject: 

Perehers. — This order of birds is b^' far the most numerous, and 
includes nearly all those which are attractive either in plumage or 
in song. The ruby-throated humming-bird, with its exquisite 
plumage and almost ethereal existence, is at the head of the list. 
This is the humming-bird which is always the delight of the chil- 
dren, and is the only one found in Illinois. The chimney swallow, 
easily known from other swallows by its very long wings and forked 
tail, and which is a true swift, is quite numerous. Of the whip- 
poorwill family there are two representatives, — the whippoorwill 
proper, whose note enlivens the forest at night, and the night-hawk. 
The belted kingfisher, so well known to the school-boy, is the only 
member of its family in this region. At the head of the fly- 
catchers is the king-bird, the crested fl^'-catcher and the wood 
pewee. 

^xxb-ordeY ol Singers — Thrush family . — Of this family are the 
robin, the wood thrush, Wilson's thrush, the blue-bird, the ruby- 
crowned and the golden-crested wren, tit-lark, the black and the 
white creeper, blue yellow-backed warbler, yellow-breasted chat, 
worm-eating warbler, blue-winged yellow- warbler, Tennessee war- 
bler, and golden-crowned thrush. Shrike family. — This family is 
represented by the great northern shrike, red-eyed fly-catcher, 
white-eyed fly-catclier, the blue-headed and the yellow-throated flj'-- 
catcher. Swallow family. — This family of birds are very numerous 
in Pike county. Among them are the barn swallow, white-bellied 
swallow, bank swallow, cliff' swallow, and purple martin. Wax- 
wing fam^ily. — The cedar-bird is the representative of the wax- wing 
in America. Mockincj-hird fam.ily. — ^The genera of this family 
are the cat-bird, brown thrush, the house and winter wren. Finch 
and Sparrow family. — The snow bunting and Smith's bunting 
appear only in winter. The purple finch, the yellow-bird and the 
lark finch inhabit this county. Of the passerine genus of this 



284 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

family are the Savannah sparrow, the field and the chipping spar- 
row, the black snow-bird, the tree sparrow, the song sj^arrow, the 
swamp and the fox-colored sparrow, the black-throated bunting, the 
rose- breasted gros-beak and tlie ground robin. Titmouse family 
is represented by tlie chickadee and the tufted titmouse. Creeper 
faniili/. — There are two specimens of this family, — the white-bellied 
nut-hatch and the American creeper. iSh'ylark family. — This 
melodious family is represented here by only the common skylark 
of tlie ])rairie. Black-bird family.— T\\e rusty black-bird, the crow 
black-bird, the cow-bird, the red- winged black-bird, the meadow 
lark, the orchard and the Baltimore orioles of this family, are the 
most beautiful and brilliant of birds that inhabit this region. 
Crow family. — The blue-jay and the common crow comprise the 
species of this family. 

Birds of Prey. — This order of birds comprises all those, with 
few exceptions, which pursue and capture birds and other animals 
for food. They are mostly of large size, the females are larger than 
the males, they live in pairs, and choose their mates for life. Most 
raptorial birds have disappeared. Among them are the golden 
eagle, which was always rare but now no longer seen here; the bald 
eagle, or properly the white-headed eagle, once quite common, now 
scarce. Some well-preserved specimens of this genus are in the 
county. This eagle enjoys the honor of standing as our national 
emblem. Benjamin Franklin lamented the selection of this bird 
as emblematical of the Union, for its great cowardice. It has the 
ability of ascending in circular sweeps without any apparent mo- 
tion of the wings or the tail, and it often rises in this manner until 
it disappears from view; when at an immense height, and as if ob- 
-servinir an object on the ground, it sometimes closes its wings and 
glides toward the earth with such velocity that the eye can scarcely 
follow it, causing a loud rustling sound like a violent- gust of wind 
among the branches of tlie forest. The Hawk fttnily has eight or 
nine species, some but seldom seen, others common. The turkey- 
buzzard has almost, if not quite, disappeared. Of the owl genera 
:are several species, though all are but seldom seen because of their 
nocturnal habits. Among them are the barn owl, the screech owl, 
the long and the short eared owl, the barred owl, and the snowy 
owl, the latter being the rarest. 

Climhers. — But few of this order remain in theconnty, the most 
common of which are the woodpeckers. Of the varions kinds are 
the golden-winged, the pileated, the hairy, the downy, the yellow- 
bellied, re'd-bcllied and the red-headed. At an early day the Car- 
olina parrot, generally called the " parrokeet," was often seen, but 
he lias now entirely deserted this section. The yellow and black- 
billed cuckoos are occasionally seen. 

Scratchers. — This order contains but few genera in this county. 
The wild turkey, the choicest of game, has almost entirely disap- 
peared, and was the only one of its family that ever sojourned here. 
In an early day they were in abundance. Grouse family. — The 



HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 285 

chiefest among this family is the pi'airie chicken, which, if not 
carefully protected, must ere long follow the wild turkey, never to 
return. The ruffled grouse, wrongfully called " pheasant," has of 
late made its appearance. It is quite fund of cultivated fields, and, 
if properly protected and encouraged until it becomes fairly settled, 
will make a fine addition to the game, and fill the place of the 
prairie chicken. Partridge family. — The fate of that excellent bird, 
the quail, is only a question of a short time. The Dove family. — 
The wild ])igeons continue to make their semi-annual visits, but 
not in such vast numbers as years ago. Acres of forest were so 
often filled at night with these birds that the breaking of boughs 
and the flying of pigeons made a noise that could be heard for 
miles, and the shot of a sportsman's gun could not be heard at a 
distance often feet. Highly interesting is the description by Audu- 
bon of the enormous flights which he observed on the Ohio in the 
fall of 1813; they obscured the daylight and lasted three days with- 
out interruption. According to a very moderate estimate of his, 
each flight contained the stupendous number of one billion, one 
hundred and fifteen thousand million, one hundred and thirt_y-six 
thousand pigeons. These flights caused a general commotion 
among the entire rural population. Desirous of booty and anxious 
lest their crops should be spoiled, the farmers, arming themselves 
with rifles, clubs, poles, torches and iron pots filled with sulphur, 
proceed to the resting places of the birds. The work of slaughter 
being accomplished everybody sat down among mountains of dead 
pigeons, plucking and salting the birds which they selected, aban- 
doning the rest to the foxes, wolves, raccoons, opossums and hogs, 
whole herds of which were driven to the battle-field. The plaintive 
notes of the Carolina dove, commonly known as the turtle-dove, 
are still heard. 

Swimmers. — This order of birds, which formerly frequented this 
county in large numbers, have almost disappeared. The}^ are mi- 
gratory, and in their usual season would appear coming from the 
north or south, as winter passes into summer or summer into winter. 
Diver family. — The great northern diver, or loon, sometimes visits 
this section, but inhabits the frigid zone. Gull family. — Of this 
family are Wilson's tern and silvery gull. Pelican family. — The 
rough-billed pelican was the only genus of this family that ever 
stopped in Pike county, and it has now altogether ceased to make 
its visits here. Cormorant family. — The double-crested cormo- 
rant, or sea raven, has been seen here. Duch family. — This family 
of migrator}^ birds visited the ponds and streams of this county in 
large numbers before it became so thickly settled, both on their 
northern and southern passage, but now mostly confine themselves 
to the Illinois and Mississippi, where large numbers are found. 
This family furnishes most game for sportsmen and for the table. 
There are the wood-duck, the big black-headed duck, the ring- 
necked duck, the red-head, the canvas-back, the dipper, the shell- 
drake or goosander, the fish-duck, the red-breasted, and the hooded 



280 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTV. 

merganser, the mallard and the j^intail, tlie green-winged and the 
blue-winged teal, the spoonbill and the gadwall, the baldpate, the 
American swan, the trumpeter swan and the white-fronted goose. 

Waders. — Probably less is known of this order of birds than of 
any other, because of their shyness and solitary habits. Tliey fre- 
quented the marshes, but cultivation has drained their favorite 
haunts. Crane famil//. — The whoo])ing crane, always rare, is now 
never seen. The sand-hill cranes stop on their journeys north and 
south. Heron /"a mil//. — The great blue heron or crane, least bittern, 
the green heron, night heron and the American bittern, compose 
those of this family visiting this region. Ihlsfainiln. — The glossy 
ibis has been seen here. Plover family . — The golden [ilover. the 
killdeer and the king plover comprise this family known here. 
PJuilarope famili/. — The Wilson's and the red ]>halarope have fre- 
quented the swamps of this county. Snipe family. — Various birds 
of this family have been common in and around the swamps of this 
count}'. Among them were Wilson's snipe, grey or red-breasted 
snipe, the least and the semi-palmated sand]>iper, the willet, the 
tell-tale, the yellow-leg, the solitary sandpiper, the spotted sand- 
piper, the field plover, long-billed curfew, the common rail, the 
clapper rail or mud hen, and the coot. 

Reptiles. — All of the species of this class that ever inhabited this 
region are still to be found here except the poisonous snakes. The 
rattlesnake, of the genus Crotalus, is of a yellowish-brown color, 
and has a series of horny joints at the end of the tail, which make 
a rattling sound. These were the most venomous of all snakes 
found here, and were numerous in the early settlement. There are 
two kinds, the bandy, or striped, and the prairie rattlesnake, the 
latter being still occasionally found. The copperhead was always 
rare. Among the harmless snakes are the water-snake, the garter- 
snake, the bull-snake, the milk-snake, the black-snake, and the blue 
racer. 

Many reptiles found here are erroneously called lizards, but are 
salamanders and other like innocent creatures. Lizards are never 
found in this county. Among the tortoises or turtles are found the 
map turtle, the snapping and the soft-shelled turtle. Of the batra- 
chian, or naked reptiles, there are a few, and, though loathsome to 
sight and touch, are harmless. The toad, the bull-frog, the leop- 
ard-frog, the tree-toad, with some tailed batrachia, comprise the 
most of this order. The Illinois river bull-frog is as large as a 
man's head, often much larger, and his deep bellowing can be heard 
for a mile or more. 

FISHES. 

Althouirh fishes are the lowest class of vertebrates, their varied 
forms and colors, which often rival those of precious stones and 
burnished gold, the wonderful power and velocity of some, the 
wiiolesome food furnished by many, and the exciting sport of their 
('•ipture, combine to render fishes subjects of great interest to the 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



287 



casual observer, as well as to the amateur and professional natural- 
ist. The number of known species of fishes is about ten tliousand. 
The waters of this county are quite prolific of tiie finny tribe. _ The 
commerce in fish has become quite extensive alons^ the Illinois and 
Mississippi. S'lckU-lacked family .—^\\\^ family furnishes _ the 
^ame fish, and are never caught larger than four pounds m weight. 
The varous genera found here are the black bass, goggle-eye, the 
croppy, or big black sun-fisli, and the two common sun -fish. Pike 
family.— ThQYQ are but two species of this family,— the pickerel, 
weighing from five to twenty-five pounds, and the gar pike. Sucker 
family.— Oi this tribe are "the buftalo, red-horse, white-sucker, two 
species of black-suckers, mullet ranick. Fish of this family are 
found in all the streams of the county. They abound wherever 
there is water. Cat-fish family.— Oi this voracious family the 
channel cat-fish, the mud cat-fish and two species of the small cat- 
fish inhabit the waters of this county, and are caught ranging in 
weight from one to thirty pounds. 

The shovel-fish is yet abundant, and its flesh, as well as its gen- 
eral appearance, resembles that of the cat-fish. 

Besides these varieties there are the chub, silver-sides, and fresh- 
water herring, and large numbers of other species denominated 
minnows, which are found in the smallest spring branches, as well 
as the larger streams. 




CHAPTER VII. 

BOTANY. 

Persons coining to the West for the first time in their lives are 
deeply impressed with the high and rolling character of our 
prairies, which they had before always imagined low and level; 
and this feature of the prairie, combined in early days with its 
beautiful, dreamy covering of flowering plants and grassy verdure- 
in spring and summer, inspired one to sing: 

A billowy ocean with green carpet spread, 
Which seems almost too neat for man to tread ! 
With glittering stars of amaryllis white, 
With violets blue and roses red and bright, 
With golden cinquefoil, star-grass, buttercups. 
With dazzling cardinal flowers and painted-cups, 
And lone but cheerful meadow larks to sing, 
This grassy sea appeared in smiling spring. 
In summer came the stately compass-plant, 
, As if to guide the wandering immignint. 

Then asters, golden-rods and wild sunflowers 
O'erspread the vales in labyrinthine bowers. 
Thus nature, clad in vesture gold and green. 
Brought autumn in and closed the floral scene. 

Also the beautiful, clean-cut hills of our forests present a taste- 
ful view scarcely ever witnessed in the East. But at the present 
day both our prairie and our timber are under either cultivation 
or pasturage, and blue grass, white clover and a large number of 
introduced weeds from the East have taken the place of the origi- 
nal flora. Industrially this cultivation is a gain, but poetically it 
is a loss. Only in the most retired situations can many interest- 
ing plants be found which used to be abundant. Several species 
of prairie clover, false wild indigo, rosin-weed, mountain mint, 
loosestrife, etc., have almost disappeared with the original prairie, 
while a few of the modest strawberry, star-grass and blue-eyed 
grass remain with us as sweet reminiscences of the past. 

Nearly all the plants growing spontaneously in cultivated or 
waste grounds are " introduced;" that is, they have been brought 
here by white settlers, — unintentionally, of course, with reference 
to most of the weeds. In the timbered sections no particular 
weed is on the increase in the present decade, but in the prairie 
section, the garden parsnip, common thistle, rich weed (in artificial 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 289 

groves), toad flax, wild lettuce, and oxybaphus (a four-o'clock plant) 
are increasing rapidly; and along the railroads several sand plants 
are making good headway, as sand-bur, polanisia, ox-eye daisy, etc. 

Before settlement by the whites the prairie was mostly covered 
by two or three kinds of grass. Several other kinds grew in 
patches here and there, notably the Indian grass and blue joint, 
which grew very tall. In wet places grew " slough " grass and 
many sedges, and along the channeled sloughs abounded several 
species of golden-rod, aster and wild sunflower, which m the lat- 
ter part of summer and in autumn formed waving yellow stripes 
across the pfairie, and were peculiarly charming. They seemed 
to have a sedative eflect upon the feelings. 

About 2,300 species of plants are found within the United 
States, 1,600 of which can be found in Illinois, and about 950 in 
Pike county. We now give a list of all the common plants grow- 
ing spontaneously in Pike county, and some of the most interest- 
ing rare ones, excepting mosses, mushrooms, etc.; and we name 
all the trees and shrubs, rare as well as common. We give the 
English names, following Gray's Manual, fifth edition, mainly, in 
respect to names, and altogether with respect to the order in which 
the families range. By the way, we make a few corrections of 
popular errors as to names. Some names, even in the books, are 
applied to two or more diflerent plants, as sycamore, button snake- 
root, black snakeroot, goose-grass, hair-grass, loosestrife, etc. Also, 
every plant has several names, — communities differing widely in 
this regard. We endeavor to select the most common name as we 
can judge from Gray's Botan}'. 

Crowfoots. — Common virgin's bower, a vine, and Pitcher's vir- 
gin's bower, a half vine, are occasionally found : the leather-flower, 
a cultivated vine bearing large, blue flowers, is of the same genus. 
The Pennsylvanian, Yirginian and wood anemones occur here and 
there. Liver-leaf ("liver-wort") is common on forest hillsides. 
Rue anemone, and the early, the purplish and the tall meadow-rues 
are common in the woods. The true buttercups of the East are 
not found here, but the most common flower corresponding to them 
is the creeping crowfoot. The small-flowered, the hooked, the 
bristly and the early crowfoots also occur. Isopyrnm grows in 
moist, shady places. Marsh marigold is common in early spring, 
growing in mud supplied with fresh water : in the East they are 
called " cowslips " and sometimes used for greens. Water plantain 
spearwort, growing in mud, and yellow water crowfoot, growing in 
water and with the submersed leaves finely divided, are seen occa- 
sionally. Wild columbine, so easily recognized by its resemblance 
to the cultivated species, abounds in the margins of the woods ; so- 
also two species of wild larkspur. Yellow puccoon is very scarce. 
White baneberry is occasionally seen in the deep woods. 

Custard -Apple Family. — The papaw is common along the Illi- 
nois river. It fruits better in Calhoun county tlian Pike, being 
of a more modern growth here. This is a fragile bush, with large 



g,ivy., ^/x.^ xxv^xv.. ^...^ ... ,.. wc._,..v. ..>.^ ^v 



290 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

leav^es, bearing fruit about the size and appearance of short, thick, 
green cucumbers, which have a pulp like the banana. To " learn" 
to like thena one must merely taste of them at times far apart. 

Moonseed Family. — Canadian moonseed is abundant in the 
woods. It is a smooth, twining vine like the morning-glory, with 
a beautiful, round, yellow root, which has a tonic-bitter taste, and 
is sometimes called sarsaparilla. The true wild sarsaparilla belongs 
to the Ginseng family. 

Barherry Family. — Maj^-apple is abundant and blue coliosh 
somewhat rare. 

Water Lilies. — The pond, or white water lily, is abundant in 
large, open ponds in the river bottoms, and the yellow water, or 
frog lily, growing in shallow, stagnant water, is scarce, as is also 
the yellow neluinbo, a similar plant. 

Poppy Family. — The well-known blood-root is the only repre- 
sentative of this famil)' growing wild in this country. 

Fumitory Family. — The celebrated Dutchman's breeches is the 
only member of this family in our woods. Bleeding heart is of the 
same genus. 

Mustard Family. — Marsh cress is common ; lake cress, grow- 
ing in water, is sometimes seen; and horse-radish flourishes beyond 
the bounds of cultivation. Pepper-root, an earlj'-flowering plant, is 
common in the dense forest. Two varieties of spring cress are fre- 
quent. Two species of the delicate little rock cress are also fre- 
quent. Hedge mustard is the most common mustard-like weed 
that grows on cultivated and waste grounds. Tansy mustard is 
rare. Black mustard, the type of this family, flourishes on culti- 
vated and waste o-rounds. White mustard is verv rai-e at the 
present day. Shepherd's purse is abundant early in the season, — 
a weed everywhere : its seed-pod is triangular, somewhat inflated, 
and in shape resembles a shepherd's purse of the olden time. Wild 
])eppergrass is common in late summer: seed-pods, wafer-form. 
Whitlow grass grows in sandy ground. To the Mustard family 
belong the radish, turnip and cabbage of our gardens. 

Caper Family. — Folauisia, a fetid pod-bearing plant, is com- 
mon on sandy ground, and is extending along the railroads where 
sand and gravel are deposited. 

Violets. — Common blue violet is abundant, the other kinds 
more rare, namely, hand-leaf, arrow-leaved, larkspur, bird. foot, 
d(nvny yellow, etc. Heart's-easc belongs to this order. 

Jioch-Iiose Family. — Frost- weed grows in sandy soil, and pin- 
Meed on dry ground. 

St. Johii's-worts. — Two or three rare species are found in this 
cowwiy. 

Pink Family. — Starry campion, sleepy catchfly, corn cockle, 
sandwort, long-leaved stitchwort and forked chickweed are found 
liere and there. Common chickweed and three species of mouse- 
ear cliickweed and bouncing bet are more common. Carpet weed 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUKTY. • 291 

is common on the sand; it grows in the form of a bunchy lamp- 
mat. 

Purslane Family. — Akin to the beautiful portulaca is our uni- 
versal purslane, often called " pursley." Spring beauty belongs to 
this family. It is one of our earliest, spring flowers, and may be 
distinguished by the plant's having but two leaves, long and nar- 
row and somewhat fleshy. The flower is a light rose color, with 
deeper veins. 

Mallows Family. — Common, or low mallows and velvet-leaf, or 
Indian mallows are very abundant. The latter is a tall, pestiferous 
weed about our fields, with seed-vessels resembling poppy-bolls. 
Sida and bladder ketmia, or flower of an hour, are common. To 
this order belong the hollyhock and okra, in cultivation. 

Linden Family. — Bass-wood, known as lin among Southern peo- 
ple, is the only member of this family growing here. 

Geranium Family. — Wild crane's-bill is common in early spring, 
having a solitary, rose-colored flower on the summit. Carolina 
•crane's-bill is rather rare. Spotted and pale touch-me-nots are com- 
mon in moist, shaded places, growing in dense patches. The bal- 
samine of cultivation is of the same genus. Yellow wood-sorrel is 
everywhere, and here and there the violet wood-sorrel prevails to 
some extent. This is erroneously called '' sheep-sorrel." Sheep, or 
field sorrel grows on sandy or gravely ground, has lance-shaped and 
pointed leaves, obscure flowers, and seeds like pie-plant or yellow- 
dock, while wood-sorrel grows mostly in clay soil, has three leaflets 
like clover, showy flowers, and seeds'in a pod. The two sorrels be- 
long to different orders, but have a similar taste. 

Mue Family. — The northern prickly ash, a common shrub in our 
woods but growing scarcer, and the still rarer hop-tree, are the only 
members of this family in Pike county. Garden rue is of the same 
■order, or family. 

Cashew Family. — In America this would seem to be rather the 
sumac family. The smooth sumac is common everywhere, fragrant 
sumac abundant in sandy ground, and ])oison ivy is common along 
fences — some places abundant. The latter is a coarse, woody vine 
with innumerable rootlets, and has three leaflets to each leaf, with 
these leaflets sometimes partly divided. When the plant is young 
it can be distinguished from box-elder by the latter having a white 
^' bloom "on the stem; and at all times it can be distinguished 
from Virginia creeper ( American ivy, an innocent plant) by the 
latter having five leaflets to each leaf, and the whole leaf in shape 
like that of buckeye. 

Vine Family, that is, the grape-vine family.— Virginia creeper, 
just described, is as abundant as any weed. The winter, or frost 
grape is common, but the summer grape, a delicious fruit, is very 
scarce, if indeed it can be found at all in this county. It used to be 
abundant, but the vines have been destroyed by reckless grape 
gatherers. 

BticUhorn Family.— T\\e noted red-root, or New Jersey tea, a 



292 HISTORY CF I'IKE COUNTV. 

shrub in tlie inar<>;in of prairies and to some extent in all other sit- 
uations, is the only representative of this family here, and it is be- 
coming rarer by the encroachments of cultivation and pasturage. 
The leaves make very good tea. 

Staff-tree Family. — The climbing bittersweet and waahoo are 
all there are of this tamily in our limits. The former is a smooth^ 
woody vine, common in the woods, climbing by simply twining^ 
and bearing orange-colored berries in clusters, often called wax- 
work and used in ornamentation. This vine is often called simply 
bittersweet, but the true medical bittersweet is a very different 
plant, scarcely a vine at all, and not growing wild in this county. 
The waahoo, or burning-bush, is a real bush of about the size and 
proportions of a plum-tree; its twigs have four white lines, and it* 
crimson fruit in autumn after the leaves liave fallen are very showy. 
The flowers ai-e dark purple. 

Soajpherry Order includes the Maple, Bladdernut and Soapberry 
(proper) families. Of the maples the most common are the sugar and 
the white. The latter is one of the soft maples, the red maple of other 
sections of the United States being the other. The red does mtt 
grow in this count}-. JBox-elder is sometimes called ash-leaved 
maple, and belongs to this family. The American bladdernut is a 
tree-like shrub about 10 feet high, producing large three-lobed, in- 
flated seed pods. The Ohio buck-eye is common in the river bot- 
toms. 

Milkworts. — Seneca snakerootand two other species of milkwort 
are found in this region. 

Pulse Family. — This large family is characterized by having 
seeds in pods like beans and peas, which are members of the family. 
The first in the list, according to the books, are the clovers, — red 
and white. Two other species of this genus occur, indeed, but are too 
rare to enumerate here. Then the white sweet clover, more recently 
escaped from cultivation; then two species of prairie clover, almost 
extinct. Goat's rue, false indigo (Amorpha) and lead plant abound) 
on dry, sandy loam in river bottoms. The common locust was in- 
troduced here, but this is too far north for it to be hardy enough to 
withstand our winds and the borer. A honey-locust occurs here 
and there. One milk vetch is frequent. Six species of tick trefoil 
abound. These are those plants in the woods bearing "pods" of 
triangular, flat burs. Two species of bush clover are found here. 
One vetch (tare) and one marsh vetchling, ground-nut, kidney bean, 
false indigo (Baptisia) and wild senna are found here and there. 
Hog peanut, called wild pea or bean by some, abounds everywhere 
in fhe woods. Red-bud is an ugly little tree except in the spring 
before tlie leaves appear, when the whole top is of a beautiful 
purplish-red from the blossoms. Partridge pea is abundant "in 
spots," grows like a weed in low places, 20 inches to 2 feet high, 
has leaves like a locust, and bears a very large yellow flower. 
The sensitive plant may be found within the bounds of this county,. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 293 

but if SO, it is very scarce. Kentucky cotfee-tree is rare. It is 
famous for its beautiful compound leaves and glossy beans. 

Rose Family. — Most of our fruits come from this family, as the 
apple, peach, plum, cherry, strawberry, etc. The wild plum (yellow 
or red) is becoming very scarce. The wild black cherry is abun- 
dant; the choke-cherry is a shrub found occasionall3^ Nine-bark, 
common meadow-sweet and goat's-beard are species of spiraea fre- 
quently found. Agrimony is a coarse herb occasionally found, 
liaving leaves resembling those of tlie strawberry and bearing a kind 
of drooping bur; plant about two feet high. One species of avens 
is very common; three other species are found. Common cinque- 
foil, or five-finger, resembles the strawberry very closely, and abounds 
in dry soih I^orwegian cinquefoil has similar leaves, but the plant 
is coarse and grows three feet high; not common. Another species 
is also found. One species of wild strawberry abounds in retired 
situations; it was common over the original prairie. The blackberry 
and the raspberry prevail here as elsewhere, but their sylvan terri- 
tory is narrowed to close limits by the encroachments of man. Of 
the roses proper the dwarf wild rose is the most common, but its 
territory is also very limited now-a-days. The early wild rose occurs. 
Three species of red haw (hawthorn) occur, and two varieties of one 
species. The black, or pear, thorn is the most common, with two 
varieties, then the scarlet-fruited thorn, and lastly the cockspur 
thorn. The crab-apple is well known. 

Saxifrages. — Two or three species of gooseberry are common; 
swamp saxifrage and a species of alura-root are sometimes met 
with. 

0?'pim FamUy. — Ditch stonecrop is common during wet seasons. 

Evening Primrose Family. — Common evening primrose, en- 
chanter's nightshade, and one species of willow-herb, are common; 
seed-box, water-purslane, sun-drops and two other species of false 
loosestrife occur occasionally. 

Loosestrife Family.— One, species not infrequent. 

Gourd Family. — The wild balsam-apple is a vigorous, herba- 
ceous vine, bearing bur-like fruit, about cultivated grounds, and 
the one-seeded star cucumber flourishes in the shaded river bottoms. 

Parsley Family. — This family is characterized by having their 
seed-bearing tops like those of parsnips. Most of the poisonous 
l^lants growing in this country belong to this family. Two species 
of black snakeroot prevail in this county. Parsnip itself is 
becoming a common weed in open but protected places; and there 
may be found here and there the cow parsnip, cowbane, meadow 
parsnip, spotted cowbane, rattlesnake master, two species of water 
parsnip, honewort, chervil, two species of sweet cicely, poison hem- 
lock. Of the whole family the most poisonous are the spotted 
cowbane and poison hemlock. 

Ginseng Family. — Ginseng, on account of its popular medical 
qualities, has been pretty well thinned out. The true wild sar- 



294 HISTORY OF PIKK COUNTY. 

i^aparilla (a plant of the appearance of a large ginseng) is sorae- 
tinies foimtl, and spik; Jiard is common in the forest ravines. 

Dogwoods. — The most common dogwood is the white-berried, or 
panicled cornel; next the rough-leaved, the alternate-leaved, the 
flowering, the silky, and lastly the red-osier. 

Ilouysuckle Fam'dij. — Common elder is becoming too abun- 
dant. Yellow honevsuckle is common. Horse g-entian, or fever- 
wort, is a forest weed bearing 5 to 10 yellow berries in a circle 
around the stem at every place where the two opposite leaves are 
attached. The true black haw is scarce, but sheep-berry, which is 
generally called black haw, is common. 

Madder Family. — Two species of the small bed- straw are 
abundant, and the sweet-sceJited is common, while occasionally 
may be found cleavers, or goose-grass. Wild liquorice occurs 
rarely. These herbs are all of a flax-like appearance, having sev- 
eral beautiful little leaves in a whorl at each joint. Button bush 
is common in wet s^round. 

Composites. — This order is by far the largest of all. Its flowers 
are compound, that is, there ai*e several, sometimes man}^ small 
flowers crowded close together in a head, as sunflower, lettuce, 
dandelion, aster, chrysanthemum. May-weed, etc. Their time of 
flowering is generally late in the season. 

Iron- weed is common on flat ground: its summit in August is 
a beautiful royal purple. Four species of button snakeroot (one 
called also blazing star) are abundant on protected original prairie, 
and occur nowhere else. Five species of thoroughwort grow here, 
that called boneset being abundant. The species called trumpet, or 
Joe-Pye weed, is a tall, interesting weed, with 3 to 6 leaves in each 
whorl, that is, at each joint. Kuhnia is not rare; it resembles 
boneset. Mist-flower grows in our limits. Of the asters there are 
about 30 species growing within this county, about half of them 
very common. The flowers have a starry appearance: hence the 
name. The most remarkable of them is the New England aster, 
a large purple flower along the roadsides in September. Five 
species of fleabane, similar to the asters in appearance, are com- 
mon, namely, horse- weed, which is abundant on waste and culti- 
vated grounds, Robin's plantain, common fleabane. and two daisy 
fleabanes, one of them called also sweet scabious. About 18 
species of golden-rod can be founcf in this county, only half of them 
common, however. The most abundant is the Solidago Canaden- 
sis. From these much honey is made by bees in September. Four 
species of rosin-weed used to prevail on the original prairie, but 
their territory is very limited at the pi-esent day. The most noted 
of them has divided leaves, and is also called compass plant, or 
polar plant, the leaves having once been thought to point north 
and south. They do indeed stand with their faces somewhat paral- 
lel, but they are just as apt to have their edges toward other points 
of the compass. One species of rosin-weed has undivided leaves, 
large and rough, and is called prairie dock. This and the compass 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 295» 

plant flourish on flat prairie soil which is not pastured. The species 
called cup-platit _^rows along the banks of channeled sloughs. The 
leaves join together at the base so as to form a cup. It is a very 
large weed. Parthenium, a similar plant, is not rare. Ragweed 
is the most common weed we have along the roadsides: called also 
hogweed, Roman wormwood, etc. Great ragweed is the largest 
weed that grows in this country. Common along fences. Cockle- 
bur is on the increase. We have a State law " providing " for their 
destruction. Ox-eye, Lepachys and six species of cone-flower are 
almost common. Six species of wild sunflower flourish along fences 
in unfrequented situations. They are tall weeds, but not trouble- 
some. One kind has tuberous roots and is really an artichoke. 
Three species of tickseed occur in this county. The true Spanish 
needle does not grow here, but three species of its genus abound 
here, especially during wet seasons, namely, common and swamp 
beggar-ticks and the larger bur-marigold. The smaller bur-marigold 
is found in shallow running water. Fetid marigold is abundant in 
dry situations along the wagon roads. When struck, even lightly,, 
it yields a rank aromatic odor: called also false dog- fennel. Sneeze- 
weed, which looks somewhat like a Spanish- needle, is abundant 
during wet seasons and exceedingly scarce at other times. May- 
weed, or dog-fennel, every one is familiar with. So with yarrow. 
The ox-eye daisy, or white-weed, a vexatious weed in the East, is 
just beginning to creep in along the railroads. Biennial worm- 
wood is a common but harmless weed in waste places. Common 
and plantain-leaved everlasting are common. Fire-weed abundant. 
Golden rag- wort here and there in the spring. The famous Canada 
thistle iiL seldom seen: the common thistle abounds more and more.- 
Two other species are common, growing very tall. Burdock is a 
Composite. Dandelion belongs in this connection. Wild lettuce 
and false or blue lettuce are common milky weeds, growing very 
tall. Two species of sow-thistle, comparatively harmless, are mod- 
estly on the increase. 

Lobelias. — The celebrated medical lobelia, or Indian tobacco, 
flourishes along our garden fences. The great lobelia, or bine car- 
dinal flower, is abundant in moist ground. The cardinal flower is 
the most showy, dazzling-red flower we have growing wild: found 
in wet ground and on the banks of sloughs. A small and slender 
species of lobelia is (?ommon in protected situations. 

Campanula., or Belljlower Family. — The tall bellflower is com- 
mon. Yenus's looking-glass is found here and there. " Blue- 
bells" do not belong here: they are the smooth lungwort, belonging 
to the Borage family. 

Eh ony Family. — Persimmon, or date plum; rather scarce, but 
more abundant farther south. 

Plantain Family. — The common plantain of our door-yards. 
Four other species of this family may occur in this county, but 
they are exceedingly rare. 



296 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Primrose Family. — Two species of loosestrife (Lysimacliia) 
occur. 

Figwort Family. — Mullein, toad-flax (" bntter-and-eggs "), flg- 
wort, beard-tongue, two species of Gerardia, two species of louse- 
wort and cow-wheat, are common, while monkey-flower, hedge 
hvssop, false pimpernel, })urolane and corn speedwell are sometimes 
jseen. Toad flax has persistent roots like witch-grass and threatens 
to become a ])e8t. The snap-dragon of our gardens is a flg-wort. 

Vervains. — Verbenas belong to this order. The most abundant 
plant belonging to this family, and growing wild, is the hoary ver- 
vain; next are the bracted (prostrate), the white,, or nettle-leaved, 
and the blue. They all prefer dry, waste grounds, and are much 
inclined to hybridize. Fog-fruit is abundant in sandy ground 
along the rivers. 

Mint yu7)iil//.— Common are wood sage, or American ger- 
mander, wild mint, bugle- weed, American pennyroyal, and hedge 
nettle, two species. Motherwort, catnip, heal-all, and wild mint 
are abundant. Here and there are water horehound, mountain 
mint, horse-mint, ble])hilia (two species), giant hyssop (two spe- 
cies), false dragon-head, or lion's-heart, mad-dog skullcap and one 
other species of skullcap. Ground ivy, or gill-over-the-ground, is 
abundant about dwellings. What is generally called " hurse-mint" 
in the West is " wild bergamot" according to the books, while wild 
mint is often taken for peppermint. True peppermint, spearmint, 
and horehound are scarce within our limits. South of the Illinois 
river horehound takes the place of catnip along the fences and road- 
sides. Salvia, sage and Mexican sage are cultivated plants belong- 
ing to this order. 

Borage Family. — Hairy and hoary puccoon, smooth lungwort, 
stick-seed, beggar's lice and common hound's-tongue are common; 
all other species rare. Comfrey belongs to this family. Smooth 
lungwort is often called " blue-bells." It is common in early spring 
about door-yards and along fences near dwellings. Common 
hound's-tongue flourishes along the roads; flowers a dull purple, 
appearing in early summer, Beggar's-lice is a species of hound's- 
tongue. 

Water-leaf Family. — Ellisia appears in cool, shady places, and 
resembles small tomatoes in leaf and fruit. 

Polemoniums., or Pldoxes. — Greek valeriafi, paniculate, hairy 
and divaricate phlox are frequent. The true wild sweet-William is 
veiy rare. 

Convolv^dus, or Morning-glory Family. — The most common 
]>]ant of this order growing spontaneously beyond the bounds of 
cultivation is hedge bindweed, or Rutland beauty. Eight species of 
dodder ( '' love-vine ") may be found, all rare except one. It appears 
like orange-colored thread growing on the tops of weeds. 

Nightshade Family. — To this "family belong Irish potatoes, to- 
matoes, egg-plant, bitter-sweet, tobacco and Jerusalem cherry. The 
most common weeds of this family are jimson-weed, horse-nettle 






PITTSFIELD TP 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 299 

(" bull nettles •'), common or black nightshade and two species of 
ground-cherry. The white-flowered jimson-weed (Datura Stramo- 
nium) is called common stramonium or thornapple by Dr. Gray, 
while the purple-flowered he calls purple thornapple. 

Gentians. — One beautiful species of American centaury, Ameri- 
can Columbo and several species of gentian are found within our 
limits, but all of them are scarce. "Horse gentian " belongs to the 
Honeysuckle family. 

Dogbanes. — Spreading dogbane in the borders of thickets and 
Indian liemp (Amsonia) on the river banks are common. 

Milkweeds. — Common milkweed, or silkweed, is common; has 
large, boat-shaped pods of glistening cotton. Swamp milkweed is 
also common. Butterfly weed, or pleurisy-root, whorled milkweed 
and two species of green milkweed occur not rarely. 

Olive Family. — It would seena more natural to us Westerners 
to call this the Ash family, as we have no members of this order 
about us except the five species of ash, — white, black, blue, red and 
green, the white being the most common. Some of these kinds are 
diflicult for the beginner to distinguish. 

Birthworts. — Wild ginger is common in deep, wooded ravines. 
The leaf is kidney-shaped, plant but few inches high, and the root 
tastes like ginger. 

Four- o'' clock Family. — Oxybaphus is rapidly increasing along 
the railroads, and in low, sandy places. 

Pokeweeds. — The common poke with its purple-juiced clusters 
of berries is well known. 

Gooscfoots. — -Lamb's-quarters, or pigweed, a common weed in 
our gar lens, is the type of this order. Beet and spinach belong 
here. Next in abundance to lamb's-quarters are oak-leaved goose- 
foot, maple-leaved goosefoi.-t, Jerusalem oak and Mexican tea. 
Wormseed is a fetid plant belonging to the genus goosefoot. 
Orache is becoming abundant in the towns and cities. 

Amaranth-^. — The cultivated coxcomb, globe amaranth and 
prince's feather (red, chafly spikes) illustrate the characters of this 
family. Pigweed is one of the most common weeds in cultivated 
ground. The pigweed of tlie last paragraph should be called goose- 
foot only, or lamb's-quarters. White pigweed, generally known in 
the West as " tumble-weed," is abundant in some fields. Amaran- 
tus blitoides has recently become very abundant in our towns. At 
a little distance it resembles common purslane. Acnida and Froe- 
lichia are common in sandy soil near the rivers. 

Buckwheat Family or Knotweeds. — Goose-grass is the most 
ubiquitous member of this order, forming a carpet in every door- 
yard. A taller variety with wider leaves also abounds under the 
shade trees about the premises. Two species of smart-weed, mild 
water--|-)epper, water Persicaria and two other species of knotweed 
are all common. Out of 14 species of what appears to be smart- 
weed, only two are biting to the taste. Arrow-leaved tear-thumb, 
black bindweed and climbing false buckwheat are common vines. 

19 



300 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Pie-plant, "yellow dock" and slieep-sorrel represent another di- 
vision of the knotweed family. The most common member of this 
division in Pike county is curled, or "yellow" dock; then follow 
sheej)-sorrel (abounding in sandy soil), pale, water, swamp and 
bitter docks. 

Laurel Family, — Sassafras is common along the bluffs and bot- 
toms of the rivers. Spice bush is also found in Pike county. 

Sandal-wood Family. — Bastard toad-flax rather scarce. 

Spurges. — Spotted spurge, an herb growing more prostrate than 
all others, pn cultivated ground; milky; no visible flowers. Three 
other species of spurge are almost common. Three-seeded Mer- 
cury, known in former years to inhabit only the dark forest, has 
followed to our city residences where it can find a similar situation. 
Croton is common near the rivers; an insignificant little herb. 

Nettle Order. — Of the Elm family are the white and the slippery 
elm and the hackberry, — the first mentioned abundant, the other 
two scarce. Of the Bread-fruit and Fio^ familv is the red mul- 
berry, which is scarce. Of the Nettle famil}^ proper are the true 
nettle (rare), wood nettle (common), richweed, pellitory, hemp and 
hop. Richweed, or clearweed, like the Mercury of the last para- 
graph, has followed man to his artificial groves and is very abun- 
dant on flat ground under heavy shade-trees, in some places. It is 
remarkable that botanists have placed in this order the Osage 
orange tree of our hedges, the bread-fruit tree of the far-oft" Pacific 
isles, the fig and the banyan, and the poison upas of the East 
Indies. 

Plane- Tree Family. — " Sycamore," or button- wood, or American 
Diane. The true sycamore of Europe is a different tree. 

Walnut Family. — Black and white walnut (butternut) are well 
known. Three species of shell-bark and tv/o of smooth-bark, be- 
sides pecan in the river bottoms, are common in this country. The 
list comprises the shag-bark, the western shell-bark, the mocker- 
nut or white-heart, the ])ig-nut or broom, bitter-nut or swamp 
hickories, and the pecan. The latter used to be abundant in the 
river bottoms, but the larger trees having been cut out for both 
the timber and the fruit, most of the pecan growth now is too 
young to produce much fruit. 

Oak Family. — This family comprises not only the oaks but also 
the chestnut, beech, hazel-nut and iron-wood. Some of the oaks 
hybridize so much that it is difficult to keep track of the specyes 
aiid varieties. White oak, of course, takes the lead here as else- 
where, but the blackjack is about as abundant. The latter is 
usually the "second growth," and is as good as hickory for fire- 
wood. Bur-oak, scarlet oak and black oak (yellow-barked, or 
quercitron) are common. Laurel or shingle oak, yellow chestnut 
oak and red oak are occasionally met with. Laurel oak is so called 
on account of the shape of its leaves, and is also called shingle oak, 
on account of its being so good in pioneer times for clapboards. 
Two species of iron-wood flourish here. They belong to different 



HISTOKY (IF PIKE COUNTY. 301 

genera, one havino;; seeds in clusters of involucres resembling hops: 
hence it is called hop hornbeam. The other iron-wood or horn- 
beam is also called blue or water beech. 

Birch Family. — The red, or river birch is sometimes found 
along the rivers and creeks. 

Willows. — The most common willow, as well as the largest, is 
the black; then the prarie, glaucous, heart-leaved, shining and 
long-leaved. The black and the shining willows have tough twigs 
which are very brittle at the base. Several other species of willow 
occur, but are rare. The quaking asp, or American aspen, the 
cotton-wood, balm-of-Gilead, Lombardy poplar and silver-leaf, or 
white poplar, are well known. 

Arum Family. — Indian turnip (Jack-in-the pulpit) abundant; 
skunk cabbage common in wet places supplied by spring-water; 
sweet flag and green dragon very rare. 

Duckweeds. — One species common on the surface of ponds. It 
does not take root in the earth. 

Oaf-tails. — Common cat-tail (a kind of flag) and a species of bur 
reed occur in wet places. 

Pondweeds. — Several species grow throughout this countr}'. 
They grow in or under water. 

Water- Plantain Family. — Arrowhead (two species, with several 
variations) is abundant. Has large, arrow-shaped leaves and white 
flowers in threes, and grows along the sloughs. Water plantain is 
sometimes found-: grows in same situation as last. 

Amaryllis Family. — The star-grass is common. It is a modest 
little grass-like plant, putting forth its conspicuous, yellow, 3-petal- 
ed fl()W2rs in June. 

I7'is Family. — The larger blue flag is becoming rare. The blue- 
eyed grass looks like the star-grass just mentioned, except that the 
flowers ai"e white or pale blue. 

Yam^ Family. — Wild yam-root is a green vine sometimes seen 
in the woods. 

Smilax Family. — Common green-brier, Smilax hispida and 
carrion flower are all not very rare. 

Lily Family. — Purple trillium, or three-leaved nightshade, is 
abundant: flowers in May. One other species of trillium some- 
times occurs. Bellwort is an early flower in the woods. 
Smaller Solomon's seal and false spikenard are common. Wild 
orange-red lily is comtnon in the margins of prairies which are not 
pastured and have never been broken. White dog's-tooth violet 
and great Solomon's seal are reported here. It is another early- 
flowering plant of a similar appearance to the last and in similar 
situations. Squill (eastern quamaph, or wild hyacinth) is said 
also to be found in this county. Wild garlic, having tops like our 
garden top-onions, and wild leek are common in low places not pas- 
tured. 

Rush Pamily. — The bog-rush is a very common, yelloMdsh, 
grass-like herb along roads and paths, especially those leading 



302 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

throuorli the forest : but it is also found to some extent in all other 
situations. 

Pickerel-weed Family. — Water star-grass, growing under run- 
ning water in the forest brooks, is common. 

Spiderworts. — Common spiderwort is common. 

Sedges. — There are three or four dozen species of sedge growing 
within the limits of any one county, but they are all unimportant 
plants. They have a grass-like appearance, but can readily be dis- 
tinguished from the grasses by their having triangular stems and 
bur-like tops (seed clusters), while the grasses have round or round- 
ish stems. What is generally called lake grass along the rivers is 
a true sedge, and its English name is great bulrush. It is by far 
the largest of the sedges. The river club-rush is next in size. 

Grasses. — Blue grass takes the lead for prevalence and ntilitj'-. 
Next, two species of fox-tail. Besides these the most common 
grasses are white grass, rice cut grass, Indian rice or water oats, 
timothy, rusli grass (two species), bent grass, wood reed-grass, 
dropseed (two genera); reed bent-grass, blue joint grass, porcupine 
grass, fresh-water cord-grass, Koeleria, Eatonia (two species), melic 
grass, fowl meadow grass and its congener, Glyceria fluitans, low 
spear-grass, red top, Eragrostis (three species), fescue (two species), 
chess, Bromus ciliatus, reed (a tall, broom-corn-like grass growing 
in dense fields in the swamps of the river bottom), hordeum pra- 
tense (a kind of wild barley), two species of lyme-grass or wild rye, 
bottle-brush grass, reed canary grass, Paspalum, wire grass, eight 
species of panic-grass, among them two kinds of tickle-grass and 
one old- witch grass, crab-grass and barn-yard grass, sand-bur (in 
sand) and two species of beard-grass. About two dozen other 
kinds of grass can be found in tlie county, but they are all very 
rare. 

Horse-tails. — Scouring rush and common horse-tail (especially 
aloni^: i-ail roads) are common : two other species scarce. 

Ferns. — Maiden-hair, brake, a spleenwort, a shield fern, a blad- 
der-fern and the sensitive fern are common in the order here named, 
while one species of flowering fern and two or three other ferns 
may be found. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
ARCHEOLOGY. 

Perhaps no distric fc of country in the West contains more traces 
of that pre-historic people known to us only as the " Mound-Build- 
ers" than the district between the Illinois and the Mississippi riv- 
ers. There is scarcely a township of land in this section which 
does not contain more or less of these traces, and in some of them 
are wt>rks which in extent and character will compare with any in 
the West. 

Tlie mounds in this county are evidently of three classes : sacred 
mounds, which were used for the sacrificial fires; burial mounds, 
which were erected over the last remains of important personages; 
and mounds which were used for domestic habitations. These were 
probably residences similar to those of some tribes of our present 
Indians. First, poles or logs set up in a circle, then covered with 
brush or grass, and the whole with earth to a considerable extent. 
The sacrificial mounds always contained burnt earth, burnt bones, 
and frequently, too, the charred bones of human beings. In the 
burial mounds only the bones of a few persons are found, probably 
of some chief and his immediate family, and usually near them are 
utensils of the kitchen, arrows, pottery, and such articles as were 
most prized in life by the departed. 

In some localities immense shell-heaps exist, while it is not un- 
common to find in the mounds shells from the sea, notably the 
conch-shell and sea-periwinkles, the latter very common. Imple- 
ments of both hardened copper and copper in a soft state are often 
found, and a metal resembling iron in texture and color, but hard 
enough to cut glass and which resists the action of almost all the 
acids. 

That these mounds were not erected by the same race as our 
present Indians is at once apparent from the bones of the latter 
being of a reddish hue, while those of the Mound-Builders are of 
a different shade and much larger. 

It is our opinion that the Mound-Builders were a pastoral peo- 
ple, who had made considerable progress in civilization. In the 
winter, doubtless, they drove their flocks and herds to the blufts 
and rich, sheltered l)ottonis where they could obtain shelter, and 



304 HISTORY OF PIKK COUNTY. 

in the summer they drove them to the prairies for pasturage. 
Doubtless, like the Chinese of to-day, they esteemed their native 
hills sacred and sought to be buried there, no matter where the 
iron hand of Death overtook them; and their friends, respecting 
this desire, were in the habit of bringing the bones of each family 
or tribe to these sacred burial places, after the}' had been stripped 
of their Hesh, for permanent bui-ial. 

Perhaps some future archagologist will delve among these ruins 
and find a key to the mystery of the Builders, of whom we to-day 
know next to nothing; and unless some means are taken by the 
Government or societies organized for the purpose, and these meas- 
ures at no distant day, they will have become so far obliterated by 
the plow and by unskilled diggers that the slight clues they contain 
will be buried in oblivion greater than now enshrouds the history 
of their builders. 

A few years ago some of the prominent gentlemen of Pike 
county interested themselves in organizing an " Archaeological 
Society," but of late the interest seems to have abated very per- 
ceptibh% and the Society so enthusiastically organized can now 
scarcely be said to be in existence. 

The gentlemen proposing to organize an " Antiquarian Society " 
met at the court-house in Pittsfield, May 24, 1873, when Dr. T. 
Worthington was called to the chair and R. H. Criswell appointed 
secretary. They organized the *' Pike County Antiquarian Soci- 
ety," and the permanent officers elected at this meeting were, Pres- 
i(5ent — Wm. A. Grimshaw ; Vice Presidents — Wm. McAdams, 
Esq., Dr. E. S. Hull, of Madison county, Capt. W. H. Eeed, of 
Calhoun county. Dr. T. Worthington, of Pike, Dr. A. Mittower, of 
Pike, Richard Perry, of Pike, H. J. Harris, of Pike, C. L. Obst, of 
Pittsfield, Archaeologist Artist; Dr. Thos. Alton, Secretary; Wm.R. 
Archer, Treasurer. 

W. B. Grimes, Dr. Mittower and C. L. Obst were appointed a 
committee to solicit contributions to the cabinet of tlie Society, and 
invite the exhibition of such relics as owners are unwilling to part 
with, the object being to obtain possession of evidences and traces 
of the people of antiquity, their implements and usages as far as 
practicable. 

A letter was read before the Society from Mr. McAdams, of Wa- 
terville, Jersey county, May 18, 1873, as follows: 

" I see in the papers a call for a meeting in Pittsfield on the 24th 
inst., to organize a society with a view of further investigation and 
more ])erfect knowledge of relics and ancient remains near the Il- 
linois and Mississippi rivers. I have for the last 15 years, during 
my leisure hours, been making some investigations of the mounds 
and tumuli of Jersey and Calhoun counties. There is not perhaps 
in all the West a section richer or more interesting in its great 
numbers of relics of an almost unknown race of people who once 
inhabited this country. No thorough investigation has been made. 
Already many of them have been destroyed by tlie cultivation of 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 305 

■new fields. Before many years the majority of them will be ob- 
literated, or so defaced that the original plan of constrncLiou will 
be lost. There should be a society like the one yon propose to or- 
ganize, not only for the purpose of investigation but also for the 
purpose of making some record of their work. Comparatively little 
is known of the mounds of Jersey and Calhoun, although I have 
visited many of them and collected quite a number of interesting 
relics. Yours truly, 

"Wm. McAdams." 

The second week in June, 1873, the Society made "an excursion 
"to the southern part of the county and spent several days among 
the numerous mounds in that localit}^, where they found many 
relics of the aborigines, among which were arrow heads, fish- spears, 
stone knives and hatchets, earthen vessels of various kinds, copper 
kettles, stone pipes, shell and copper beads, silver ear-rings, silver 
buckles, etc. Nearlv all these articles were found imbedded in the 
■mounds with human bones, pieces of pottery, etc., general!}' at a 
depth of about three feet below the surface. In some cases stone 
vaults containing bones and other relics were discovered a few feet 
beneath the surface. The members of the Society who went on 
that excursion say they had a most enjoyable trip and consider 
themselves well repaid for their trouble. 

In the summer of 1873, Col. D. B. Bush presented to the Society 
for its museum Indian trappings of great value. Thos. James, of 
Martinsburg, presented a large lot of beautiful beads and amulets 
from the Big Mound of Sacramento valley, Cal.; also, moss, peat, 
-cinnabar and Chinese corn, etc. — all from California. Col. S. S. 
Thomas presented a rare and beautiful specimen of coquine and 
concrete shells from St. Augustine, Florida. In September of the 
same year, Col. A. C. Matthews contributed to the museum one 
beaked saw-fish {Pristis) from Matagorda Island, lexas; auto- 
graph letter of Hem-y Clay, dated Oct. 5, 1829, Ashland, Ky. ; 
pass of Lieut. Gen. S. B. Buckner, C. S. A.: one copy of army cor- 
.respondence; also coin and fossils. Geo. H. French presented a 
stone mortar from Pilot Blufl', Illinois river; E. J^. French, speci- 
mens of columnar limestone; Hon. J. M. Bush presented one copy 
•of the Massachusetts Centennial, published at Boston, Sept. 5, 
1789, about four months after the inauguration of President Wash- 
ington; Hon. W. A. Grimshaw presented books as follows: Amer- 
ican volume, Ancient Arineca; Lines of Humboldt; two volumes 
of Smithsonian Institute Reports, 1865-'6; two volumes of History 
of Wisconsin; stone and flint implements, bone needle and speci- 
mens of pottery. Patrick Halpin presented specimens of Ameri- 
can and Italian marble. 

In December, Mr. R. Perry contributed specimens of silicious 

and ferruginous conglomerate; Dr. A. McFarland, a very nice 

human skeleton, five bottles containing in alcohol specimens of 

•ophidian, all indigenous to Pike county, and also one containing 



306 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

taenia; Thos. Williams, seven l)eaatil"ul flint implements; and N.. 
W. Kibler, a very large tooth of a ])acliyderm. 

Feb. 21, 1S74, Geo. Bell, Thos. Blooiiier, Hiram Hortun and G. 
S. Pennington found remains of live human skeletons in the Mis- 
sissippi bluffs on the farm of Mrs. L. B. Lyon at the mouth of 
Dutch creek hollow. One skull measured 26 inches from the top 
of the cranium around nnder the lower jaw. Indeed, many 
more skeletons are in these bluffs. Several wagon-loads of 
rock had been thrown over tiiese remains. The heads appeared to 
be laid toward a common center of about three feet space. One 
skull contained a rock which had doubtless been thivjwn there when 
the remains were buried. The bones were very brittle and difficult 
to secure in their integrity from among the roots. There are seven 
of these mounds in Mr. ilorton's field, in a semi-circle, all contain- 
ing human remains. Also a species of pottery has been found 
there. 

In the southeast part of Pearl township about a mile from the 
Illinois river two copper vessels were once found, one smaller than 
the other, under some flat stones which had been jjlowed up, and a 
little lower down stone coffins were found in a field where they had 
been plowing; but these "remains" were probably left there by 
early French explorers. 

Mr. C. L. Obst, photographer in Pittsfield, who is a fine archae- 
ologist and the virtual founder of the " Pike County Antiquarian 
Society," has a splendid collection; namely, 100 varieties of flint 
implements, four varieties of stone hatchets, four of wedges, varie- 
ties of stone disks of various materials, as iron ore, sandstone, gran- 
ite and greenstone, four varieties of plummets, mostly iron ore, 
two of hammers, pestles, round stone for clubs, eight kinds of 
pipes, iron ore and greenstone chisels, plowshares and hoes,^ large 
variety of pottery, drills and mortars, bone of the pre-historic bison, 
sinkers, Vv^eights, etc., etc. Mr. Obst has also a good collection of 
geological specimens. 

The museum of the Society is in the Public Library room over 
the postoffice in Pittsfield, but the association is not active at pres- 
ent and their collection of relics seems neglected. 



CHAPTER IX. 
IMPORTANT LABORS OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS. 

COUNTY COUKT. 

In 1847 a State election was held for members of the Constitu- 
tional Convention, which Convention prepared and submitted to the 
people a new Constitution, which was adopted by a larg-e majority. 
By this Constitution, in place of the Commissioners' Court a County 
Court was organized in each county. This Court consisted of a 
County Judge, and, if the Legislature saw proper to so order it, two 
Associate Justices. This the Legislatui-e favorably acted upon. 
The last meeting of the County Commissioners' Court was held 
November, 1849. After the transaction of such business as prop- 
erly came before them, they adjourned until court in course, but 
never re-assembled. 

On the tirst Monday of December of the same year the first regu- 
lar term of the County Court was held. The duties of the Court 
in a legislative capacity were precisely the same as those of the 
County Commissioners' Court. In addition to the legislative power 
the members of this Court were permitted to exercise judicial 
authority, having all the rights and privileges of Justices of the 
Peace, together with all probate business. This Court consisted of 
a County Judge and two Associate Justices. The Judge and As- 
sociate justices acted together for the transaction of all county busi- 
ness, but none other. The Justices had an equal vote with the 
Judge, and received the same salary while holding Court, which was 
$2 per day. Two of the three constituted a quorum. 

The County Judge who served under this regime was James 
Ward. The Associate Justices were Joshua Woosley and William 
P. Harpole. 

TOAVNSHIP ORGANIZATION. 

The Constitution of 1847 provided for township organization 
in those counties desiring it. (lions. Wm. R. Archer and Wm. 
A. Grimshaw, both of this county, were members of the Conven- 
tion framing this Constitution.) The question of organizing 
according to this provision soon began, of course, to agitate the 



308 • HISTORY OF PIKK COUNTY. 

people of Pike county, aiid the controversy grew bitter, — the bit- 
terest indeed that this more than usually peaceful community ever 
iudulijjed in. Inimio^rants from the East were familiar with the 
workinijri of township lei^islation and manaijement, and desired to 
perpetuate their home institution in the West; but the other citi- 
zens of the county were afraid that the introduction of the measure 
would necessitate an increase of office liolders, useless expenses and 
many unforeseen vexations. The Judges in ofHce were all opposed 
to the innovation, — so much so indeed that they continued to hold 
Court even after the great victory of the innovators in carrying the 
county by 1,563 votes against 317, and the election of new mem- 
bers. For a short time the county had two legislatures at once. 
The vote was taken at the general election of November 6, 1849, at 
which election Peter Y. Sliankland was elected County Clerk on 
this hotly contested issue, and Stephen R. Gray Sheriff. Both these 
gentlemen were Democrats, in favor of township organization. In- 
deed, as a matter of curiosity, but of no political significance, we 
may state that the tight on both sides was nearly all done by the 
Democrats, the Whigs taking but little part. 

An election was held in November, 1S49, to vote " for " or 
"against" township organization, which resulted in favor of the 
measure. This was met with bitter opposition however, and an ap- 
peal was taken to the Circuit Court by Samuel L. Crane. The law 
was decided to be constitutional, and the election a fair one. 

The Board of Supervisors of Pike county first assembled April 
8, 1850, tliis being one of the first counties in the State to organize 
under the townshi|> mode. 

There were present at this meeting the following members : 
Montgomery Blair, Barry; Hazen Pressy, Washington; Archibald 
Brooks, Ciiambersburg; David Preble, Salem; Wilson Adams, 
Hardin; Wm. Koss, Newburg; Thos. Hull, Kinderhook; A. W. 
Bemis, Mai-tinsburg; R. C. Robertson, Milton; James M. Seeley, 
Atlas, and John McTucker, Hadley. Supervisor Blair was elected 
temporary Chairman and Col. Ross chosen Chairman. The Board 
then adjourned to re-assemble April 23.1850. Tliere were present 
at this the second meeting the following gentlemen: Wm. Ross; 
Archibald Brooks; Darius Dexter, Perry; Amos Hill, Griggsville; 
David Preble; John McTucker; Montgomery Blair; Jesse Seniff, 
Detroit; Thomas Hull; A. W. Bemis; J. M. Seeley; J. T. Hyde, 
Pittsfield; R. C. Rol)ertson; Wilson Adams; Hazen Pressy; and 
James Talbot, Pleasant Yale. 

The County Court, when in session in 1849, appointed a com- 
mittee to divide the county into townships. This committee made 
their i-eport to the Board of Supervisors, which is as follows : 

"We, the undersigned, Commissioners appointed by the honor- 
able the County Court at the December term, 1S49, to divide Pike 
county into towns or townships pursuantto the declared wish of the 
citizens of said county, decided by a majority of votes given for 
and against townshiji organization at an election held on Tuesday 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. ~ 309 



after the first Monday in November, 18-t9, under and by authority 
of an act to provide for toNvnship and county organization and may 
organize ^ylleneyer a majority of votes of said county at any gen- 
eral election shall so determine, respecttuUy report that attei ma- 
ture deliberation and hearing the views and consulting the wishes 
of the people through delegations appointed by the ditterent pre- 
cincts, they have unanimously agreed upon the follmving division 
boundaries and names, and report the same as organized : 

" John Lyster, 



» S. K. Gray, 

" John K. Cleveland. 



" Commencing at the northeastern corner oi the county and 
making fractional townships 3 s., 1 and 2 w., a town by the name 
of Chambersburg; Congressional township 3 s., 3 w., ierry, ^s., 
4 w., Fairmount- 4 s., 7 w., and fractional of 4 s and 8 w., Kin- 
derhook; 4 s., 6 w., Barry; 4 s., 5 w Pladlev; 4 «■, ^ w. New 
Salem: 4 s., 3 w., GriggsviUe; fractional township 4 s., 2 w J^Unt, 
fractional township 5 sf, 2 w., Detroit; Congressional township 5 s., 
. 2 w., Newburg; 5 s., 4w., Pittstield; 5 s., 5 w., Washington ; 5 s 
6 w., and the fractional townships 5 s., Y w., and 5 s„ 8 w , and b 
s., Y w., Pleasant TOe; 6 s., 5 w., 6 s., 6 w., 7 s., 5 w. and 7 s 8 
w., Atlas; 6 s., 4 w., Martinsburg; 6 s., 3 w Hardin; 6 s 2 w., 
Milton; tVactional township 7 s., 2 w.. Pearl; i s., 3 w., bpring 
Creek;and 7 s., 4 w.. Pleasant Hill." _ 

Subsequently the Board of Supervisors were no ificd b} the 
State Auditor that the names of Washington and Milton must be 
changed, owing to other townships in the State bearing tho.e 
name5. On motion of Supervisor Robertson the name ot Milton 
was changed to Montezuma ; and on motion of Supervisor i ressly 
that of Washington to Derry. . 4- ^ 

In 1876 the fractional part of township 4 s., 8 w., and heretofore 
a part of Kinderhook township was organized into a separate town- 
ship and named Levee. In 1879 that part ot ^tk^ township in 
town 7 s., 5 w., was organized into a separate township and named 



Ross. 

JAIL. 



At the April meeting, 1863, the Board of Supervisors esolved 
to build a new jail, the cost of which should not exceed ^^P^OOO. Su- 
pervisors Gray Dimmitt, Smitherman, Roberts, I>^'';"^' f.^f^^ 
and Shields were appointed a committee to carry out the decisions 
of the Board, and they authorized a sub-committee to visit ]ails ot 
other counties and procure plans and specifications tor consideration 
and adoption by the above committee; and also with lull power to 
appoint if they see proper, a sub-committee ^^fcting superintend- 
ents of ihe erection of said building; and also the said committee 
was given power to dispose of the old part of the present jail, to- 
gether with the lot, and to purchase a more suitable lot whereon to 
erect the new building. 



310 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



At a ineetiiiij^ held Tuesday, Se])t. 16, 1863, Supervisor Dennis 
offered a resolution to increase the appropriation for the l)uildin^ 
of the jail and Sheriff's residence from $15,000 to $25,000. Su- 
pervisor Ilollis moved that the appropriation be $20,000. His 
motion was lost, and j\[r. Dennis' was ado])ted. 

The jail buildiitg, of which we <^ive a cut in this volume, was com- 
pleted in due time, and now stands an honor to the county. 

SUPEEVISORS. 

Below we give a full list of all the Supervisors from the time the 
county was organized under the township law till the present time, 
by years, together with the name of the chairman and the township 
each member is from: 



William Ross, 
Archibald Brooks, Chambersburg. 
Darius Dexter, Perrj'. 
Amos Hill, Griu-gsville. 
David Preble, New Salem. 
John McTucker, Iladley. 
Montgomery Blair, Barry. 
Jesse Seniff, Detroit. 
Thomas Hull, Kiuderbook. 
A. W. Bemis, Martiusburg. 
J. M. Seeley, Atlus. 



1850. 

Newburg, Chairmnn. 

J. F. Hyde, Pittsfield. 

K. C. Robertson, Milton (Montezuma). 

Wilson Adams, Hardin. 

Hazen Pressy, Washington, Derry. 

James Talbot, PleasantVale. 

William Turnbull, Flint. 

William Morrison, Fairmount. 

Thomas Barton, Pleasant Hill. . 

J. P. Stark, Spring Creek. 



1851. 



William 
Amos Hill, Griggsville. 
Thomas Odiorne, Atlas. 
Hazen Pressy, Derry. 
William Morrison, Fairmount. 
William Turnbull Flint. 
Thomas Barton, Pleasant Hill. 
William Grammar, Hadley. 
John Lyster. Detroit. 
Wordeu Willis, Pleasant Vale. 
Montgomery Blair, Barry. 



Ross, Newburg, Chairman. 

Darius Dexter. Perry. 

D. H. Gilmer, Pittstield. 

R. C. Robertson, Montezuma. 

William Adams, Hardin. 

Harvey W. MeGlintock, Martinsburg. 

David Preble, New Salem. 

J. P. Star-?, Spring Creek. 

Thomas Hull, Kinderhook. 

Constantine Smith, Pearl. 

Peter Karges, Chambersburg. 

1852. 



H.R. 

James Brown, Chambersburg. 
Darius Dexter, Perry. 
David Preble, New *Salem. 
John E. Ayres, Fairmount. 
M. B. Churchill, Kinderhook. 
S. K. Taylor, Derry. 
D. H. Gilmer, Pittsfield. 
M. J. Noyes. 
Amos Hill, Grigsville. 
John Lyster, Detroit. 



Ramsay, Atlas, Chaiiinan. 

William Turnbull, Flint. 

II. W. McClintock, Martinsburg. 

E. C. Thurman, Pleasant Hill. 

William Grammar, Hadley. 

B. F. Browneli, Barry. 

S. Grigsbv, Plea'sant Vale. 

Hiciiard Robertson, Montezuma. 

A. Main, Hardin. 

, ohn P. Stark, Spring Creek. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



311 



William 

James Brown, Chambersburg. 
William Dustin, Atlas. 
Daniel Fisher, New Salem. 
Thomas Hull, Kiaderhook. 
Harlow Huntley, Hadley. 
Tyre Jennings, Barry. 
B. L. Matthews Perry. 
H. T. Mudd, Pittsfield. 
Constantiue Smith, Pearl. 



J. S. Roberts, 
James Brown, Chambersburg. 
Calvin Greenleaf, Flint. 
Jonathan Frye, Detroit. 
Dennis Leary, Montezuma. 
Constantine Smith, Pearl. 
B. L. Matthews, Perry. 
James Winn, Griggsville. 
B. F. Westlake, Newburg. 
John Heavener, Hardin. 
Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek. 



1853. 

Turubull, Chairman. 

William E. Smith, Spring Creek. 
Cornelius Sullivan, Martinsburg. 
Jonathan Frye, Detroit. 
Dennis Leary, Montezuma. 
William Kiuman, Griggsville. 
Samuel G. Sitti)n, Hardin. 
William C.Crawford, Fairmount. 
L. H. Stone, Pleasant Hill. 
F. A. Landrum, Derry. 

1854. 

Martinsburg, Chairman. 

Daniel Fisher, New Salem. 

Henry T. Mudd, Pittsfield. 

L. Fl. Stone, Pleasant Hill. 

Wm. Grammar, Hadley. 

Jetliro Petty, Derry, 

Wm. Dustin, Atlas. 

Tyre Jennings, Barry. 

Charles T. Brewster, Pleasant Vale. 

S. B. Gaines, Kinderhook. 

Wm. C. Crawford, Fairmount. 



B. F. Westlake, 

John Loer, Chambersburg. 
Wm. Thackwray, Flint. 
D. Leary, Montezuma. 
Const intine Smith, Pearl. 
B. L. Matthews, Perry. 
James Winn, Griggsville. 
Wilson Adams, Hardin. 
Wm. C. Smith, Spring Creek. 
Wm. C. Crawford, Fairmount. 
Daniel Fisher, New Salem. 
H. T. Mudd, Pittsfield. 



1855. 

Newburg, Chairman. 

John S. Roberts. Martinsburg. 

John Raj', Pleasant Hill. 

Joseph P. Smith, Hadley. 

J. S. Vertrees, Perry. 

Simon K. Taylor, Derry. 

Tyre Jennings, Barry. 

Thos. Odiorne, Atlas. 

Charles T. Brew^ster, Pleasant Vale. 

S. B. Gaines, Kinderhook. 

R. C. Allen, Detroit. 

Nicholas Hobbes, Fairmount. 

1856. 



J. S. Roberts, 

John Loer, Chambersburg. 
Jonathan Frye, Detroit. 
Wm. Wheeler, Pearl. 
O. M. Hatch, Griggsville. 
Joseph G. Colvin, Hardin. 
Wm. H. Love, Fairmount. 
Daniel D. Hicks, Pittsfield. 
Alex. Hemphill, Pleasant Hill. 
Josiah Lour;:, Atlas. 
Daniel Pyle, Flint. 



Martinsburg, Chairvian. 

Edwin Wooley, Montezuma. 
John L. Gaine, Perry. 
B. F. Westlake, Newburg. 
Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek. 
Wm. F. Hooper, NewSalem. 
Richard Hayes, HadleJ^ 
Jame^ Wallace, Pleasant Vale. 
A. Landrum, Derry. 
John P. Grubb, Barry. 

1857. 



John W. xVUen, Detroit, Chairman. 
B. B. Metz, Chambersburg. Wm. F. Hooker, New Salem. 

Josepli G. Pyle, Flint. Daniel D. Hicks, Pittsfield. 

Spencer Hudson, Montezuma. Joshua Butler, Martinsburg. 

Constantiue Smith, Pearl. Alex. Hemphill, Pleasant Hill. 



312 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



Thos. Reynolds, Perry. 
Alfred Gordon, Griggsvillc. 
B. F. Wesllakc, Newburg. 
J. G. Colvin, Ilurdin. 
John II. Brewer, Fuirmount. 
Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek. 



Richard Hayes, JIadley. 
John L. UndcTwood, Derry. 
Jesse Long, Atlas. 
J. R. Williams, Barry. 
James Wallaee, Pleasant Vale. 
M. B. Churchill, Kinderhook. 



1858. 



Wm. Tiirnbull 

Harvey Dunn, Chambersburg. 
Jonatlian Frye, Detroit. 
E. N. French, Montezuma. 
Hiram Hess, Pearl. 
Thos. lieynolds, Perry. 
James Winn, Griggsville. 
B. F. Westlake, Newburg. 
Adam Puterbaugh, Hardin. 
Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek. 
John H. Brewer, Fairmount. 



Flint, Chniriitan. 
Thos. Gray, New Salem. 
Austin Barber, Piltstield. 
Joshua Buth r, Martinsburg. 
John G. Sitton, Pleasant Hill. 
Wm. G I am mar. Had ley. 
John L. Underwood, Derry. 
Sherman Brown, Atlas. 
James B. Williams, Barry. 
James Wallaee, Pleasant Vale. 
A. T. Love, Kinderhook. 



John S. Roberts, 
Wilson S. Dennis, Chambersburg. 
James L. Thompson, Flint. 
Jonathan Frye, Detroit. 
Isaac S. Brown, Montezuma. 
Constantine Smith, Pearl. 
B. L. Matthews, Perry. 
James Winn, Griggsville. 
Benj. F. Westlake, Newburg. 
Wilson Adams, Hardin. 
Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek. 



1859. 

Martinsburg, Chairman. 
John Vail Fairmount. 
James C. Coukright, New Salem. 
Isaac W. Jones. Pittsfield. 
Thos. Barney, Pleasant Hill. 
Wm. Grammar, Hadley. 
Simon K. Taylor, Derry. 
Sherman Brown, Atlas. 
Richard St. John, Barry. 
James Wallace, Pleasant Vale. 
John G. Wheelock, Kinderhook. 



John S. Roberts, 

James H. Dennis, Chambersburg. 

Jas. L. Thompson, Flint. 

John W. Alien, Detro.t. 

E. C. Clemmons, Montezuma. 

Hiram Hess, Pearl. 

James Johns, Perry. 

T. H. Dimmitt, Griggsville. 

B. F. Westlake, Newburg. 

J. C. Colvin, ardin. 

Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek, 



1860. 

Martinsburg, Chairman. 

John Vail, Fairmount. 
Jas. C. Conkright, New Salem. 
David A. Stanton, Piltstield. 
Alex. Parker, Pleasant Hill. 
Wm. Grammar, Hadley. 
James B. Landrum, Derry. 
Sherman Brown, Atlas. 
Lewis D. White, Barry. 
Harrison Brown, Pleasant Hill. 
John G. Wheelock, Kinderhook. 

1861. 



John S. Roberts, Martinsburg, Ch'drman. 



J. II. Dennis, Chambersburg. 
Geo. H. Santbrd, Flint. 
John W. Allen, Detroit. 
Wm. B. Grimes, Montezuma. 
Andrew N. Hess, Pearl. 
Geo. W. Baldwin, Perry. 
Thos. H. Dimmitt, Griggsville. 
B. F. AVestlake, Newburg. 
Jos. G. Colvin, Hardin. 
Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek. 



John Vail, Fairmount. 

A. J. McWilliams, New Salem. 

D. A. Stanton, Pittstield. 

A. J. Lovell, Pleasant Hill. 

Wm. Grammar, Hadley. 

Isaac Pryor, Perry. 

J. G. Adams, Atlas. 

John McTucker, Barry. 

Perry H. Davis, Pleasant Vale. 

John Aron, Kinderhook. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



3ia 



John S. Roberts, 

James H. Dennis, Chambersburg. 

Geo. H. Sanford, Flint. 

Jonathan Frye, Detroit. 

Geo. Underwood, Montezuma. 

Andrew N. Hess, Pearl, 

James W. Brown, Perry. 

T. H. Dimmitt, Griggsville. 

B. F. Westlake, Newburg. 

J. G. Colvin, Hardin. 

Wm. E. Smith, Spring Creek. 



John S. Roberts, 
James H. Dennis, Chambersburg. 
Wm. Thackwray, Flint. 
L. J. Smitherman, Detroit. 
J. O. Bolin, MontezAima. 

A. N. Hess, Pearl. 
Augustus Akin, Perry. 

T. H. Dimmilt, Griggsville. 
Strother Grigsby, Newburg. 

B. F. Westlake, Newburg. 
J. G. Colvin, Hardin. 

D. HoUis, Spring Creek. 



James H. Dennis, 
Wm. Thackwray, Flint. 
L. J. Smitherman, Detroit. 
E. N. F'-ench, Montezuma. 

A. N. Hess, Pearl. 
Harvey Dunn, Jr., Perry. 
Thos. H. Dimmitt, Gi'iggsville. 
Nathaa Kelley, Newburg. 

B. C. Lindsay, Hardin. 
David Hollis, Spring Creek. 
John Vail, Fairmount. 



1862. 

Martinsburg, Chairman. 

Wm. Morrison, Fairmount. 
A. J. Mc Williams, New Salem. 
, D. A. Stanton, Pittsfield. 
L. H. Stone, Pleasant Hill. 
Wm. Grammar, Hadley. 
J. B. Landrum, Derry. 
J. G. Adams, Atlas. 
Henry Wallace, Barry. 
P. H. Davis, Pleasant Vale. 
John Aron, Kinderhook. 

1863. 

Martinsburg, Chairman. 

Wm. Morrison, Fairmount. 

A. J. McWilliams, New Salem. 

S. R. Gray, Piitstield. 

A. Hemphill, Pleasant Hill. 

Wm. Grammar, Hadley. 

Thos. Harris, Derry. 

J. G. Adams, Atlas. 

Wm. P. Shields, Barry. 

J. R. Thomas, Pleasant Vale. 

John Aron, Kinderhook. 



1864. 

Chambersburg, Chairman. 
John Preble, New Salem. 
N. A. Wells, Pittsfield. 
J. S- Roberts, Martinsburg. 
Alex. Hemphill, Pleasant Hill. 
Wm. Grammar, Hadley. 
Thos. S. Harris, Derry. 
J. G. Adams, Atlas. 
Wm. P. Shields, Barry. 
James Wallace, Pleasant Vale. 
John G. Wheelock, Kinderhook. 

1865. 



P. H. Davis, 

Jas. H. Dennis, Chambersburg. 

Wm. Turnbull, Flint. 

L. J. Smitherman, Detroit. 

Robert E. Gilliland, Montezuma. 

A. N. Hess, Pearl. 

John E. Morton, Perry. 

T. H. Dimmitt, Griggsville. 

Wm. J Ross, Jr., Newburg. 

Samuel Heavener, Hardin, 

David Hollis, Spring Creek. 



Pleasant Vale, Chairman. 

John Vail, Fairmount. 
Asahel Hiuman, New Salem. 
J. M. Bush, Pittsfield. 
David Roberts, Martinsburs:. 
Alex. Hemphill, Pleasant Hill. 
Wm. Grammar, Hadley. 
Albert Landrum, Derry. 
Wm Dustin, Atlas. 
Wm. P. Shields, Barry. 
John G. Wheelock, Kinderhook. 

1866. 



James H. Dennis, Chambersburg, Chairman. 
William Turnbull, Flint. James M. Ferry, Pittsfield. 

L. J. Smitherman, Detroit. R. A. McClintock, Martinsburg, 

George Marks, Montezuma. A. F. Hemphill, Pleasant Hill. 



314 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



Joshua Hanks, Pearl. 
John E. Morton, Perry. 
T. II. Dinnnill, GriiJJi^sville. 
StrothiT Grigsby, Newburi^. 
David Ilollis, Spring ('reck. 
John Vail, Fuirnioiuit. 
John Preble, New Salem. 



James H. Dennis, 
James L. Thompson, Flint. 
L. J. Smitlic: man, Detroit- 
John O. Bolin, Montezuma. 
Jo-^hua Hanks, Pearl. 
John A. Morion, Perry. 
Thomas II. Dimmitt, Griggsville, 
Strother Grigsby, Newburg. 
Jos. G. Colvin, Hardin. 
David HoUis, Spring Creek. 
John Vail, Fairmount. 



James II. Dennis, 

William Anderson, Flirjt. 
John W. Allen, Detroit. 
James A. Brown, Montezuma. 
Joshua Hanks, Pearl. 
Harvey Thorubury, Perry. 
T. H. Dimmitt, Griggsville. 
Strother Grigsby, Newburg. 
John C. Dinsmore, Hardin. 
F. J. Halford, Spring Creek. 
John Vail, Fairmount. 



William Grammar, Hadley. 
Albert Landrum, Derry. 
J. G. Adams, Atlas. 
William M. P. Shields, Barry. 
.Tames Wallace, Pleasant Vale. 
K. M. jMurray, Kinderhook. 



1867. 

Chambersburg, Chairman. 
John Preble, New Salem. 
George W. Jones, Pittstield. 
AVilliam M. McCliut(Jck, Martinsburg. 
A. F. Hemphill, Pleasant Hill. 
William Grammar, Hadley. 
Albert Landrum, Derr3^ 
J. G. Adams, Atlas. 
M. Blair, Barry. 
Perry II. Davis, Pleasant Vale. 
Thomas Mclntire, Kinderhook. 

1868. 

Chambersburg, Chairman. 

John Preble, New Salem. 
George W. Jones, Pittstield. 
.Tolin M'jUou, Martinsburg. 
William Grammar, Hadley. 
Albert Landrum, Derry. 
Montgomery Blair, Barry. 
P. H. Davis, P easant Vale. 
A. J. Lovell, Pleasant Hill. 
J. G. Adams, Atlas. 
R M. Murray, Kinderhook. 



George W. Jones 

James H. Dennis, Chambersburg. 

William Anderson, Flint. 

John Lj-^ster, Detroit. 

James A. Brown, Montezuma. 

David Hess, Pearl. 

B. L. Matthews, Perry. 

Noah Divilbiss, Perry. 

T. H. Dimmitt, Griggsville. 

B. F. Westlake. Newburg. 

B. C.'Lindsay. Hardin. 

Frank J. Halford, Spring Creek. 



1809. 

Pittstield, Chairi/KUi. 

T. M. Coss, Fairmount. 
John Preble, New Salem. 
Joseph Turnbaugh, Martinsburg. 
J. B. Hail, Pleasant Hill. 
William Grammar, Hadley. 
Mab(!rry Evans, Deny. 
A. Sim'pkius, Atlas. 
Montgomerj' Blair, Barry. 
P. II.'Davis, Pleasant Hill. 
John Aron, Kinderhook. 



1870. 



George W. Jones, 

Lewis Ham, Chambersburg. 

William Anderson, Flint. 

bamuel Haydeii, Detroit. 

James A. Brown, Montezuma. 

George W. Roberta, Pearl. 

B. L.Matthews, Perry. 

T. IT. Dimmitt, GrigL^sville. 

Thomjison .1. Pulliain, Newburg. 

Alvin Petty, Hardin. 

F.J. Halford, Si)ring Creek. 



Pittstield, Chairman. 
Taylor M. Coss, Fairmount. 
Joiin Preble, New Salem. 
John Briltain, Martinsburg. 
A. J. Lovell, Pleasant Hill. 
J. W. Burke, Derry. 
William Dustin, Atlas. 
M. Blair, Barry. 
P. H. Davis, Pleasant Vale. 
John Clutch, Kinderhook. 



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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



317 



1871. 



George W. Jones, 
Lewis Ham, Chambersburff 
William Anderson, Flint 
B. W. Flynn, Detroit. 
James A. Brown, Montezuma 
George W. Roberts, Pearl. 
Thomas Reynolds, Perry. 
James McWilliams, Griggsville 
T. G. Pulliam, Newburg. 
Francis Frye, Hardin. 
T. J. Halford, Spring Creek. 



Pittsfield, Chairman. 

William Morrison, Fairmount. 
John Preble, New Salem. 
Hardin Goodin, Martinsburg. 
A. J. Lovell, Pleasant Hill. 
William Grammar, Hadley. 
William Dustin, Atlas. 
James W. Burke, Derry. 
Calvin Davis, Barry. 
M. D. Massie, Pleasant Vale. 
John Clutch, Kinderhook. 



/ 



George W. Jones, 
Lewis Ham, Chambersbure 
B. W. Flynn. Detroit. 
William T. Dugdell, Montezuma. 
G. W. Roberts, Pearl. 
Thomas Reynolds, Perry. 
James McWilliams, Griggsville. 
Strother Grigsby, Newburg 
Francis Frye, Hardin. 
David Hollis, Spring Creek. 
William Corey, Fairmount. 



1872. 

Pittsfield, Chairman. 
John Preble, New Salem. 
William Fowler, Martinsburg. 
A. J. Lovell, Pleasant Hill. 
William Grammar, Hadley 
J. W. Burke, Derry. 
William Dustin, Atlas. 
Calvin Davis, Barry. 
M. D. Massie, Pleasant Vale. 
John Clutch, Kinderhook. 



Lewis Ham, 
David Pyle, Flint 
B. W. Flynn, Dt^troit. 
Milton Grimes, Montezuma 
George W. Roberts, Pearl. 
Thomas Reynolds, Perry. 
James McWilliams, Griggsville. 
P. H. Cooper, Newburg. 
Wright Hicks, Hardin 
F. J. Halford, Spring Creek. 
William Corey, Fairmount. 



1873. 

Pittsfield, Chairman. 

Addison Cadwell, New Salem. 
Lewis Dutton, Pittsfield. 
William Fowler, Martinsburg 
A. J. Lovell, Pleasant Hill. 
William Grammar, Hadley. 
Thomas H. Coley, Derry. 
Josiah Long, Atlas. 
John P. Grubb, Barry. 
John Horn, Pleasant Vale. 
John Clutch, Kinderhook. 

1874. 



James H. Dennis, 
William Turnbull, Flint. 
William Douglas, Detroit. 
A. J. Worcester, Montezuma 
Andrew N. Hess, Pearl. 
Thomas Reynolds, Perry. 
James McWilliams, Gnegsville. 
Nathan Kelley, Newbur'^ 
Wright Hicks, Hardin. ° 
C. C. Melton, Spring Creek. 
William Corey, Fairmount. 



Chambersburg, Chairman. 

Addison Cadwell, New Salem 
Lewis Dutton, Pittsfield. 
Francis Fowler, Martinsburg 
A. J. Lovell, Pleasant Hill 
William Grammar, Hadtey 
Maberry Evans, Derry. 
J. G. Adams, Atlas. 
Calvin Davis, Birry. 
John B. Horn, Pleasant Vale 
John Clutch, Kinderhook. 

1875. 

T T ,r ^ William B. Grimes, Pittsfield, Chairman. 

iu^tin mde'^FMnt'"'^"'^- 1^'^^^^" C=^^^«"' New Saleln. 

tory Sr 'd r'oit. TT^^'ih Martinsburg. 

A. J. Worcester, Montezuma. William GramL'Sr^B^a^y 



318 



HISTORY OF J'lKK (^OUNTY, 



D. W. Miller, Pearl. 
Thomas Reynolds, Perry. 
James McWilliams, Griggsville. 
J. H. Farriiiglon, Hariliu. 
C. C. Mellon, Spring Creek. 
R. B. McLaughlin, Fairmounl. 



A. J. Worcester, 

J. L. Metz, Chambersburg. 
Joseph Wilson, Flint. 
Heury Moler, Detroit. 
G. W. Roberts, Pearl. 
Z. Wade, Perry 
George Pratt, Grigi/sville. 
C P. Chapman, Newburs;. 
R. R. Pollock, Spring Creek. 
R. B. McLaughlin, Fairmount. 
Addison Cad well, New Salem. 
Wm. B. Grimes, Pittsfield. 



Maberry J^^vans, Derry. 
J. G. Adams, Atlas. 
Alex. White, Barry. 
M. I). Massie, Pleasant Vale. 
William Ross, Newburg. 
R. M. Murray, Kinderhook. 

1876. 

Montezuma, Chairman. 

Thomas Alton, Martinsburg. 

A. J.Lovell, Pleasant Hill. 

William Grammar, lladley. 

Maberry Evans, I)erry.| 

Samuel Taylor, Atlas.t 

\V. F. While, Barry. 

R. M. Murray, Kinderhook. 

John W. Brammell, Pleasant Vale. 

J. IL Farrington, Hardin. 

F. A. Douglas, Levee. 

1877. 



J. w. 

George Ham, Chambersburg. 

Joseph Wilson, Flint. 

David SlDuer, Detroit. 

Charles E. Bolin Montezuma. 

A. N. Hess, Pearl. 

Z. Wade, Perry. 

George Pratt, Griggsville. 

C. P.Chapman, Newburg. 

Wright Hicks, Hardin. 

W. R. Wilson, Spring Creek. 

R. B. McLaughlin, Fairmcmut 



Burke, Derry, Ghainnan. 

Addison Cadwell, New Salem. 
Lewis Dutton, Pittsfield. 
William Fowler, Martinsburg. 
John S. Lockwood, Pleasant Vale. 
William Grammar Hadley. 
Samuel Taylor, Atlas. 
W. F. AVhite, Barry. 
F. L. Zernberg, Pleasant Hill. 
R. .vL Murray, Kinderhook. 
Marcus Hardy, Levee. 

1878. 



George Ham. Chambersburg 

Joseph Wilson, Flint. 

W. T. Smith, Detroit. 

C. E. Bolin, Montezuma. 

G.W. Roberts, Pearl. 

J. W. Grimes, Perry. 

George Pratt, Griggsville. 

C. P Chapman, Newburg. 

J. H. Griffin, Hardin 

M. W. Bogart, Spring Creek. 

Dele Elder, Fairmount. 



Calvin Davis, Barry, Chuirmaa. 

John Preble, New Salem. 

Lewis Duttcm, Pittsfield. 

P. H. Sullivan, Martinsburg. 

A. L. Galloway, Pleasant Hill. 

H. L. Hadsell, Hadley. 

T. H. Coley, Derry. 

Samuel Taj'lor, Atlas 

J. S. Lockwood, Pleasant Vale, 

Samuel Clark, Kinderhook. 

Marcus Hardy, Levee. 



1879. 



J. C. Newton, Chambersburg. 
David Pyle, Flint. 

B. W. Fiynn, Detroit. 

N. D. McEvans. Montezuma. 

G. W. Roberts, Pearl. 

Z. Wade, Perry. 

George Pratt, Grisrgsville. 

C. P Chapman, Newburg. 
Georire ^Liin, Hardin. 

C. C. Melton, Spring Creek. 
Dele Elder, Fairmount. 



Abel Dunham, New Salem. 

H. S. Lloyd, Pittsfield. 

P. H Sullivan, Martinsburg 

A. L. Galloway, Pleasant Hill. 

Orrin Campbell, Hadley. 

T. H. Coley, Derry. 

C. B. Du.stin, Atlas. 

E. A. Crandall, Perry. 

M. D. ]\Iassie, Pleasant Vale. 

John Clutch, Kinderhook. 

Marcus Hardy, Levee. 



CHAPTER X. 

BLACK HAWK WAR. 

In November, 1830, 50 or 60 of the Sac and Fox tribes of Indians 
came down on a hunting excursion and camped on I3av creek 
TJiese tribes at that time were living on Rock river in the northern 
part of the State, and wished once more to \^isitthe scenes of their 
former liunting-ground. Some little trouble occurred between 
these Indians and the whites on account of the disappearance of 
hogs in the neighborhood. The settlers turned out and caught 
some of the red men, tied them up and administered to them severe 
flagellations with withes, and they immediately left the country 
never, with one or two exceptions, to return 'in a body to Pike 
county. This episode comes as near to anything of a warlike na 
ture, especially a hostile coHision with the Indians, as any that we 
have any record ot oecuring in Pike county. 

^ In the fall of 1831 Black Hawk and his'tribes appeared on Rock 
river, where they committed several petty depredations. The set- 
tlers of Rock River and vicinitv petitioned Gov. Reynolds for aid 
stating that " Last fall the Black Hawk band of Indians almost de- 
stroyed all of our crops, and made several attacks on the owners 
when they attempted to prevent their depredations, and wounded 
one man by actually stabbing him in several places. Tlys sprino- 
they acted m a more outrageous and menacing manner " This pe^ 
tition represented that there were 600 or 700 Indians among them- 
It was signed by 35 or 40 persons. Another petition sets forth that 

Ihe Indians pasture their horses in our wheat-fields, shoot our 
cows and cattle and threaten to burn our houses over our heads if 
we do not leave." Other statements place the Indians at not more 
than 300. 

According to these petitions, Gov. Eeynolds in Mav. 1831 called 
for 700 mounted men. Beardstown was the desio-nated pl'ace of 
rendezvous, and such were the sympathy and courage of the settlers 
that the number offering themselves was nearly three times the num- • 
ber called out. They left Rushville for Rock Island June 15 1881 • 
and on the 30th of the same month, in a council held for the pur- 
pose, Black Hawk and 27 chiefs and warriors on one part, and Gen. 
Edmund P. Gaines, of the U. S. army, and John Reynolds Gov 



320 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

ernor of Illinois, on the other part, signed a treaty of peace and 
friendship. This capitulatioa bound the Indians to ^o and remain 
west of tiie Mississii)pi river. 

In April, 1832, in direct violation of the treaty above referred to, 
Black Hawk, with some 500 followers, appeared again upon the scene 
of action, and fear and excitement spread through the length and 
breadth of the State. To again drive ihem from the State, Gov. 
Reynolds called on the Militia April IC, 1S32. 

TROOPS RAISED IN PIKE COUNTY. 

No sooner had volunteers been called for than every county and 
settlement throughout this portion of the State promptly responded. 
Nowhere, however, was such alacrity shown in answering the 
call as in Pike county. The hearts of the sturdy pioneers were 
easily touched by the stories of depredations by the Indians. These 
stories were doubtless greatly exaggerated, yet the frontiersmen 
who knew the subtlety and treachery of the red men well knew 
they could not be trusted; and almost any crime was expected of 

them. nr 1. • r> 

Col. Win. Ross, then Captain of the Pike County Militia Com- 
pany, received word from the Governor on Friday, the 20th, and 
he immediately issued the following : 

" CoMP YNY Orders.— Tlie volunteer company of Pike county will meet at Atlas, 
on Monday, the 23d Inst., ready to take up tbeir march by sun-rise, except such 
n-irt of the company as are living on the east side of said county, which part will 
meet the company at the house of William Henman, about four miles this side of 
Phillin's Ferry, on the same day, all with a good horse,' and rifle, powder-horn, 
Irilf pound of powder, and one hundred balls, with three days' provisions. The 
commanding officer of said company flatters himself that every man will be 

prompt to ^^^}^^^^ a w. R^g,^ capt. 1st Rifles. Pike Co. 

" April, 1833.'° 

The Captain then called upon Benj. Barney at his blacksmith 
shop and told him of the nature of the order he had received, and 
for him to foi'thwith mount a horse and start out to notify the set- 
tlers to assemble immediately. Mr. Barney was engaged at his 
forge at the time, making a plow; but he straightway laid down 
hammer and tongs, untied his leathern ai)ron, left his hre to 
smolder and die, and started immediately upon his mission. lie 
first went to a man at the mouth of Blue creek; from thence he 
made a circuit of the county, appealing to all to assemble at Atlas 
without delay. He tells us that almost all of them lett their work 
and started immediately. 

The men havincr assembled at Atlas, the martial band began to 
discourse lively music to stir the patriotism of the militia-men 
to a high pitch so that they would enlist for the service. The 
music dtd not seem to "enthuse" them with as great a desire to 
enlist as their leaders had anticipated. Something more potent 
must be had; so two buckets of whisky were summoned to their 



HISTORY OF PIKR COUNTY. 321 

aid; tlie men were formed in two lines facing each other, and wide 
enough apart to admit of two men walking up and down the line 
between them. Capt. Ross and Lieut. Seeley started down the line, 
each with a bucket of liquor; two bo_ys followed with v*'ater, and 
then came the music. It was understood that those who would 
fall in after the music would enlist for service. By the time the 
third round was made 100 men were in line, which was even more 
than the quota of this county under that calk Wm. Ross was 
elected Captain and Bcnj. Barney, 1st Lieutenant. The com])any 
adjourned to meet at Griggsville on the following day at 10 o'clock 
A. M. The men went to their homes in various parts of the county 
to notity their families of tlieir enlistment and to make slight 
preparations for their journey. We are told that with four or live 
exceptions, and those lived along the Illinois river, every man was 
at Griggsville by sunrise on the day appointed. 

The company then started for Beaixlstown, the place of rendez- 
vous for the troops in this part of the State. The Illinois river 
was very high and much difficulty was experienced in crossing it. 
The ferry would carry but six horses at a time ; and while waiting 
for transportation the horses stood in mud up to their knees. It 
was a gloomy time and they had no liquor with which to cheer up 
the new volunteers. Ca[)t. Ross was among the first to cross over, 
while Lieut. Barney remained with the men upon the western bank. 
Great dissatisfaction was being manifested by the men under Lieut. 
Barney, who were waiting in the mud and water to cross the river, 
all of whom did not get over until 11 o'clock that night. Lieut. 
Barney sent word to Capt. Ross to forward him a jug of whisky. 
This wa5 done ; a fire was built, striking it by the flint locks of 
their guns; the whisky was distributed, and once more the troops 
were in good spirits and ready for any hardship. 

The Pike county troops arrived at Beardstown the next day, be- 
ing the first comiiany to reach that point. The Governor and some 
of the leading officers were already there. It was found that the 
Pike county company was too large; it accordingly was divided 
and formed into two companies. Lieut. Barney was chosen Cap- 
tain of one of these, and Joseph Petty, Captain of the other. 
James Ross was elected 1st Lieutenant of Capt. Petty's company, 
and a Mr. Allen, of Capt. Barney's company. Capt. Koss was 
chosen Colonel and aid of the coaimanding General. It was he 
who appointed Abraham Lincoln, our martyr President, to the 
Captaincy of one of the Sangamon county companies in this war. 

The troops marched from Beardstown to Rock Island, where 
they were mustered into the United States service by Gen. Zachary 
Taylor. At Fort Armstrong, which was at that point, there were 
then only about 50 United States troops. The Pike county volun- 
teers, with others, then marched up toward Dixon on Rock river, 
the course the Indians had taken. They followed them for some 
days, but did not overtake them or encounter them in any engage- 
ment. During the entire campaign the Pike county troops did 



322 HISTORY OF riKK COUNTY. 

not meet the foe in battle array; not a leaden ball was shot at any 
of these men durinf^ the 50 days they were out. Duriiii^ this time 
the}' ran short ot ])rovlsions, and sent to Chicago, but in that pres- 
ent great city, svhere millions of ho<^s are slan<^htered annually and 
the greatest ^rain market in the world exists, they could not get a 
barrel of pork or of flonr. The Pike county volunteers then went 
to Ottawa and shared with some troops at that point. Tiiey ob- 
tained rations enough there to last them about three days, when 
they marched on down the river to the rapids, where there was a 
boat filled with United States provisions. There they drew rations 
for their homeward march. Capt. Barney drew seven days' rations 
for his men, but Capt. Petty thought they would get home in three 
or four days, so only drew four days' rations, much to the regret of 
the hungry stomachs of his men, as it took them longer to get 
home than he had anticipated. The privates of this call received 
$8 a month, and were paid off that fail by United States agents, 
who came to Atlas. 

THE STAMPEDE. 

While in the northern part of the State four regiments of troops 
camped together, among whom were the men from this county. 
They -formed a hollow square, upon the inside of which were the 
officers' tents. The horses, about 1,000 in number, were guarded 
in a corral outside of the square. In the dead hour of night, when 
not a light remained burning, and the slow tread of the faithful 
sentiner was the only sound that broke the silence, the horses 
became frightened and stampeded. In the wildest rage they dashed 
forward, vfhither they knew not ; they headed toward the camp of 
slumbering soldiers, and in all the mad fury of frightened brutes 
they dashed forward over cannon, tents and men, wounding several 
of the latter quite severely. The troops heard their coming and 
supposed each wild steed was ridden by a wilder and less humane 
red-skin ; the treacherous and subtle foe was momentarily expected 
and the frightened men thought tiiey were now coming down upon 
them. They had all heard of the night attack upon the rangers at 
the famous battle of Tippecanoe, and feared a repetition of that 
night's bloody work. Capt. Barney, with quickness of thought and 
military skill, in a loud voice gave orders for his men to form at 
the rear of their tents. He haflooed lustily, and when he went up 
and down the line feeling his way he found every man in his place. 
The commanding officers hearing the Captain's orders and knowing 
there would be safety with his company if anywhere, ran to him. 
Fortunately the horses were riderless, which was soon discovered, 
and then the frightened men began joking. Col. De Witt joked 
Capt. Barney considerably about his hallooing so loud, when Gen. 
Taylor spoke up and said he was glad the Captain was so prompt 
to give orders for his men to form, as it showed a soldierly disposi- 
tion ; besides, it let him know where he might go for safety, 

A third company subsequently went from Pike county under 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 323 

Capt. Hale and Lieut. David Seeley ; about 50 men composed this 
company of mounted riflemen. They enlisted for three months 
and participated in the famous battle of Bad-Ax. 

The people of this county were not disturbed by the Indians at 
this time, l3ut so timid were they that they were easily frightened. 
The following incident is related by Samuel Clark, of Kinder- 
hook township. In 1832, during the Black Hawk war, a man 
while passing a neighbor's house heard the cries of a child who was 
in the house. He supposed the Indians were within committing 
their foul deeds, and accordingly raised the alarm that the Indians 
were there murdering all the members of the family, and every- 
body who came that way. This created the greatest consternation 
in the settlement, for the people had heard of the bloody deeds 
committed upon the settlers in the northern part of the State. 
The settlers fled for safety. Some went to the fort, others ran 
hither and thither they knew not where. One very large flesliy 
woman mounted a horse and rode in the direction of the fort at full 
speed. She^came to a ditch about ten feet wide and as many feet 
deep; the horse halted, but she urged him to jump, which he did 
at great peril, but fortunately landed safely on the opposite side. 
After the people had become (juite exhausted w^ith running they 
learned that no Indians were near, but that the yells came from the 
child because his father was chastising it. 




CHAPTER XL 
CRIMINAL RECORD. 

INTRODUCTORY. 

Since the two Indians, Slionwennekek andPemesan, were indicted 
for murder, there have been 41 otlier indictments for this grave 
crime returned by the grand juries of Pike county, many of which 
included more than one individuah This represents a long and 
bloody calendar, a stain that every good citizen would have blotted 
out were it possible. It has been made by the blood of many vic- 
tims, dyed in crimson never to be erased, and we only record what 
has occurred. Who can picture the agony of heart, the remorse, 
the anguish of mind, to say nothing of the physical pains caused 
by these bloody deeds ? Both the victim and his friends, as well as 
the perpetrator of the crime, have suffered untold misery. 

Often has the deadly weapon been brought into use on the slight- 
est pretext. A moment after he had taken the life of his victim 
and he had realized that his hands were stained with the life-blood 
of a fellow man, the perpetrator of the deed would have given every- 
thing he possessed or ever hoped for, and in some cases life itself, 
could he but recall the deed; but alas ! it is done, never to be 
undone. The feeling has not been thus in every instance where 
the bloody victim fell at the feet of the man-slayer, but frequently 
so. Sometimes the joy was great when he who sent the deadly 
messenger saw its work well done. 

Among this long catalogue of criminals only one has ever suffer- 
ed the extreme penalty of the law, and most of them have had light 
punishment. We begin with the first person indicted for murder, 
and give every indictment during the county's existence. There 
are a multitude of cases of murder or manslaughter of which we 
make no mention, as no indictments were made for want of suffi- 
cient evidence. 

Pemesan and Slionwennekek. 
(Two Indians.) 

These Indians were indicted Oct. 2, 1821, at the very first term 
of Court held in Pike county, for the murder of a Frenchman. The 



HISTORY or PIKE COUNTY. 325 

evidence sliowing, however, that the shooting of the deceased was 
more an act of carelessness than of premeditated murder, the 
next morning the jury returned a verdict for manslaugliter on the 
part of Pemesan, or " Traveler," and that Shonwennekek, or " Spice- 
bush," was not guilty. The Court had assigned Daniel P. Cook 
and Polemon II. Winchester as counsel for the Indians, and John 
Shaw and Jean Baptist Patelle were the sworn interpreters. No 
attorney for the people appears on record, but of course there must 
have been such an officer present. It appears tliat these Indians 
were out hunting one day, and wlien the Frenchman suddenly ap- 
peared in view in the distance they took him to be a deer or some 
other animal, and Pemesan immediately lired and killed him. No 
sooner was tliis done than they discovered their mistake, and Shon- 
wennekek proposed that they run away; but Pemesan argued that 
as it was an accident the whites would do tliem no harm. There- 
upon they immediately surrendered themselves to a magistrate. 
Pemesan's punishment was a fine of 25 cents and imprisonment 
for 24 honrs. He accordingly paid the fine and served out his sen- 
tence in a rail pen whicli was guarded for the occasion. 

Charles Collins^ James Whitly, Alfred Miller and James 

Stockton. 

These parties were indicted for murder May, 2, 1843, but after 
their case was continued from term to term with hopes of arresting 
them, they were never found. 

Winship Moreton 

was indicted Sept. 10, 1841, but the following April his case 
was stricken from the docket. 

John Bartholomew^ et al. 

were indicted April 5, 1848, for the murder of John Crewson, 
or Cruson, near the Mississippi river a few days preceding (March 
29 ), while the latter was hauling a log for the rafting. He was 
shot beside his team. The others indicted with Bartholomew were 
Benj. Chouls and John Stipp. The two latter took a change of 
venne to Adams county, where a nolle pilose qui was entered April 
2, 1849. Bartholomew's case was continued from term to term 
until Sept, 12, 1853, when it was stricken from the docket. 

John McGuyre 

was indicted Sept. 5, 1849, for the murder of Wni. Bennett near 
Phillip's Ferry, Sept. 1, preceding. That day McGuyre went to 
the house of Mr. Pease where Mr. Bennett was and urged him to 
go gunning, but which, by the solicitation of Mr. Pease, he declined 
doing. McGuyre left and returned about sun-down, when Pease and 
Bennett were eating their supper, who invited him to partake ; he 



326 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

refused, saying, "G — d d — n jou! 1 am tired waiting for jou and 
am going to shoot jou now." lie immediately fired a loadof bnck- 
sliot, whicli struck Bennett in the face, killing him. McGuyre 
commenced reloading liis gun with the d(>clare(l intention of kill- 
ing Pease, but the latter made his escape and raised the alarm. 
McGujre ran away but was arrested on the 6th and taken before 
the Circuit Court then in session, and at first ]>leaded guilty ; but 
after the consequence of such a plea was explained to him, he pleaded 
not guilty, and for want of time his case was continued to the 
next term of Court. McGuyre broke jail twice: the first time he 
was caught at McGee's creek, in crossing which he came very 
near beino- drowned, and the second time he i>:ot out throno^h the 
wall, a stone having been removed by tiie aid of friends outside. 
This was effected without awaking a family which was asleep di- 
rectly above. lie has never been re-taken, and his case was finally 
stricken from the docket with leave to reinstate. 

George Kesterson 

was indicted for murder March 29, 18.51, but fur some reason was 
never bronij;ht to trial. 

Philip Wilcox 

was indicted Oct. 11, 1851, and he also was never tried. 

Preston F. Groves 

was indicted March 23, 1853, for the murder of Robert Carr, about 
5 miles east of Pittsfield. Both these parties were married men 
and frequented a house of ill repute. Groves was tried and acquit- 
ted March 28, 1853. 

Jonathan W. PLutchinson. 

? This man was indicted Nov. 2Y, 1854, for killing Francis P- 
Wells in Brown county. A change of venue had been taken from 
that county, his case was tried at Pittsfield, and after the jury was 
out several days it brought in a verdict of not guiltv, Sept. 18, 
1855. 

Hugh W. Wren 

was indicted Sept. 14, 1855, for manslaughter ; about a fortnight 
afterward his bail was forfeited by his escape and his case was 
never brought to trial. 

James Daniels 

was accused of killing Newton Soules in Calhoun county in a 
saloon. Soules had burned his hair previously. Daniels was in- 
dicted in the Pike county Court Sept. 12, 1856 ; but Aug. 5, 1859, 
his case was discontinued. 



I 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 327 

Stephen Cole et. aJ . 

were, according to the record, indicted for murder March 9, 1857* 
In this suit it seems that no parties were ever brought to trial. 

Robert Ellh. 

This criminal was indicted April 14, 1860, iur the murder of 
Benj. F. Wade, Dec. 23 preceding, a little west of Detroit. Wade 
broke Ellis' whisky bottle and a quarrel ensued which resulted in 
the fatal affray in the yard of Francis Phillips. Ellis stabbed 
Wade with a large pocket-knife. Ellis pleaded not guilty but was 
convicted of manslaughter Nov. 24, 1860, and sentenced to one year 
in the penitentiary. 

Edwin C. Hendrick. 

This party was indicted Aug. 10, 1860, for poisoning to death 
Emeline Amanda Hendrick. He pleaded not guilty, was tried, 
and, after the jury had two days' consultation, he was acquitted. 

James Likes, Simon Likes, Lyman Likes, PhiUjp Neal, Ghristo- 
phev Neal and Wm. JBothwick. 

The indictment in this case, Nov. 23, 1800, was for the murder 
of Samuel Macumber, an innocent man about 65 years of age, 
living in Barry township, and who was killed Oct. 23, 1860. The 
parties set upon their victim in cold blood and killed him with 
clubs and stones. Macumber was a Baptist minister, who had 
married the mother of the Neals, and it was alleged that he mal- 
treated her in some way. After trial all the indicted parties were 
acquitted Dec. 8,1860, except Christopher Neal, who was convicted 
of manslaughter and sentenced for life, and James Likes was 
acquitted the ne.xt term of Court. 

Thomas Johnson, Fielding Johnson, John Hopkins, Andrew J. 
Winsor, Mary Pearson, Julia Bdl, Angeline Bell and Hampton 
Winsor. 

These parties were indicted during the spring term of Court in 
1863, for the murder of Andrew J. Pearson, in Flint township. 
The victim, a farmer, was found murdered by hanging, and robbed. 
November 18, 1862, Pearson started from his house in search of 
some of his stock. Night came on and he did not return. Suspicion 
was aroused, inquiries and search were made, and finally his body 
was found in a ravine, a half mile from home, covered up with 
leaves, brush, etc. : two hundred dollars in money had been taken 
from his person. The robbers also went to his house, and, finding 
no one at home, they entered itand took about seventy dollars more, 
which they found in a bureau. They then took a good horse and 
decamped. Of the above parties, some were directly accused by the 



328 HISTORY OF PIKK COUNTY. 

itKlictmetit, some impleaded with them, and severances were ob- 
tained. Some of them were desperadoes from Missouri; some of 
the parties took a change of venue to Brown county. The result 
of the whole prosecution was, that Thomas Johnson and John Hop- 
kins were convictedof manslaughter April 27, 1863, and sentenced 
for life; Fielding Johnson was convicted of the same and sentenced 
for 20 years, and the rest were discharged. 

During the trial the guilty ci-iminals pleaded guilty of man- 
slaughter, confessing as follows: They lived in ^[issouri, were 
rebels in Porter's army, which subsequent! y disbanded. They worked 
several days for a neighbor of Pearson's named Dimmitt, and spent 
several evenings at Mr. Pearson's house. This man and his wife, 
Mary (impleaded above), frequently quarreled. The night previous 
to the murder they had an unusually wicked altercation, after which 
Mrs. P. went into a fit. After coming out she told the accused 
that if they would kill Pearson she would give them a horse. The 
girls, Julia and Angeline Bell, her daughters by a former husband, 
also expressed the wish that they should kill him. The next morn- 
ing they invited Pearson out for a walk and told him they were 
sfoinfi: to hanor; him. He said he did not blame them. Two of them 
held him up while the ot'ier adjuste<l the rope. He did not resist nor 
struggle. After he was dead they took sixty dollars from his pocket, 
carried it to the house and reported what they had done. All were 
rejoiced and gave the prisoners ten dollars apiece, Mrs. Pearson 
gave them a horse, asking them not to betray her, and they started 
for Missouri. The daughters asked for and received a lock of their 
hair for mementoes, and a parting kiss. 

The 3'oung men were not over twenty 3'ears of age, did not look 
like criminals, and were said to be respectfully connected. 

John W. Parks and Henry C. Price. 

These parties were indicted Apr. IS, 1864, for the murder of Peter 
C. Staats, an old settler of Hadley township, on the road between 
New Salem and Maysville. Staats was twice shot in the back, one 
ball coming out at the breast. The accused took a change of venue 
to Adams county and were finally acquitted. 

George C'roio, alias Roselle^ 

was indicted April 19, 1864, for the murder of a Mr. Gard. 
May 21, following, he broke jail, and the shooting necessary to his 
capture June 11, in Greene county, resulted in his death the next 
day in jail. 

Austin and Abraham Stevens 

were, according to the records, indicted April 19, 1864, for murder, 
but it appears that there was never any trial of the case. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 329 

Win. W. Moore and J. S. Wilson 

were indicted the same day for being accessory after the fact of the 
murder They moved their case to Brown county, and trom the 
evidence elicited it appears that young Moore, only sixteen years 
of age, had killed John Ziif, living near Pittshold _ Mr Moore s 
father and Ziif had a dispute about some wood which Moore had 
been cutting on land which Ziff claimed and which Moore had 
rented. Zifi" struck Moore with an ax, knocking hun down and 
then stamping upon him. The lad seeing his father m this condi- 
tion, ran up and struck Ziff a blow upon the top ot his head with 
the edge of an ax, thus literally cleaving his head clear to his 
shoulders. 

Samuel Evans and Matthew Gilmer, Gilmore, or GiUiaw 

These men were indicted Nov. 29, 186i, for killing Oornelius 
Myers, Evans being a resident of Montezuma. They broke jail, and 
after several months Evans was recaptured in Tennessee. He took a 
chano-e of venue to Brown county, where he was convicted of man- 
slaughter and sentenced for twelve years in the State prison, ihere 
he became insane, and after his release he stole a horse, was ar- 
rested, and while in jail his insanity became so marked that he was 
finally sent to the asylum at Jacksonville. 

Chas. Brummell or Brumhle, etc. 

This rascal, whose name was spelled half a dozen different ways' 
was indicted March 15, 1866, for the murder of Edward Garrison, 
of New Canton. The fatal deed was perpetrated by stabbing tiie 
victim with a pocket-knife. Sept. 19, 186T, he was convicted ot 
the charge and sentenced to State prison for three years. 

Name not Given. 

Although not strictly within the purview Df this chapter, we may 
mention here, as the parties were both residents of GriggsviHe this 
county, that Dr. J. II. Caldwell, of that place, went to Texas in May 
or June, 1868, employing a young man to accompany him, who,on 
the 24th of June, murdered and robbed the doctor, but was sum- 
marily lynched by the infuriated people when the deed occurred. 

Mc Wright Murray 

was indicted for murder in 1869, but the case was ultimately 
stricken from the docket. 

Joseph Daul and Anthony Scheiner. 

These criminals were indicted April 20, 1869, for committiiig 
murder in Brown county, as the result of an affray connected with 
the burning of show tents at Mount Sterling. A change ot venue 



330 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

was taken to Pike county, and after a two days' trial the chaps were 
sentenced to 15 years' iiai-d labor. 

Caj>t. ^^m. n. Stout. 

This man was indicted April 6, 1871, charged with the murder 
of a Mr. Kimball, at Cockle-bur slough, the preceding year. By 
change of venue his case was taken to the Brown county Court. 

Samvil Douglas 

was the homicide who beat to death James Sapp, June 12, 1871, 
near Pleasant Hill. At the tirst beating he left Mr. Sapp lying 
prostrate, and induced a Mr. McKenna to accompany him to the 
place, who tried to lift hi in up, when Douglas gave the poor vic- 
tim several additional blows, from which he died a few days after- 
ward. Douglas and McKenna were both arrested, but the latter 
was dismissed for want of evidence against him. Douglas was held 
for manslaughter, the indictment being made Oct. 12, 1871. lie 
was convicted and sentenced Nov. 29, 1871, for six and a half years 
in the penitentiary. 

John Shannahan. 

Sept. 16, 1871. in Pleasant Vale township, Wm. Hall claimed 
that Shannahan had said something mean about him, and proceeded 
to assault him with a club. The latter warded off the blow, snatched 
the club from Hall, who then started to run away; Shannahan, 
however, soon overtook him, struck him on the head with the club, 
kn<,>cking him over into a gully senseless, and Shannahan tumbling 
down with him. Hall's ankle was broken in the fall, and he died 
soon afterward. Shannahan was arrested and committed to jail, 
where he suffered from a feeble constitution and a diseased leg, 
which had to be amputated. He was indicted by the grand jury, 
Oct. 12, 1871, but he died l)efore the trial took place. 

Bartholomew Barnes. 

The only e.xecution ever taking place in Pike county was that of 
Bartholomew Barnes, Dec. 29, 1871, in the Pittsfield jail-yard, for 
the murder of John Gresham in Calhoun count}'. The suit was 
first instituted in that county, and a change of venue being taken 
to this county, the case was called at the session of the Pike 
county Circuit Court Nov. 27, 1871; and after a thorough trial the 
traverse jury returned a verdict of guilty of murder in the first de- 
gree, and that he should suffer death by hanoring. The particulars 
of the murder are well condensed in Judo-e His'bee's sentence ffiven 
Dec. G, as below. The court-house was crowded to overflowing 
with ladies and gentlemen to hear the senten.ce of death pronounced 
upon the young convict. At 10| a. m. he was brought in to re- 
ceive his sentence. Death-like stillness reicjned within the room. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 331 

as the Judge, in a solemn and impressive manner, addressed him, 
broken only by the prisoner, who, standing with brazen effrontery, 
gave vent occasionally to protests of innocence. The Judge said: 

" In discharging the unpleasant duty required of me hy the law, 
it seems proper that I should place on the tiles of this Court a brief 
statement of the facts and proofs which render it the duty of the 
Court to pronounce a judgment which is to deprive a human being 
of his life. 

'• By the record in this case it appears that you were indicted at 
the May term of the Calhoun Circuit Court, 1871, for the murder 
of John Gresham, and the case was brought here on a change of 
venue fur trial; that there is no prejudice in this county which 
would injuriously affect your rights is sutiiciently manifest by the 
fact that the crime for wliich you have been tried was committed 
in another county; and of the twelve jurors selected for your trial 
every one has stated under oath that he never heard of the case un- 
til called into the jury box. 

"From the evidence it appears that somewhere about the- first 
of February last, for some cause (which is not apparent) j'ou 
became very much enraged ao-ainst the deceased in the town of Pleas- 
ant Hill and threatened to whip him. When told by the town con- 
stable that that would not be permitted and that he would arrest 
you if you did not keep quiet, you said that 3'ou would see the de- 
ceased at same other lime and tear his heart out. On the 27tli day 
of February the deceased, his son C 15 years of age) and yourself, 
were in Clarksville, Mo., and crossed the river on your return in 
the afternoon in the same boat, the deceased and his son within a 
wagon; and after the boat landed, as they were leaving the river 
for home, you asked the privilege of riding with them, to which 
the boy objected, his father being quite drunk at the time. You 
then said to them that if they would let you ride yon would be 
quiet and peaceable; whereupon the deceased consented, and you 
got into the wagon and seated yourself on a board beside the 
deceased, the boy standing up in front driving. You had gone 
but a short distance when some words passed, but no blows or- 
attempts to strike ensued, and you jumped out, saying, 'Yon 

d d old son of a bitch!' At the time you jumped out the 

board on which the deceased w^as sitting tipped up and he fell 
out on the other side on his back near the wagon and near to a fence. 
You ran back to the wagon and to where the deceased lay, and 
turning your back to the fence, you seized the rails with which to 
steady yourself, and with the deceased still lying on his back im- 
mediately in front of you, with the heel of your boot you stamped 
his face, head and breast until you killed him. The evidence shows 
that in this brutal manner, and when the deceased was Iving on 
his back perfectly helpless, in the presence of his son and another 
witness who was near by, you stamped from eight to ten times, 
breaking his nose, cheek-bone and jaw, and crushing out one eye, 
and forced the heel of your boot through his skull into his brain 



332 HISTORY OF VIKK COU^TY. 

more than an incli in depth, and so crushed and distis^urcd his face 
that it could not be recoi^uizjd by D:. Thomas, who had lived a 
near neighbor to deceased for 20 years. 

f'r^ " While engao^ed in this work of death, Mr. Oyler, who was a 
short distance off and saw it all, hallojed and started to run to you. 
On seeing him you jumped over tiie fence and started to run. You 
were pursued and captured in a few minutes, and blood was found 
all over the heel of your boot, with hair and whiskers still adhering 
to it. Soon afterward you declared that you had not seen deceased 
on that day. 

''In answer to all this proof vou produced a single witness, your 
brother, who testified that in the fall of 1869 deceased made some 
threats against jou, which, so far as the evidence shows, he never 
attempted to execute, iieyond this you offer no explanation or 
justification of this dreadful crime. 

" Upon this proof the jury have found you guilty of murder, and 
their verdict declares that you shall suffer death by hanging. You 
have been well defended by able attorneys, fairly tried, and, as it 
seems to me, properly convicted; and it only remains now for the 
Court to pronounce the judgment of the law, which is, to deprive 
you of your life. Unpleasant as this dut}-^ is, I am not at liberty 
to shrink from it. You have deprived John Gresham of his life by 
a foul and brutal murder, and the law demands your life as the pen- 
alty. As the time which can be extended to you to prepare to 
meet this dreadful punishment is limited by law, let me admonish 
yon not to spend it in vain efforts to arrest your doom, but rather 
devote every moment of the time allotted you to prepare for the 
final trial wherein injustice is never done and where all must 
answer for every act of his life. It is^the order of this Court, Bar- 
tholomew Barnes, that you be taken from here to the colinty jail of 
this county and there confined until Friday, the twenty-ninth day 
of December, 1871, and that between the hours of 10 o'clock a. m. 
and 3. i*. m. of said day, in said jail, and in the presence of the wit- 
nesses required by law, hanged b}' the neck until you are dead." 

We take the following account of the execution from the Old 
i^%of Jan. 4. 1872: 

" The dreadful day having arrived, a large crowd gathered around 
the jail, whicli increased constantly as the hour of execution ap- 
proached. There was no disturbance, however, the anxiety of sus- 
pense seeming to pervade the throng and keep them quiet, and 
waiting ahnost with suspended breath until the tragedy was over. 
The execution was delayed until afternoon in order to give the 
prisoner all the time possible. About half past one, or later, in 
com])any with the physicians, the jury and others, we were admitted 
to the Slierift''s room and waited the last preparations for the final 
scene. The leave-taking of the brother and sister and relatives of 
the prisoner we did not witness. At about a quarter past two the 
great iron door leading from the Sheriff's room into the hall of the 
jail was unbarred, and those in waiting entered the hall and took 



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PIKE COUNTY JAIL 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 335 

places in front of the scaffold and waited with uncovered heads the 
appearance of the prisoner. We need hardly tell our readers there 
was stillness in that conipany and that all sound was hushed ex- 
cept the lonaf-drawn i^reatliings of men who knew they stood in 
the chamber of Death, that a living mortal man was soon to be his 
victim, and that a fellow being was within a few moments of eternity 
and judgment. There was the scaffold, rather a rough-looking 
structure, and of larger dimensions than we had expected to see; 
above it, from a pulley fastened to a beam, hung a rope apparently 
about half an inch in thickness, with knot and noose on the end 
of it. 

"As we stood there contemplating the scene, and held our watch 
to note the time, some few remarks were made in a whisper and 
several times a reporter asked us, ' What time is it now V Seven- 
teen minutes past two, eighteen minutes, nineteen minutes, each 
elapsing minute increasing the anxiety of suspense and expectation; 
twenty minutes, and the Sheriff and prisoner, accompanied with 
deputies and ministers, appeared on the corridor and descended 
one flight of steps and ascended the other which led to the scaffold. 
The prisoner was pale from long confinement, but we could not 
say that he flinched or quailed at the sight of the gallows or Mdien 
standing on the platform. When his eyes first caught sight of 
scaffold and rope there was an expression of surprise which was 
momentary, and that was all. He was well dressed in a black suit 
with a tine shirt, white stockings and slippers, and looked like a 
gentleman. He was told to be seated on a seat of boards that had 
been prepared, which he did. Revs. Priestly and Johnsey, Methodist 
preacher.1, sitting on each side of him. They sat only for a moment 
when deputy Landrum told him to stand up, which he did. They 
both stood close to the grated window when the death warrant was 
read to him by Mr. Landrum distinctly, but with evident emotion, 
and was heard by the prisoner attentivel}', but without any mani- 
festations whatever. When the reading was over and Mr. Landrum 
had folded the paper, ' Let us pray ' was announced, and a prayer 
was pronounced by Rev. Mr. Johnsey, which to our ear was some- 
what peculiar if not poetical, the prisoner all the while uttering 
fervid ejaculations, such as, 'O Lord, have mercy on my soul!' 
On rising from his knees after the prayer he deliberately stepped 
forward, and taking the rope in his right hand, passed the noose 
into his left and seemed to take a careful look at it. He was then 
told, if he had any thing to say, to say it now. He hesitated a 
moment as if not fully comprehending what was meant; but upon 
being told a second time, he said, 'Well, I say that I believe all 
my sins have been pardoned; and I thank the jailor for his kindness 
to me, and 1 hope that no one will ever again be hung.' He was 
then told to. take farewell of all; and having shaken hands with the 
ministers, Sheriff and attendants, he asked leave to pray once him- 
self, and was told to do so, when, kneeling down with his face 
toward the window in the west, he said, as we understood, ' O Lord, 

21 



336 HISTORY CF pikk county, 

I pray thee to forgive ihy sins, to save my suiil and take me to 
heaven,' repeatinu; the ])etitions, as we thought, twice or more. 
He then arose and stepped forward on the trap, and the rope was 
put over his head and adjusted about his neck, and the black cap 
drawn over his face, liis hands and feet having been previouslj' tied, 
lie ail tlie wliile |)raying. ' O Lord, save my soul." 

"This was the most solemn and anxious moment of the execution, 
both to the doomed man and to the spectators. There stood a 
man on the immediate confines of two worlds, just ready to step 
into eternity and know the gi'and secret; onl}' one moment more 
to live in this life. 

" The cap was drawn over his face at twenty-five minutes past two; 
the elapsing seconds now seemed as long as minutes; the Sheriff 
and an attendant were the last to come down from the steps. The 
fatal lever which should spring the trap was at the bottom, con- 
cealed by a piece of carpet. 'What time is it now?' said the re- 
porter to us. Twenty -five minutes and fifteen seconds past two, 
and quick as a fiash the man who was standing on the scaffold and 
still saying, 'O Lord, save my soul,' dropped till his head hung 
more than six inches below. There was no noise more than the 
sudden tightening of the cord with a heavyweight would occasion. 
A trap door swung into a niche prepared to receive it and remained 
there. The rope had been perfectly tested and did not stretch the 
least. The fall was more than six feet. His neck had been instantly 
broken and all pain was over. The victim did not struggle at all. 
At the end of the first minute there was a slio:ht motion of the feet 
and limbs, swaying slightly, which was continued until after the 
end of the second minute, and evidently caused by muscular con- 
traction. At the end of three and a half minutes there was one 
violent and last contraction of muscle; shoulders heaved and the 
whole body was lifted up, and then relapsed and hung motionless; 
at the end of twent}' minutes the doctors pronounced Barnes dead, 
and at the end of twenty-five minutes the body was cut down and 
laid out, while a further examination was made by the doctors, who 
pronounced his neck broken and his life to be extinct; at the end 
of thirty minutes from the time of the drop and within about five 
minutes of 3 o'clock he Avas placed in a coffin and at once carried 
out and delivered to his relatives to be taken to Pleasant Hill for 
burial." 

The preparations for the hanging had been very complete, and 
thei'e was not a single mistake or slightest failure in any particular; 
and Sherift" McFarland deserves praise for the manner in which he 
bore himself and performed his melancholy duties. 

Barnes made a "confession '' in which he insisted to the last that 
he did not mean to kill Gresliam, and claimed that he was drunk 
and did not know what he was about. The warrant was printed it 
a very large plain hand by the pen of doctor J. J. Topliff, who was 
Circuit Clerk at the time. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 337 

John Barnes^ 

cousin of the precedino^, wus indicted Nov. 29, 1S71, for the murder 
of McLanghlin, in Detroit, on the sixteenth of that month. The 
name of the murdered man was ascertained only by its being 
marked on his arm with India ink. Both the men had been in a 
saloon drinking and had had a quarrel about a red ball. McLaugh- 
lin shook his list in Barnes' face and told him not to open his face 
again about it. He turned around, and when his eyes were averted 
Barnes jumped to his feet having a knife in his hand which he swung 
with great force, the blade striking McLaughlin's face and neck, sev- 
ering the jugular vein and windpipe and completely cutting his 
throat. Barnes then made a back stroke which missed McLaughlin, 
who then staggered into a back room and fell dead. Barnes was 
immediately arrested and committed to the Pittsneld, jail where, 
sometime after bis indictment, he gradually wasted away with pul- 
monary consumption and died. 

Jack Connor^ alias Wm. C. Walion, and Ohas. Berry ^ 

were indicted in the Pike Circuit Court Oct. 18, 1872, for man- 
slaughter. April 11, 1873, Connor was acquitted and Berry was 
convicted and sentenced for one year. 

Peter B. Ford. 

On the night of May 3, 1872, George DeHaven, of Barry, was 
killed on a shebang boat just above Florence, by Peter B. Ford. 
Two disreputable women and two or three low-lived men were on 
board. " Tack," Henry Schaifner and DeHaven came on the boat, 
which was owned by the Fords. After drinking awhile Tack 
hauled open his coat and declared he was the best man on board, and 
attacked Elisha N. Ford. At the same time DeHaven sprang at 
Peter Ford with brass knuckles on one hand and a cocked revolver 
in the other, pointed at Peter's breast. Peter knocked the revolver 
aside and shot DeHaven, who died in about 20 minutes. Elisha 
and the two women were arrested, but after examination were dis- 
charged. Peter was also arrested, and indicted Oct. 21, 1872, for 
murder, was convicted, and " sent up " for 18 years. A motion for 
a new trial was made, but denied, and the sentence was executed. 

James Ray and L. J. Hall. 

At Pleasant Hill, June 22, 1872, L. J. Hall, a grocer, had a 
controversy with a Mr. McGinn, when a young man named James 
Ray interfered, knocking McGinn down with a beer glass and beating 
him and stamping upon him. Hall meanwhile keeping off all who 
would interfere. When the beating ceased McGinn was found 
dead. Hall then gave Ray some money, telling him to make his 
escape, which it seems he did most effectually. Hall wa<? arrested, 
and examined, but acquitted of being an accessory. McGinn left 
a wife and eight children. 



338 HISTORY OF pikk county. 

Matthev) Harris and Thomas Stapleton. 

At a place called the cut-oft", on the Sny Levee, in the spring of 1873 
were two large squads of men at work. The one workinghigher up the 
river received $2.00 per day to each man and those l)elow received 
$1.75. After those above had completed their work, their employers 
told them they could go and work with those below if they were will- 
ing to work at the same rates. They all went to work, but after awhile 
became dissatisiied with the wages, threatened to strike, and made a 
good deal of disturbance. Their employers discharged several of 
the ring-leaders who still continued to make trouble. When pay- 
day arrived the strikers drank a great deal, came to the place of 
work and were determined, as they said, to clean out Harris, the 
time-keeper, and Stapleton, the "walking-boss." As the two latter 
were coming from the store after dinner, the mob of strikers fell 
upon them and Harris and Stapleton both fired at the lirst man, 
Pat Vaughan, killing him and slightW injuring another man. This 
proceeding deterred the rioters from any further aggressions. 
Stapleton and Harris were arrested, but to keep them safe from the 
rioters they were lodged in the jail at Pittsfield. They were in- 
dicted April 12 following, tried, convicted of murder, and July 1 
both were sentenced to State prison for one year. 

Andrew Hamilton. 

■ Near JSIebo, Feb. 5, 1875, a number of young people assembled 
at the house of Mrs. McKee, for the purpose of taking part in a 
dance. Among those present were Andrew Hamilton and Clifton 
U. Daniels, both young men and sons cf well-known farmers in 
the vicinity. During the dance a quarrel arose between Hamilton 
and Daniels, when the former drew a revolver and shot Daniels in 
the neck at its juncture with the chest. The wounded man stag- 
gered against the wall and fell dead almost instantly. Hamilton 
immediately fled, and, so far as appears from the records, has never 
been captured. 

John A. Thotnas 

was indicted Oct. 14, 1876, for murder, but three days afterward 
was acquitted. 

John H. Mallory. 

A man named Davis got to peeping around Mallory's house at 
nidit to see some girls, and Mallory, discovering the fact, ran out 
with a gun and shot Davis as he dodged behind a cedar bush, and 
killed him. This occurred at Barry. Mallory was indicted Octo- 
ber 14, 1876, for manslaughter. The case dragged along in the 
Oourts until April 6, 1878, when the accused was acquitted. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 339 

Geonje Haskins. 

About four miles northwest of Kinderliook a quarrel took place, 
March 4, 1877, between two young men, Geo. Haskins and a Mr. 
Simpkins, originating in a controversy about a dog biting a sister 
of Simpkins. A tussle ensued during which Simpkins was stabbed 
with a knife, and from the effects of the wound he shortly after- 
ward died. Haskins was arrested, and April 10, 1877, he was in- 
dicted for murder; but the trial resulted in his conviction for man- 
slaughter, and Oct. 19, following, he was sentenced to two years, 
imprisonment at hard labor. He was only nineteen years of age 
and Simpkins seventeen. 

Henry A. Fowler. 

This rulBan and a Mr. Hamilton were attending a dance near 
Nebo in the spring of 1878, where they drank and quarreled until 
Fowler cut Hamilton across the arm with a knife, and the latter 
bled to death. Fowler was arrested and April 6, 1878, was indicted 
for murder. Before his trial he escaped from jail, but voluntarily 
returned and delivered himself up. The trial resulted in his con- 
viction and sentence to confinement in the State prison for two 
years. 

Thomas McDonald. 

James A. Brown was murdered near his own door in Montezuma 
March 11, 1878, shortly before daylight. Jan. 25 preceding he had 
been waylaid, drugged and robbed by two men in a small wood 
near his home, and lay exposed all night in a stupid condition until 
found the next morning, and was restored to consciousness with 
much difficulty. Thomas McDonald was afterward arrested and 
identified as one of those two men: the other culprit remained at 
large. Mr. Brown and his friends had feared that an effort would 
be made to prevent him (Brown) from appearing at a certain trial, 
and the tragedy just mentioned showed how well grounded their 
fears had been. For several nights preceding the murder noises 
had been heard in the vicinity of the residence of Brown, and he 
went armed. About 4 o'clock that morning (Monday) he stepped 
from his house to an out-house a few yards distant, taking his rifle 
with him. On his return a few minutes later, and when within 
two or three paces of the door, he was shot, the ball entering the 
back of the head and coming out toward the front. Hearing the 
report the family rushed out to find the victim lying where he fell, 
and in a few moments he ceased to live. Excitement became so in- 
tense that the Sheriff' had to obtain assistance from the State Gov- 
ernment to aid in keeping the peace. The excitement was greatly 
intensified by a report that the SheriflT intended to remove the pris- 
oner from the Pike county jail to another county. McDonald was 
tried and found innocent. A full account of his case is given in 
the history of Pittsfield. 



340 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Colonel Williams. 

A number of people gathered at tlie house of Monte Gant about 
ten miles south of Pittstield, on Christmas eve, to liave a dance, 
and wero enjoying themselves in the usual way, when some of the 
boys asked Andrew Main (commonly denominated "Coon Main ") 
to call oti' a set. Main refusing, they said they could get along 
well enough without him. lie thougiit this a good time as any to 
whip some of the boys, and, the quarrel continuinir for some time, 
he commenced striking them. Main struck Williams, knocking 
him down. Williams then commenced stabbing at Main with his 
pocket knife. Main got hold of a long iron poker and commenced 
striking at Williams. About this time the landlord interfered and 
turned them from the house, when the latter and his brother Col- 
onel immediately left and were followed by Main and two or three 
others. Then Colonel Williams shot Main with a revolver, and he 
and his brother immediately ran awa)', no eftort being made at the 
time to arrest them. The wounded man thtn retured to the house, 
lay down on a bed, saying that Colonel Williams had shot him, 
and died about five hours afterward. Williams has been arrested, 
and is now in the Pittsfield jail awaiting trial. 

Boyles, 

a lad seventeen years of age, is also in jail for helping his brother 
to escape who had killed a companion with a pocket knife. 



CHAPTER Xll. 
PIONEER LIFE. 

LOG CABINS. 

We shall, in this chapter, give as clear and exact a description of 
pioneer life in this county as we can find language to picture it in, 
commencing with the time the sturdy settlers first arrived with 
their scanty stores. They had migrated from older States, where 
the prospects for even a competency were very poor, many of them 
coming from Kentucky, for, it is snpposed, they found that a good 
State to emigrate from. Their entire stock of furniture, imple- 
ments and family necessities were easily stored in one wagon, and 
sometimes a cart was their only vehicle. 

As the first thing after they arrived and found a suitable loca- 
tion, they would set about the building of a log cabin, a description 
of which may be interesting to the j^ounger readers, and especially 
their descendants, who may never see a structure of tlie kind. 
Trees of uniform size were selected and cut into pieces of the de- 
sired length, each end being saddled and notched so as to bring the 
logs as near together as possible. The cracks were " chinked and 
daubed" to prevent the wind from whistling through. This had 
to be renewed every fall before cold weather set in. The usual 
height was one story of about seven or eight feet. The gables were 
made of logs graduilly shortened up to the top. The roof was made 
by laying small logs or stout poles reaching from gable to gable, 
suitable distances apart, on which were laid the clapboards after the 
manner of shingling, showing two feet or more to the weather. 
The clapboards were fastened by laying across them heavy poles, 
called " weight poles," reaching from one gable to the other, being 
kept apart and in their place by laying pieces of timber between 
them called "runs," or "knees." A wide chimney place was cut 
out of one end of the cabin, the chimney standing entirely outside, 
and built of rived sticks, laid up cob-house fashion and filled with 
clay, or built of stone, often nsing two or three cords of stone in 
building one chimney. For a window, a piece about two feet long 
was cut out of one of the wall logs, and the hole closed, sometimes 
with glass, but oftener with greased paper pasted over it. A door- 



342 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

way was also cut tlirongb one of the walls, and the door was made 
of spliced clapboards and hun<r with wooden hinges. This was 
opened by pulling a leather latch-string which raised a wooden 
latch inside the door. For security at night this latch-string was 
pulled in, but for friends and neighbors, and even strangers, the 
" latch- string was always hanging out," as a welcome. In the inte- 
rior, upon one side, was the huge fire-place, large enough to contain 
a back-log as big as the strongest man could carry, and hold- 
ing enough wood to supply an ordinary stove a week ; on either 
side were poles and kettles, and over all a mantel on which was 
placed the tallow dip. In one corner stood the hirger bed for the 
old folks, under this the trundle-bed for the children ; in another 
corner stood the old-fashioned, large spinning-wheel, with a smaller 
one by its side ; in another the pine table, around which the family 
gathered to ]iartake of their plain food ; over the door hung the 
ever-trustful rifle and powder-horn ; while around the room were scat- 
tered a few splint-bottomed chairs and three-legged stools ; in one 
corner was a rude cupboard holding the tableware, which consisted 
of a few cups and saucers and blue-edged plates, standing singly 
on their edges against the back, to make the display of table furni- 
ture more conspicuous. 

These simple cabins were inhabited by a kind and true-hearted 
people. They were strangers to mock modesty, and the traveler, 
seeking lodgings for the night or desirous of spending a few days 
in the community, if willing to accept the rude offering, was always 
welcome, although how they were disposed of at night the reader 
may not easily imagine ; for, as described, a single room was made 
to serve the purpose of kitchen, dining-room, sitting-room, bed- 
room, and parlor, and many families consisted of six or eight mem- 
bers. 

SELECTION OF HOMES. 

For a great many years but few thought it advisable to attempt 
farming on the prairie. To many of them the cultivation of the 
prairies was an untried experiment, and it was the prevaling 
opinion that the timber would soon become very scarce, — a fear 
soon proven to be without foundation. Another obstacle that was 
in the way for a great many years, was that no plows suitable for 
breaking the prairie land couid be had. The sod was very much 
tougher then than it was in after years when the stock had pastured 
the prairies and killed out the grass to some extent. It would be 
astonishing to the younger residents to see the immense crops of 
prairie grass that grew upon the fields which are to-day in such a 
high state of cultivation. It grew in places six to twelve feet high. 
It was these immense crops of grass that furnished the fuel for the 
terrible fires that swept over the prairies during the fall. Then, 
again, there was so much of tiie prairie land that was considered 
too wet to be ever suita"ble for cultivation. Many of the older set- 
tlers now living well remember when farms that are now in the 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 343 

highest state of cultivation were a vast swamp. There was another 
drawback in the settlement of the prairies, and that was the great 
labor and cost of fencing. Bnt the principal reason for locating in 
the timber was that many of their cabins were poor, half-finished 
affairs, and protection from the driving storms was absolutely re- 
quired. The timber also sheltered stock until such times as sheds 
and out-buildings could be erected. That the time should soon 
come when intelligent, enterprising farmers would see that their 
interest lay in improving prairie farms, and cease clearing fields, 
when there were boundless acres presenting no obstacle to the most 
perfect cultivation, argues nothing in the policy of sheltering for a 
time in the woods. In regard to the pioneers settling along the 
timber, we often hear remarks made as thouo^h the selection of such 
locations implied a lack of judgment. Those who are disposed to 
treat it in that manner are asked to consider carefully the above 
facts, when they will conclude such selection argued in their favor. 
Clearing of timber laud was attended with much hard labor. The 
underbrush was grubbed up, piled into heaps and burned. The large 
trees were in many cases left standing, and deadened by girdling. 
This was done by cutting through the bark into the wood, generally 
through the " sap," all around the trunk. 

MILLING. 

Not the least of the hardships of the pioneers was the procuring 
of bread. The first settlers must be supplied at least one year from 
other sources than their own lands. But the first crops, however 
abundant, gave only partial relief, there being no mills to grind the 
grain. Hence the necessity of grinding by hand power, and many 
families were poorly provided with means for doing this. Another 
way was to grate the corn. A grater was made fron\ a piece of tin, 
sometimes taken from an old, worn-out tin bucket or other vessel. 
It was thickly perforated, bent into a semi-circular form, and nailed, 
rough side upward, on a board. The corn was taken in the ear, 
and grated before it got dry and hard. Corn, however, was eaten 
in various ways. 

Soon after the country became more generally settled, enterpris- 
ing men were readv to embark in the milling business. Sites alono^ 
the streams were selected for water-power. A person looking tor a 
mill-site would follow up and down the stream for a desired loca- 
tion, and when found lie would go before the County Commis- 
sioners and secure a writ of ad quod damnum. This would enable 
the miller to have the adjoining land officially examined, and the 
amount of damage by making a dam was named. Mills being such 
a great public necessity, they were permitted to be located upon any 
person's land where the miller thought the site desirable. 

The Hominy Block. — Before giving the particulars of the anec- 
dote about to be related it would be well to describe the hominy 
block, for there are thousands in this county, doubtless, especially 
of the rising generation, who have never so much as heard of the 



344 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

iioiuiiiy block. It consisted of a hole bored or burned in the end 
of a log or stump, basin form, in which the corn was placed and 
then pounded with an iron wedge, block of wood or a rolling pin. 
Sometimes the pounding a])paratus consisted of a long, heavy block 
of wood attached to a s])ring-pole above, which lessened the labor of 
preparing a meal. The one we have in question consisted of a 
burned-out place in the top of a stump, a lieavy block or pole at- 
tached to a transverse spring-pole, but was run by water ])ower 
instead of the common way. This hominy block was made and 
owned by Aniasa Shinn, who resided in or near Kinderhook town- 
ship. Mr. Shinn would fill the block with corn at night, set it in 
motion, and by morning it would be pulverized and ready to be 
made into bread for breakfast. There came a time, however, when 
Mr. Shinn and family preferred to fast, for at least one meal. 
Squirrels were quite numerous in those days — far more than they 
are at present — and one evening after Mr. Shinn had set his mill in 
motion as usual, a sqnirred hopped upon the edge of the block and 
began wistfully to scrutinize the corn below. Finally he concluded 
to have some; and while the hammer was up, jumped into the 
block and began helping himself, Nvhen the huge pounder alighted 
upon him. During the remainder of the night the pounder kept 
regularly descending into the block, tlioroughly mashing and mix- 
ing the squirrel and the corn. When Mr. Shinn came down the 
next morning for his meal he found a conglomerate of squirrel and 
meal. 

Many interesting and ludicrous incidents are related in reference 
to going to mill, waiting for grists, etc., many of which are 
greatly overdrawn. Harrison Henry, now deceased, often related 
an incident that, although untrue, was commendable for its witticism 
and application to the mills of ])ioneer days. He would tell the 
story of himself in the followino^ lano^uaoce: "I went to Mr. Ever- 
itt's mill (an overshot water-mill) one day, and remained until 
night for my turn. When my turn came Mr. Everitt filled 
the hopper with corn, and taking me with him to the house, retired 
for the night, leaving the mill to do the work alone. During the 
night I was awakened by the barking of Mr. Everitt's dog. This 
annoyed me not a little, but I finally fell asleep again. In the early 
morning when I awoke, I heard the almost steady barking of the 
dog, and went down to the mill to learn what it was barking at. On 
arriving there I found that the dog had eaten all the meal and was 
barking for more! He would wait until a little meal would come 
down, when he would ravenously lick it up, and then look up the 
spout and bark for more!" Mr. Henry would continue: "I don't 
tell this incident to injure the mill, for it was a very good and faith- 
ful mill; it grinds away faithfully on one grain until it finishes it, 
and then jumps right on to another." 

NATIVE ANIMALS. 

Tiie wild animals infesting this county at the time of its settle- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTV. 34-5 

ment were the deer, wolf, bear, wild-cat, fox, otter, raccoon, wood- 
chuck or ground-dog, skunk, mink, weasel, muskrat, opossum, rab- 
bit and squirrel; and the principal feathered game were the quail, 
prairie-chicken, and wild turkej. Several of these animals furnished 
meat for the early settlers; but their principal meat did not consist 
long of game. Pork and poultr}- were soon raised in abundance. 
The wolf was the most troublesome animal, it being the common 
enemy of the sheep. It was quite difficult to protect the sheep from 
their ravages. Sometimes pigs and calves were also victims of the 
wolf. Their bowlings in the night would often keep families awake, 
and set all the dogs in the neighborhood to barking. Their yells 
were often terrific. Says one settler: " Suppose six boys, having 
six dogs tied, whipped them all at the same time, and you would 
hear such music as two wolves would make." To effect the destruc- 
tion of these animals the county authorities offered a bounty for 
their scalps; and, besides, big hunts were inagurated for their des- 
truction, and " wolf hunts " are prominent among the memories of 
the early settlers. Such events were generally turned into a holi- 
day, and everybody that could ride a nag or stand the tramp on foot 
joined in the deadly pursuit. A large circuit was generally made 
by the hunters, who then closed on every side, driving the hungry 
wolves into the center of the corral, where they were despatched. 
The return home with the carcasses was the signal for a general turn- 
out, and these '• pleasure parties " are still referred to by old citizens 
as among the pleasantest memories of early life in Pike county. 
Many a hungry wolf has been run down on the prairies where now 
is located a town or a fine farm residence. This rare old pastime, 
like much of the early hunting and fishing the pioneers indulged in 
here, departed at the appearance of the locomotive. 

BEE-HUNTING. 

Duriiig the early settlement of this part of the State, one of the 
prevailing customs of the poineers was "bee-hunting." Often a 
small company would travel many miles into a wild, unsettled 
country, in search of the sweet, flavored honey of the wild bee. 
Large trees containing manj^ gallons, and often a barrel, were fre- 
quently found by bee-hunters. The little, bus}'- bees would be 
carefully watched as they flew heavily laden with the richest extract 
of the flowers that were purely native and unknown to the present 
generation. They always took a "bee-line" for their homes. This 
was a correct guide to the sturdy hunter, who had studied with care 
the ways of the bee and by their knowledge took advantage of the 
little insect. Once on the trail, good bee-hunters were almost cer- 
tain to capture the'^rich prize. After the bee-tree was discovered it 
was no trouble to get possessionof the honey. The tree was felled, 
and the hunters would rush for their booty ere it was lost by run- 
ning out upon the ground. 



346 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 

MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 

The pioneer was more freely and lieartilj social witli his friends, 
and coUl toward his enemies, than we seem to be at the present 
day; and he showed what race he belonged to by his efforts to 
establish relii^jiojis, philanthn)]iic and educationsil institutions. The 
young folks, we have no doubt, found many ways of robbing old 
Time of loneliness. It would be unfair to suppose them, especi- 
ally the ladies, destitute of fashional)le aspirations, but the means 
for gaud}' disj^lay were very much circumscribed in those days. 
The male attire consisted chiefly of buckskin, or homespun 
cloth, — we might add home-woven, the loom being far more com- 
mon in or near theii' rude huts than the piano or organ. They 
were not, however, destitute of musical taste, and many of their 
vocal, performances would compare favorably with our present 
choirs. We may safely say they sang with the S])irit. Most of 
the ladies, also, wore homespun, which they manufactured from 
wool, flax, cotton, and the bark or lint of the nettle, colored with 
such ingredients as nature provided, without the aid of art. A few 
even adopted buckskin. How many j'ards of the latter article 
were required for a fashionable dress in those times, or in what 
particular style it was cut and trimmed, we are not informed, and 
must leave the ladies to draw their own conclusions. These dresses 
certainly were durable, and shielded the wearer in out-door exer- 
cises incident to the planting, attending and gathering of croj S; in 
which pursuit the ladies in all new countries assist. 

Another of the prevailing fashions was of that of carrying fire- 
arms, made necessary by the presence of roving bands of Indians, 
most of whom were ostensibly friendly, but like Indians in all 
times, treacherous and unreliable. These tribes were principally 
Pottawatomies. There were also in the northern part of the State 
several tribes of hostile Indians, ready at any time to make a mnr- 
derous, thieving raid upon the wiiite settlers; and an Indian war 
at any time was an accepted probability; and these old settlers 
to-day have vivid recollections of the Black Hawk and other Indian 
wars. And, while target practice was mnch indulged in as an 
amusement, it was also necessary for a proper self-defense, the 
settlers finding it necessary at times to carry their guns with them 
when they went to hoe their corn. In some instances their guns 
were stacked in the field and the laborers worked for a certain dis- 
tance aronnd them, and then moved the guns to a certain position 
and again proceeded with their work. 

These were only a few of the hardships incident to pioneer life^ 
which was largely made up of privations, inconveniences and dan- 
gers. They had few labor-saving machines and no reliable markets. 
Even communication by letter with their distant friends and rela- 
tives was rendered difficult for want of proper mail facilities, and 
sometimes for the want of money to pay the postage on the letters 
sent to them, — the postage then being twenty-five cents for a single 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. . 347 

letter, many of which remained in the office for weeks on account 
of tlie inability of the persons addressed to pay the postage. 

MARKETS. 

The earliest settlers of the county went to St. Louis with what 
little produce they had to sell, and the merchants bought all their 
goods in that city. Soon, however, Louisiana became a market, 
and produce was wagoned to that city and from there sent south 
on the river. There was at that time no sale for corn, or com- 
paratively none, and wheat would bring but a small price; so that 
really there was no impetus given to the raising of 2:rain of any 
sort, except for home consumption, until the advent of the railroad. 
At that time improvement began. The great resources of the 
county which had scarcely supplied more than home demand were 
then' turned to supply the wants of thousands. That occasion, the 
advent of railroads, was the commencement of agricultural develop- 
ment. It was the commencement of the manufacturing institu- 
tions the county can now boast of; it was the building of her thriv- 
ing cities and towns; indeed it was the beginning of progress. 

One of the earliest steam-boats in the Illinois river trade was the 
steamer " Exchange," which plied between St. Louis and Peoria. 
She was familiarly known as "the Shingle Weaver," so called from 
the fact of her carrying upon her hurricane deck a machine for cut- 
ting shingles, which was operated by the machinery of the boat, 
cutting whenever the boat was in motion. Shingle timber would 
be obtained at the wood-3'ards along the river, and market found 
for the manufactured goods at St. Louis. This boat was an especial 
favorite with the people of this county, many of whpm would, 
when desiring to take a trip by the river, wait for her coming, and 
most of the early stocks of goods for the eastern part of the couutv 
were shipped on her; she also carried most of the county's "bees- 
wax " and other products to their market. 

"When the first settlers came to the wilderness" saj^s an old set- 
tler, " they all supposed that their hard struggle would be prin- 
cipally over after the first year; but alas! we looked for 'easier 
times next year ' for about ten years, and learned to bear hardships, 
privation and hard living as good soldiers do. As the facilities for 
making money were not great, we lived pretty well satisfied in an 
atmosphere of good, social, friendly feeling, and thought ourselves 
as good as those we left behind when we emigrated West." 

CHILLS AND FEVER. 

One of the greatest obstacles to the early settlement and prosper- 
ity of this county was the "chills and fever," or " ague," or " Illinois 
shakes," as it was variously styled. This disease was a terror to 
new comers. In the fall of the year everybody was afflicted with 
it. It was no respecter of persons; everybody shook with it, and 
it was in every person's system. They all looked pale and yellow as 



348 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

though they were frostbitten. It was not contai^ious, but was a 
kind of miasma floatin<^ Mi'ound in the atmosphere and absorbed 
into the system. It continued to l)e absorbed from day to da}', and 
week to week, until the whole bod\' corporate became charged with 
it as with electricity, and then the shock came; and the shock was 
a regular shake, with a tixed beginning and an ending, coming on 
each day, or each alternate day, with a regularity that was surpris- 
ing. After the shake came the fever, and this "last estate was 
worse than the tirst. " It was a l)urning, hot fever and lasted for 
hours. When you had the chill you couldn't get warm, and when 
you had the fever you couldn't get cool. It was exceedingly 
awkward in this respect; indeed it was. Nor would it stop for any 
sort of contingenc3\ ]Not even a wedding in the family would 
stop it. It was imperative and tyrannical. When the appointed 
time came around everything else had to be stopped to attend 
to its demands. It didn't even have any Sunday or holidays. 
After the fever went down you still didn't feel much better. You 
felt as though vou had gone through some sort of collision and 
came out not killed but badly demoralized. You felt weak, as 
though you had run too far after something, and then didn't 
catch it. You felt languid, stupid and sore, and was down in 
the mouth and heel and partially raveled out, so to speak. Your 
back was out of fix and your appetite was in a worse condition 
than your back. Your head ached and your eyes had more white 
in them than usual, and altogether you felt poor, disconso- 
late and sad. You didn't think much of yourself, and didn't 
believe other people did either, and you didn't care. You 
didn't think ranch of suicide, but at the same time you almost made 
up your mind that under- certain circumstances it was justifiable. 
You imagined that even the dogs looked at you with a kind of self- 
complacency. You thought the sun had a kind of sickly shine 
about it. About this time you came to the conclusion that you 
would not accept the whole State of Illinois as a gift, and if you 
had the strength and means, you picked up Hannah and the baby 
and your traps, and went back " yander " to Injianny, Ohio, or old 
Kaintuck. 

" And to-day the swallows flitting 
Round my cabin see me sitting 
Moodily within the sunshine, 

Just inside my silent door, 
Waiting for the ' ager,' seeming 
Like a man forever dreaming; • 

And the sunlight on me streaming 

Throws no shadow on the floor; 
For I am too thin and sallow 

To make shadows on the floor — 

Nary shadow any more ! " 

Tiie above is no picture of the imagination. It is simply re- 
counting what occurred in hundreds of instances. Whole families 
would sometimes be sick at one time, and not one member scarcely 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 349- 

able to wait upon another. One widow ladj on the Illinois river 
informs us that she lost nine children from this dreaded disease! 

COOKING. 

To witness'the various processes of cooking in those days would 
alike surprise and amuse those who have grown up since cooking 
stoves and ranges came into use. Kettles were hung over the large 
fire, suspended on trammels which were held by strong poles. The 
long-handled frying-pan was used for cooking meat, "it was held 
on the tire by hand ; or, to save time, the handle was laid across 
the back of a chair. This pan was also used for baking short-cake. 
A better article was a cast-iron spider, w4iich "was set upon coals on 
the hearth. But the best thing for baking bread was the flat-bot- 
tomed bake-kettle, of greater depth, with closely fitting cast-iron 
cover, and commonly known as the "Dutch oven." With coals 
over and under it bread and buscuit would quickly and nicely bake. 
Turkeys and spare-ribs were sometimes roasted before the fire, sus- 
pended by a string, a dish being placed underneath to catch the 
drippings. 

IMPLEMENTS. 

The agricultural impleinents used by the first farmers here would 
in this age of improvement be great curiosities. The plow used 
was called the bar-share plow. The iron point consisted of a bar of 
iron about two feet long, and a broad share of iron welded to it. 
At the extreme point was a coulter that passed through a beam six 
or seven feet long, to which were attached handles of corresponding 
length. The mold-board was a wooden one split out of winding 
timber, or hewed into a winding shape in order to turn the soil 
over. Sown seed was brushed in by drao^^ino' over the srround a 
sapling with a bushy top. In harvesting the change is most strik- 
ing. Instead of the reapers and mowers of to-day, the sickle and 
cradle were used. The grain was threshed with a flail, or trodden 
out by horses or oxen. 



women's woek. 



The men were not called upon to endure alone all the hardships 
and labor of frontier life. Tlie women also had their physical labor 
to perform, and mucii of it was quite arduous. Spinning was one 
of the common household duties. This exercise is one which few 
of the present generation of girls have ever enjoyed. The wheel 
used for spinning flax was called the " little wheel," to distinguish 
it fi'om the " big wheel," used for spinning yarn. These stringed 
instruments furnished the principal music of the family, and were 
operated by our mothers and grandmothers with great skill, attained 
without pecuniary expense and with far less practice than is neces- 
sary for the girls of our period to acquire a skillful use of their 
costly and eles^ant instruments. 



350 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

The loom was not less necessary than the wheel. Not every 
house, however, in which spinning was done had a loom; but there 
were always some in each settlement who, besides doing their own 
weaving, did some for others. Settlers, having succeeded in spite 
of the wolves in raising sheep, commenced the manufacture of 
woolen cloth; wool was carded and made into rolls by hand-cards, 
and the rolls were spun on the " big wheel." We occasionally find 
now, in the houses of the old settlers, one of these big wheels, some- 
times used for spinning and twisting stocking yarn. They are 
turned with the hand, and with such velocity that it will run itself 
while the nimble worker, by her l)ack\vard step, draws out and 
twists her thread nearly the whole length of the cabin. A common 
article woven on the loom was linsey, also called linsey-woolsey, the 
chain being linen and the filling woolen. This cloth was used for 
dresses for the girls and mothers. Nearly all the clothes worn by 
the men were also home-made. Rarely was a fiirmer or his son 
seen in a coat made of any other. If, occasional!}", a young man 
appeared in a suit of "boughten " clothes, he was suspected of hav- 
ing gotten it for a particular occasion, which occurs in the life of 
nearly every man. 

Not until the settlers had supplied themselves with the more use- 
ful articles of clothing and with edibles of various kinds, did wheat 
bread become a common article of food. It is true they had it 
earlier, but this was only served on extra occasions, as when visitors 
came, or on Sundays; and with this luxury they would have a lit- 
tle " store coftee." " The little brown jug " found a place in almost 
every home, and was often brought into use. No caller was per- 
mitted to leave the house without an invitation to partake of its 
contents. 

PLEASURES OF PIONEER LIFE. 

The history of pioneer life generally presents the dark side of the 
picture; but the toils and privations of the early settlers were not a 
series of unmitigated sufferings. No; for while the fathers and 
mothers toiled liard, the}" were not averse to a little relaxation, and 
had their seasons of fun and enjojMuent. They contrived to do 
something to break the monotony of their daily life and furnish 
them a good, hearty laugh. Among the more general forms of 
amusement were the " qnilting-bee," "corn-husking," "apple-par- 
ing," " log-rolling " and "house-raising." Cur 3'oung readers will 
doubtless be interested in a description of these forms of amuse- 
ment, when labor was made to afford fun and enjoyment to all ]iar- 
ticipating. The " quilting-bee," as its name implies, was when the 
industrious qualities of the busy, little insect that "improves each 
shining hour " were exemplified in the manufacture of quilts for 
the household. In the afternoon ladies for miles around gathered 
at an appointed place, and while their tongues would not cease to 
play, their hands were as busily engaged in making the quilt; and 
desire was always manifested to get it out as quickly as possible, 



- in? 





'l^K-vX^ 




GRIG6SVILLE 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 353 

for then the fun would bef^in. In the evening the gentlemen came, 
and the hours would then pass swiftly by in playing games or danc- 
ing. " Oorn-huskings " were wlien both sexes united in the work. 
They usually assembled in a large barn, which was arranged for the 
occasion; and when each gentleman had selected a lady partner the 
husking began. When a lady found a red ear she was entitled to 
a kiss from every gentleman present; when a gentleman found one 
he was allowed to kiss every lady present. After the corn was all 
husked a good supper was served; then the "old folks" would 
leave, and the remainder of the evening was spent in the dance and 
in having a general good time. The recreation afforded to the 
young people on the annual recurrence of these festive occasions 
was as highly enjo3'ed, and quite as innocent, as the amusements of 
the present boasted age of retinement and culture. 

FURNITURE OF THE PIONEER CABINS. 

The furniture of the cabin was as primitive as the occupants. In 
one corner — perhaps in two or three corners — were the bedsteads. 
These were your genuine "cottage bedsteads," made by boring one 
hole, say four feet from one corner of the cabin, into a " house-log," 
another hole, say six feet from the same corner, on another side; 
opposite these holes was set an upright post, usually a section from 
the body of a peeled sapling; in this post two holes would be bored 
at any desired height, a?id at right angles with each other; poles 
were inserted in these holes, making in this manner a square frame; 
over this frame was laid a covering of clapboards, or, as some de- 
nominated them, " shakes," and on top of this platform the bed 
was spread. The chairs were not exactly chairs, but three-legged 
stools or puncheon benches. The cupboard was literally a cup- 
board, being a puncheon supported by pins driven into holes in the 
house logs at some convenient corner. The boxes which had held 
the family dry goods while en route to the new country generally 
furnished the table, and a trough or troughs the meat and soap bar- 
rels. Hollow logs sawed into sections and provided with a pun- 
cheon bottom furnished a receptacle for meal, potatoes, beaiis, wheat, 
"and sich like truck " — to use the pioneer vernacular. The table 
was bounteously supplied with "samp," "lye hominy," "corn 
pone," honey, venison, pork, stewed pumpkin, wild turkey, prairie 
chicken and other game. Wheat bread, tea, coifee, and fruit — ex- 
cept wild fruit — were luxuries not to be indulged in except on 
special occasions, as a wedding or gala day. " Samp " was quite a 
frequent dish. It was made by burning a hole into some conven- 
ient stump in the shape of a mortar; this hole was filled with corn 
and pounded by a large pestle hung like the old-fashioned well-sweep 
pendent from a long pole, which was nearly balanced on an upright 
fork. This pole had a weight attached to one end and the pestle 
to the other; the weight would lift the pestle, while manual force 
was expected to bring it down. When the " samp " was pounded 
sufficiently, it was washed and boiled like rice. 



22 



354 HISTORY OF 1*1 KE COUNTY. 

The traveler always found a welcome at the pioneer's cabin. It 
was never full; although there niii^ht alreach- be a guest for every 
puncheon, there was still "room for one more," and a wider circle 
would be made for the new-comer at the log fire. If the stranger 
was in search of hind, he was doubly welcome, and his host would 
volunteer to show him all the "first-rate claims in this neck of 
woods," going with him for days, showing the corners and advan- 
tages of every " Congress tract" within a dozen miles from his own 
cabin. 

To his neighbors the pioneer was equally liberal. If a deer was 
killed, the choicest bits were sent to his nearest neighbor, a half- 
dozen miles away, perhaps. When a " shoat " was butchered, the 
same custom prevailed. If a new-comer came in too late for 
" cropping," the neighbors would supply his table with just the 
same luxuries they themselves enjoyed, and in as liberal quantity, 
until a crop could be raised. When a new-comer had located his 
claim, the neighbors for miles around would assemble at tlie site of 
the new-comer's proposed cabin and aid him in "gittin" it up. 
One party with axes would fell and hew the logs; another with 
teams would haul the logs to the ground ; another party would " raise 
the cabin"; while several of the old men would "rive the clap- 
boards" for the roof. B}- night the cabin would be up and ready 
for occupying, and by the next day the new-comer was in all re- 
spects as well situated as his neighbors. 

Saturday was a regular holiday, in which work was ignored and 
everybody went to town or to some place of general resort. When 
all were together in town, sport began. Of course whisky circula- 
ted freely and everybody indulged to a greater or less extent. 
Quarrels were now settled by hand tp-hand encounters; wrestling- 
matches came off or were arranged for the future; jumping, foot- 
racing, and horse-racing filled up the interval of time; and every- 
body' enjoyed the rough sport with a zest unknown among the 
more refined denizens of the present day. 




CHAPTER XIII. 

OLD settlers' association. 

It is not strange that among tlie pioneer settlers of any new conn- 
try a deep-seated and sincere friendship should spring up that 
would grow and strengthen with their years. The incidents pecu- 
liar to life in a new country, — the trials and hardships, privations 
and destitution, — are well calculated to test not only the pliysical 
powers of endurance, but the mora!, kindly, generous attributes of 
manhood and womanhood. Then are the times that try men's 
souls, and bring to the surface all that may be in them whether 
good or bad. As a rule there is an equality of conditions that rec- 
ognizes no distinctions. All occupy a common level, and as a 
natural consequence a strong brotherly and sisterly feeling rise up 
that is as lasting as time. For "a fellow feeling makes us won- 
drous k^nd." With such a community there is a hospitality, a 
kindness, a benevolence, a charity unknown and unpracticed among 
the older, richer and more densely commonwealths. The very 
nature of the surroundings teaches them to feel each other's woe 
and share each other's joy. An injury or a wrong may be ignored, 
but a kindly, charitable act is never forgotten. Tiie memory of old 
associations are always fresh. Raven locks may bleach and whiten, 
full, round cheeks become sunken and hollow, the fires of intelli- 
gence vanish from the organs of vision, the brow become wrinkled 
with care and age and the erect form bowed with accumulating 
years, — but the true friends of "long ago" will be remembered as 
long as life and reason endure. 

The surroundings of pioneer life are well calculated to test the 
" true inwardness" of the human heart. As a rule the men and 
women who first settle in a new country, — who go in advance to 
spy out the land and prepare it for the coming people, — are bold, 
fearless, self-reliant and industrious. In these respects, no matter 
from what remote section or country they may come, there is a 
similarity of character. In birth, education, religion and language, 
there may be a vast difference, but imbued with a common pur- 
pose, — the founding and building of homes, — these differences are 
soon lost by association, and thus they become one people united 
by a common interest; and no matter what changes may come in 



356 HISTOKY OF riKK OOUNTY- 

after years the associations thus formed are never buried out of 
nietnory. 

Ill pioneer life are always incidents of peculiar interest, not only 
to the pioneers themselves, but which if properly preserved, would 
be of interest to posterity; and it is a matter of some regret that 
" The Old Settlers' Association " was not formed years before it 
was, and that more copious records were not kept. Such an asso- 
ciation with well kept records of the more important events, such 
as dates of arrivals, births, marriages, deaths, removals, nativities, 
etc., as any one can easily and readily see, would be the direct 
means of preserving to the literature of the country the history of 
every community, that to future generations would be valuable as 
a record of reference, and a ready and sure method of settling 
important questions of controversy. Such records would possess 
facts and tigures that could not be had from any other source. 
Aside from this historic importance such associations serve as a 
means of keeping alive and further cementing old friendships and 
renewing among its members associations that were necessarily 
interrupted by the innovation of increasing population, cultivating 
social intercourse and creating a charitable fund for such of their 
old members as were victims of misfortune and adversity. 

The subject of organizing an old settlers' society was brought up 
in the summer of 1S69. In the Pike County Democrat oi S\\\j 
29, that year, the following significant passage occurs: " The time 
will come when the history of this county will be written. For 
that history, the meeting of such society will furnish the best ma- 
terial, and the parties now living attest the facts that will form a 
large portion of it." There was nothing deiinitely done toward 
the organization of this society until the summer of 1872, when 
some of the leading old settlers interested themselves in it. The 
first meeting was held on what is called Blue creek, Aug. 21, 1872. 
The meeting was called to order by Wm. Turnbull, of Flint, on 
whose motion Capt. B. F. Westlake was appointed temporary Chair- 
man. Upon taking the chair Capt. Westlake jitated in brief the 
object of the meeting, and for the ]>urpose of effecting on organiza- 
tion he suggested the propriety of appointing acommitfee on perma- 
nent organization to report to the meeting at 1 o'clock, p. m. This 
committee consisted of Col. A. C.Matthews, Jas. H. Dimmittand 
Wm. Turnbull. The meeting was then addressed by Ilev. Mr. Mc- 
Coy, after which an adjournmemt was had until 1 o'clock,?. m. After 
the dinner was dispatched the people were called together by the 
choir, discoursing most pleasant music. After singing the commit- 
tee on permanent organization reported the following named per- 
sons as officers of the "Old Settlers' Association of Pike and Calhoun 
Comities, 111." 

For President, Col. Wm. Ross, Newburg; 1st Vice President, 
Col. Benj. Barney, Pleasant Yale; 2d Vice President, Daniel B. 
Bush, Pi'ttsfield ; 3d Vice President, Capt. B. F. Westlake, Newburg; 
Irtli Vice President, Capt. Benj. L. Matthews, Perry; 5th Vice 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 357 

President, Jos. Brown, Charabersbiirof; 6tli Vice President, John 
Ljster, Detroit; 7th Yice President, jas. Grimes, Milton; 8th Vice 
President, A-bel Shelley, Gria^^sville; 9th Yice President, Perry 
Wells, Atlas; 10th Vice President, Sam'l G. Sitton. Hardin; 11th 
Vice President, Wm. Gramtnar, Hadley; 12tli Vice President, 
Mont<^omery Blair, Barry; 13th Vice President, John Brittain, 
Marti nsbur^j;; 11th Vice President, Thos H. Dinimitt, Gi;i^gsville. 
Secretary, Marcellns Ross, INewburg; 1st Assistant Secretary, Dr. 
E. M. Seelev, Pittsfield; 2d Assistant Secretary Wm. Turnbnll, 
Flint. 

Col. Barney presided at this meeting, Col. Ross being absent on 
account of sickness. A communication was however read from the 
President, Rev. W. D. Trotter, one of the pioneer preachers of the 
county, spoke for about an hour, reviewing the early life of the 
pioneers. Hon. William A, Grimshaw delivered the address of the 
day. It was an ably prepared historical review of the county's his- 
tory. Indeed, so replete is it with interesting facts of pioneer 
times that we give the entire address in this connection: 

ADDRESS OF HON. WILLIAM A. GRIMSHAW. 

Mr. President^ Ladies and Geiitlemen : — Selected by your 
committee of arrangements to bid you welcome here to-day, I do 
so most cordially, as an old settler myself, of, saj', the second period 
of Pike county, coming here in the year 1833 ; that being after the 
winter of the deep snow, which was our early noted period in the 
annals of this then wild, romantic, and beautiful country, sparsely 
settled and embraced in the bounds of Pike county. That snow 
with us, once, was the starting point of the date of current events, 
although our records of the courts of justice do not legally recog- 
nize that as a " day in law," yet we even in courts, in the simplicity 
of our early language, often heard events traced by that snow as 
the date point. 

In the early days we all enjoj'ed the largest constitutional liberty; 
we voted for him we liked best, as I, a Whig, did for "honest Joe 
Duncan," a Democrat, on a deep question in those days, the Illi- 
nois and Michigan Canal, " the deep cut ;" we also each worshipped 
God according to the dictates of our own conscience and under our 
vine and fig-tree. When Brother Trotter, who is now present, 
venerable with years and revered for piety, or old Father Woolf, 
now gathered to his fathers, blessed for his good deeds, came 
around to his appointment, all, of every religion and no one religion, 
turned out to meeting in the woods or the log school- house or at a 
settler's home. We had no fine churches in those days. Mormons 
puzzled the unwary by their startling pretense at new revelations. 
Or, if disappointed by the reo;ular minister, old Father Petty would 
recite, in prayer, Belteshazzar's feast, in trembling tones of piety. 

Our worthy and venerable President (elect but absent). Col. Wm. 
Ross, who has been often honored by the people of Pike Co. by their 



358 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

votes, electing him to liigli offices of puljlic trust, could tell jou 
much of the first period or earliest jears of the settlement of your 
county, as he arrived in the county in 1820 and settled at Atlas, 
which was the county-seat in its day, and was laid out by the Ross 
brothers. Atlas was yet the place at which the county records 
were kej)t in 1833, but in the spring of the year Pittstield was sur- 
veyed and laid off into lots and the sale thereof made at different 
periods, the first sale of lots being in that spring. A court-house 
was built in the summer of 1833 at Pittsfield ; from that event 
the greater prosjicrity of the county and an increase of population 
began. 

The terror infused into the public mind, beyond the settlements 
of Illinois, by tiie Black Hawk war, which had retarded emigration 
to our State, the Indians being removed to the West of the Missis- 
sippi, the tide of emigration began to set in, and you witness to- 
day, in the presence here of this assemblage, the vast change in a 
little over fifty years since the Yankees (who came before the clock- 
peddlers) set foot within the limits of Pike county, as it now exists. 
Clock peddlers were the only gentlemen in those days, as they rode 
in the only covered carriages. 

It is true, when you consider the rise and growth of Chicago in 
our own State, and of St. Louis in Missouri, rival cities, each of 
nearly four hundred thousand people, w^e don't seem to have much 
to brag of as to our growtli. Consider, however, that we are almost 
strictly an agricultural county, that being our chief and most profit- 
able pursuit, and then the greatest zealot for progress must admit 
that, from a beginning of a few families in 1821, we are now a 
county not to be sneezed at, and especially when our vote at the 
polls is counted. Excluding counties in which cities have arisen, 
we are most densely populated, more so than many in our beauti- 
ful Illinois, and yet we have broad acres of valuable lands in a state 
of nature. 

Once our prairies were the home of the bounding deer in vast 
herds, of the prarie wolf, the prairie fowl in great flocks, the tim- 
ber land abounded with the squirrel, the turke}' and the pigeon, 
and in the hollow trees we had the beautiful but noisy paroquet; 
as well as in their haunts numerous other birds and animals. These 
have in a great njeasure disappeared until game is a rarity. The 
wild fruits once abounding have been superseded b}' more luscious 
cultivated fruits. And yet, who of the old settlers does not remem- 
ber with a twinkle in his eye the old settlers' first substitute for an 
apple, a big turnip; and also find a good taste in the mouth when 
he thinks of those nice preserved plums, crai)-apples and ground 
cherries, and the j)umpkin pie, and the ])ork mince meat. We 
then think of the ])rairie and woodland each abounding in the sea- 
son in beautiful flowers, rivaling in their colors the rainbow. These 
were the holiday deliglits of dame and maiden, and the husband 
and lover were alike made glad in their contemplation. The retro- 
spect of nature has its beauties. The reality of the first settler's 



HISTORY OF PIKK COUNTY. 359 

life in a new country is often full of prose and but little poetry. 
Compare the simple and even poor furniture of our early homes 
with the elegant furniture now in use, and what a contrast! But 
with all the drawbacks of an early settler's life few repine at their 
lot in this beautiful land. None can who accept with reflection 
and thankfulness the many mercies which crown our lives. 

I am reminded by this retrospection, that yesterday, on return- 
ing home, I found a written, kind notitication from 3^our Com- 
mittee, in charge of the convening of this your first Old Settlers' 
meeting, that I was invited and expected to address you to-day. I 
then took my pen to endeavor to bridle my thoughts and to bid 
them serve the request of the Committee, that 1 should speak as 
to the "honesty, patience, industry, self-sacrifice and hospitality 
of the old settlers." 

Honesty was the rule, crime the exception, in early days. It 
would seem as if at the first mention of the honesty of the old set- 
tlers it was a sarcasm, on the idea of lawyers settling here, and as 
if I had some personal experience and revelation to make. Of 
course T know something and much of the facts, and will relate 
them. 

It was well known that because we had no locks we never locked 
our houses and out buildings; it was proverbial that the deer skin 
of the door latch was never pulled in, that is the latch string was 
out; then we had not much to tempt people to steal; so our things 
lay about loose; our plows with their wooden mold-boards hung 
on the fences with impunity; but at Christmas time, the plow or 
ox skull hung upon a tree by the way side, reminded the passer-by, 
on the three-year old, riding to see his girl, that a fool's head was 
too soft to butt either of those pendants in the tree. 

At an early day an old ax, worth fifty cents perhaps in these 
days being stolen, the vile thief was ordered to leave the settle- 
ment of Atlas, and did leave for his country's good. It was said 
that loud porcine cries were heard upon the "Sny Island " at times, 
because men would kill their neighbor's hogs : that was a trifiing 
affair and cost only the penalty of going halves with the nearest 
justice; thus dividing the meat — unless the head and ears were 
found and those bearing some man's recorded mark; then that was 
a case for the Grand Jury. Hog .stealing was said to be caused by 
drinking Sny water. 

We have told only of the style of dishonest tricks in those days. 
With more facts to bear us out, we can now affirm that the general 
reputation of our early settlers was remarkably good for honesty 
in general, but there was a slight propensity to "hook timber" to 
make rails and to use as house logs, and some fellows in the land, 
held, in fact it was " common law," that a '' bee tree " even in your 
pasture lot was lawful plunder. 

As to the patience of our people,. if that means bearing up with 
the courage of a true man and true woman under the perils to 
limb and property, the early settlers were exemplary for that; the 



360 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

trials of an early settler's life were legion. His resources, so far 
as supplies for his family, were small; his debts were a great vex- 
ation, and some, if not all, had these pests, until the lands were 
entered and paid for, the money often being loaned at interest as 
high as 75 per centum per annum. Then if you went to mill, you 
journeyed a score, aye, three-score miles; to meeting often as far, 
No bridges, and but few roads existed; the saddle, or the ox cart, 
or truck, wooden-wheeled wagon, and no line carriages, was the 
mode of travel. 

Corn dodger, without salt, and pork or side-meat,were great staples; 
vegetables and fruits, unless wild fruits, were rarely on the table, 
unless when company came to spend the afternoon, or to a quilt- 
ing, then the best the house or the neighborhood afforded was 
forthcoming for the visitor. The quilting parties were generally 
the resort of young and old. Marriages were rare in those days, 
because bachelors M^ere more plenty than belles. 

As to the industry of the old settlers, as a class, industry was to 
the extent of present ability, implements, health and condition, and 
was not surpassed by the toil of men of the ])resent day. The ma- 
tron and the few young ladies had much toil and vexation, and that 
was often more excessive on wash-day, because of having to pick up 
fuel as it could be gleaned, or carrying the clothes to and from 
the wash place, which was a branch or spring. The clothes-line 
was a grape vine or a fence, and the hogs and calves trespassed on 
that to " chaw the things," and to keep the "creeters" off, old 
boss and the old woman (not yet 25 years old) often had a hard 
fight lest the baby in the cradle sitting near the out-door fire should 
be " up sot." 

Self-sacrifice was one of the many and noblest virtues of the 
early settler; in times of sickness you were free to call up any 
neighbor for help, to sit up with the sick, to ride 25 or even more 
miles for the doctor, and that mostly, as our doctors said, in the 
dead of night, to the great horror of the doctor, who had to saddle 
up and travel, even in the dead of night, to the farthest limits of 
his own or to an adjoining county. 

Although the county of Pike was naturally healthy, the over 
toil, the privation, the imperfect protection from the inclemency of 
seasons, the water used from shallow water-holes, all these tended 
to multiply disease and death. This county was never, as a gen- 
eral thing, visited so much with sickness and death as other coun- 
ties in our State. 

In the early day no iron horse snorted and raced over our 
prairies. The steamer once perhaps in several weeks dragged itself 
along. Twelve days was a short time for a trip from New York 
here, and that mostly by stage. Our mails arrived once a week, 
and a letter cost us our " last quarter." News from Europe a 
month old was fresh. No troublesome quotations of daily markets 
puzzled or enlightened us. A counterfeit United States bill was 
almost legal tender. Hoop-poles, staves and cord wood were equal 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 361 

at a later day to gold. Store pay was better than any of the fore- 
going, but often lead to heavy mortgages and secret bills of sale. 
The laws were quickly enforced. Once a client of a celebrated 
lawyer was taken out of Court and the penalty of the law put on 
his back with stripes before the motion for a new trial was over; 
then the client protested against a new trial lest if convicted he 
would be a second time whipped. 

Now how changed is everything around us! In the early day 
there was more variety in dress, if less taste. All dressed in their 
best, and sometimes (if the ladies will pardon such an o'er true 
tale) a white satin bonnet, the worse for the wear, was seen over a 
blue " Dolly Yarden " ruffled cap. The most distinguished man 
at shows, for a number of 3'ears, was an old, gaunt, straight man, 
with a bell-crowned hat, in the height of the fashion when he was 
young, which was nearly twelve inches perpendicular; horses often 
carried double in those days, if girls were plenty, and about spark- 
ing and wedding time. Oh how sociable! and yet all was modesty 
and innocence. 

Hospitalit}'^ — that signifies strictly '" practice of entertaining 
strangers," but in its true early settler's ways much more was 
meant, intended, and done. On a journey almost every house was 
a welcome home to the weary traveler; if any charge was made 
for the entertainment it was very moderate; at times the parting 
word to you was, " You are welcome to such as we had, and please 
call again when traveling this way." 

Hospitality scarce expresses the line sensibility, the manly Chris- 
tian spirit, of many of the olden time. The pioneer feels that each 
and every settler of his neighborhood (and he does not criticise 
much as to who is his neighbor) is entitled to such help and good 
feeling as may be asked or should be extended. 

I felt and still feel a large degree of sympathy, and that the most 
cordial, with the o)d settlers. It occurs to me that as Pike county 
once included Calhoun, and as some of the settlers there are co- 
temporaries with our earliest settlers, we should include the Cal- 
houn old settlers in our Society — in fact just this week that was 
named to me in that county. 

With great hopefulness as to the prosperity of this new Society, 
desiring for it many happy re- unions, I offer to you the thanks of 
myself, an old settler, for your courtesy in inviting me to address 
this meeting; and may God bless our vast population, spread over 
our large county, which had when jfirst knoM'n to myself about 
three thousand people, and now contains approaching forty thou- 
sand, although the hive of people has swarmed many times. 

Farewell, my friends, one and all. Let ns part with mutual 
good wishes, as we never more can all meet again iv this life. 

At the first meeting it was decided to invite the old settlers of 
Calhoun county to join with the Pike county Old Settlers' Society. 



362 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

In harmony with this decision Calvin Twichell, Smith Jennings 
and William AVilkinson were elected Vice-Presidents. 

SECOND MEETING. 

The second meetinor of the Old Settlers' Association was held in 
September, 1873. The following letter from Judge William 
Tiiomas, of Jacksonville, was read: 

" Jacksonville, Aug. 30, 1873. 

"Mr. Marcellus Ross, Secretary: — Dear Sir. — I have received 
two invitations to attend the Old Settlers' Meeting in Pike county 
on Wednesday next. I regret that I cannot a;:cept either, for I 
would be glad to meet the survivors of those with whom I became 
acquainted forty-five years ago. I attended the Circuit Court in 
Athis in June, 1827, which was my first visit to Pike. The Court 
was held by Judge Lockwood, who now resides atBatavia, in Kane 
county. The attorneys in attendance were John W. Whitney, N. 
Hanson, and John Jay Ross, of Pike county, Gen. James Turney 
and Alfred W. Caverly, of Greene county, now of Ottawa, and J. 
W. Pugli, of Sangamon county, Mr. Jerd<ins, of Calhoun county, 
John Turney and myself, of Morgan county. Capt. Leonard Ross, 
one of nature's noblemen, was Sheriff. Col. Wm. Ross was Clerk; 
James M. Seeley was an officer of the Court. Of all these, Judge 
Lockwood, Mr. Caverly, and myself are the only survivors. The 
Court was in session three days, and then went to Calhoun county. 
It was held in a log cabin in the prairie, near which was a log cabin 
occupied by the grand jury. The traverse jury had the privilege 
of the prairies. 

'' In September afterward, returning from the Winnebago war I 
left the boat at Quincy, where I purchased a horse, saddle and 
bridle for $40. From Quincy I came to Atlas, a good day's travel; 
remained in Atlas one day and two nights, and then set out for 
home. Passing Col. Seeley's, I found no other house until I 
reached Blue river, where Van Deusen had a small grist-mill, and 
I crossed the Illinois river on Van Deusen's ferrv. That niojht I 
reached Exeter. The weather was pleasant, the roads were dry and 
smooth. 

"Pike county was then a wilderness. I came as directed, the 
nearest and best route home. I could never then have been made 
to I)elieve that I should live to see a population of 30,000 within 
its boundaries. 

" Capt. Ross entertained the jury and the lawyers in their double 
log cabin free of charge, expressing his regret that we could not 
stay longer. I was at Atlas at the Presidential election in 1824 
and voted for John Quincy Adams for President. 

"Judge Lockwood, Mr. McCouncU and myself, in attending 
Court at Atlas (tlie year 1 do not recollect), passed the present site 
of Griggsville and saw the man, Mr. Scholl, raising the first log 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 363 

•cabin on that hill. I suppose the land had been laid out in town 
lots. 

" In the early settlement of the Military Tract traveling cost but 
little. The old settlers were always glad of the opportunity of 
entertaining travelers, and especially the jndge and lawyers, from 
whom they could obtain intei'esting accounts in relation to what 
was going on in the world around them. Besides, we often had 
to encamp in the woods and prairies because no house was within 
reach at dark, and this was called "lodging at Munn's tavern," be- 
cause of the large number of quarter sections of land owned by him. 
I have often fared sumptuously in the log cabins on bread made of 
grated meal, venison, honey, butter and milk and stewed pumpkins, 
and slept comfortably and soundlv on the puncheon floor. * * * 

" Feb. 14, 1823, Wm. Eoss was elected Judge of the Court of 
Probate. In 1823 Geo. Cadwell, then of Greene county but after- 
ward included in Morgan, was elected to the Senate for Greene 
and Pike, and Archibald Job, who was still living, for the House. 
Cadwell's term expired in two j^ears, and in 1824 Thos. Carlin, 
afterward elected governor in 1836, was elected to the Senate. 
Cadwell was an educated physician, a man of talent and stern in- 
tegrity: he died in 1824 or 1825. 

" At the meeting of the Legislature in 1824 Nicholas Hanson 
and John Shaw both produced certificates of election to the House. 
The question which was entitled to the seat was referred to the 
Speaker, who decided in favor of Hanson. During the ses- 
sion the question was again brought before the House, and de- 
cided by a unanimous vote in favor of Hanson. Near the close of 
the session the question was reconsidered and Shaw admitted, in 
consideration of which Shaw voted for the resolution for a call 
of a convention. 

" For several years after I came to the State, deer, wild turkey 
and wild beasts w-ere plenty, especially on the Illinois and Missis- 
sippi rivers. But for this fact many of our early settlers would 
have suffered for provisions, or have been compelled to retreat for 
supplies. 

" In passing from Rushville to Quincy, the Judge, Mr. Caverly 
and myself slept on the prairie during the night, and the next 
morning, which was Sunday, we found a house a few miles distant 
in the barrens; and we could not make the family believe it was 
not Saturday. The nearest neighbor lived five miles distant. They 
lived on wild game, grated corn meal and roasted ears, and lived 
w^ell. We thought at breakfast we could not wish for better fare. 

"In passing from Atlas to Gilead in Calhoun county we always 
made the house of an old gentleman named Munn our stopping- 
place. He and his wife were always glad to see us and made 
sumptuous preparations for our comfort. 

" If I w^ere at the stand and questioned I could probably answer 
many questions in regard to matters of interest to the present in- 
habitants; but as I do not know the points on which they would 



364 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 

question me, and as I have already extended this letter, considerino^ 
the hot weather, to what may be considered a reas'>!iable leni^th, I 
close, hoping: that you may have a good day and a <^ood time. 

"Respectfully your friend, "William Thomas." 

This meeting was addressed by many ohl settlers, who related 
very interesting experiences. The exercises were interspersed 
with iTiusic and a grand picnic dinner, etc. Letters were read 
fi-om Edwin Di-aper and Levi Pettibone, of Louisiana, Mo., besides 
the one from Judge Thomas, above given. Wm. A. Grimshaw 
was elected President, James Mc Williams, of Griggsville, Vice 
President, and Geo. W. Jones Assistant Seci-etary. Tlie following 
resolution was ado]>ted: '■'Resolved, That the old settlers of Pike 
and Calhoun counties be requested to notify the President and 
Secretary of the Old Settlers' organization, the names of all mem- 
bers of this Association who shall depart this life during the 
present year, and that the Secretary be instructed to enter the 
same u])on record." 

Among those who addressed the assembly were Hon. Wm. A. 
Grimshaw, John T. Hodgen, of St. Louis, Calvin Twichell, of 
Calhoun county, J. T, Long, now of Barry, for many years a resi- 
dent of Adams county, Wm. Turnbull, of Flint, A. P. Sharpe, of 
Griggsville, Alvin Wheeler, the oldest living settler of Pike county 
(came here in 1818), now 75 years of age. Col. D. B. Bush closed 
the line of history by giving a sketch of Pittsiiold. Dr. Worthing- 
ton claimed Frederick Franklin, of Montezuma, as the oldest living 
settler of Pike county now living. He was the son of Ebenezer 
Franklin, the first settler in the county. 

In this connection we give the verv interesting letter of Mr. 
Draper: 

" Louisiana, Mo., Sept. 1, 1873. 

"Hon. Wm. A. Grimshaw and others: Gentlemen, — Through 
the politeness of some friend of your county-seat I am indebted 
for an invitation to attend the meeting of old settlers of your county 
at Pittstield, on the 3d inst. ; for this invitation I presume I am in- 
debted for the fact of being nearly connected by marriage with Levi 
Pettibone, Esq., an old settler and perhaps the oldest man in Pike 
county, Mo., and perhaps with few exceptions the oldest man in 
Missouri, he being now nearing the completion of his 93d year. 
But from whatever cause, I esteem it a compliment altogether un- 
deserved to myself, but which nevertheless I should take the great- 
est pleasure, if circumstances permitted, of meeting with the old 
Bettlers of your county, among whom I am proud to recognize, not 
only the many distingished public men, but many old and long 
esteemed personal friends, some of whom have long been settlers of 
Pike Count}' 111., and not a few of them old settlers of Pike and 
Lincoln Counties, Mo., who, not content with aiding to break up the 
wilds of Missouri and bring them into the paths and fields of 
civilization, have largely colonized Pike county 111., where they have 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 365 

been long enough to earn the appellation of ' old settlers,' where 
they are realizing the rich fruits of their industry in land flowing 
with milk and honey, and as I lament to know, many of them are 
resting beneath the sods that are no respecters of persons in the 
final winding up of human affairs. The memory of many of these 
persons, both living and dead, carry me far back into the history of 
the past, in the early history of Missouri, of whose soil I have been 
an occupant since the year 1815, before either your State or Mis- 
souri had a State Government. Though then quite young (but eight 
years old) I was old enough to remember everything 1 saw, and 
everybody I knew, — much more so than persons and facts of later 
years; but to attempt to recount or name any considerable number of 
them would be to inflict a bore upon you that I dare not presume 
upon; but as I presume that a part of the exercises of the occasion 
would be to recur to the early history of the "West, including your 
State and ours, I cannot resist the temptation to jot down a few facts 
and names, even at the risk of being laid upon the table as a bore. 

"The date 18 J 5 shows that the early settlers, among whom was 
my father, were crowding into Missouri even before the forts were 
all vacated, whither the old settlers had fled for the purpose of pro- 
tection from hostile savages, who had but recently had almost 
undisputed possession of a large part of our State. To get into 
Missouri, then largely considered as the promised land, we had to 
cross the Mississippi river, the Father of Waters. I don't know 
how much of a father he was at that time, but I have been acquainted 
with him since that time, and I don't know much difference in 
his size between then and now, except occasionally, as in 1851, he 
got into a terrible rage and had uncontrolled possession from Lou- 
isiana to Atlas, and rolled on, whether vexed or unvexed, in solemn 
majesty to the Gulf of Mexico. 

" But to continue. He had to be 'crossed ' to get into Missouri. 
In 1815, as history shows, no steam-boats were known on our rivers, 
and the only modes, or rather mode, of crossing the river at St. 
Louis was by means of a small keel-boat or barge without any deck 
or covering, propelled by poles; and our wagons were crossed by 
placing two planks or slabs across the keel, running the wagons by 
hand upon these slabs across the boats and ' scotching ' the wheels 
with billets of wood, filling in the inner parts of the boat with 
horses, children, etc. Yet we conquered the old gentleman and 
rode across in triumph, but not, however, until after waiting two 
days on the eastern bank for the wind to lie, which had so ruffled 
the surface and temper of the 'father' that he could not, safely at 
least, be mounted by an insignificant keel-boat until the cause of 
his irritation had ceased. 

" Safely on the Missouri shore, the first night was passed in the 
city of St. Louis, then containing about 1,200 inhabitants and very 
few brick houses : I did not count them, however. No railroads 
then were even thought of in the West, so far as I remember, but 
now — well, you can tell the tale yourselves. St. Louis has now 



VSa HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

450,000 inhabitants, and would lii<ely have a million but for Chi- 
cago and the railroads, which liavo revolutionized tlie course of" 
nature and the natural rights of St. Louis, which depended on the 
navigation of the great rivers to work for her ; and while her great 
land-owner slept a quarter of a century Chicago and the railroads 
were surging ahead of her. 

"Excuse this digression, which I could not help while reflecting^ 
on the immense change all over the West since I first crossed the 
great river. 

" I have alluded to the fact of your county being largely colon- 
ized from Pike and Lincoln counties, Mo. It would be impossible 
for me to enumerate all of them, even if I knew them all ; but 
among the names I remember well those of the Gibsons, the Sit- 
tons, Buchanan, Yokems, Galloway, Uncle Jake Williamson, the 
Cannons, Collard, Wellses, Kerrs, Noyes, Metz, Johnsons, McCou- 
nells, Andersons, etc., etc., all of whom went from Pike or Lin- 
coln. All of them were good citizens, while some of them held 
high and honorable positions in public office. Your former valued 
Sherilf, Ephraim Cannon, was for a while a school-mate of mine, 
larger and older than I, but still a school-mate. The only special 
recollection I have of our school-boys' life was that the teacher 
once asked him, when nearly time to close school, 'How high is 
the sun V He replied he had no means of measuring the height, 
but ' from appearance it was about a rod high.' 

"Johix J. Collard, Esq., a former Clerk of one of your Courts, was 
the son of an old settler of Lincoln county, dating before the war 
of 1812, if my memory is not at fault. I have attended your Courts 
when held at the old county-seat, Atlas, and since its location at 
your beautiful town Pittsfield. The old settlers at Atlas, as well as 
of Pittsfield, were the Rosses, most of whom I knew personally, 
and had a slight acquaintance with the 'Bashaw' of Hamburg, Mr. 
Shaw. Old Father Burnett and his boys John and Frank belonged 
to both Pikes, in Illinois and Missouri. The sons wore out their 
lives in trying to sustain a ferry between the two Pikes. 

" But I must forbear, fearing that I have already bored you, a 
thing I feared at the start. I could write a half quire of recollec- 
tions of Pike in Missouri, and some of I^ike in Illinois, if there 
were any market for them. But I must close with my best wishes 
for your people, both old and young. 

" Edwin Draper." 
third meeting. 

At the Old Settlers' meeting, Sept. 2, 1874, Hon. Wm. A. Grim- 
shaw delivered an address of welcome, and interesting speeches 
were made by Col. Benj. Barney, Rev. J. P. Dimmitt, Dr. Ilodgen, 
Mr. Turn bull, Judge Grigsby and others. Dr. P. E. Parker was 
elected Secretary in place of G. W. Jones, resigned. A motion was 
adopted changing the time of membership from 1840 to 1850; also 
a motion to establish a portfolio and gallery of likenesses of old set- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 367 

tiers; and members and others were invited to send pictures. A 
social reception of old settlers was given in the evening at Bush's 
Hall. 

FOURTH MEETING. 

At the 4th annual meeting of the old settlers at Perrj'^, Aug. 
19, 1875, old-time customs were commemorated bj the erection of 
a cabin complete in all its details. It looked as if a family had 
been living in it for years. Cooking utensils hanging around the 
wall, suspended on a string were slices of pumpkin and dried ap- 
ples, corn hung from the posts, suspended by the hnsks, the rifle 
hung on the wooden hook over the door, the spinning wheel, the 
reel and the hand-cards occupied prominent positions; the mam- 
moth gourd for a water bucket and the lesser one as a dipper at- 
tracted considerable attention. On the outside walls the skins of 
different fur-bearing animals were stretched; climbing vines were 
turned up to the roof, and the sunflower in all its magniticence 
nodded here and there close to the house, and last, but not least, 
the latch-string hung on the outside. The cabin was presided over 
during the early part of the day by Mr. Wm. Grotts, who enter- 
tained his visitors with his "fiddle," playing Arkansas traveler, 
Money Musk, Old Kosin the Bow," etc. Mr. Grotts was born in this 
State in 1802, in Madison county. His father was killed by Indians 
in Bond county in 1814. 

FIFTH MEETING. 

During the Old Settlers' meeting at Griggsville, Aug. 30, 1876, 
they formed a procession in front of the M. E. Church, headed by 
an old truck wagon drawn by oxen, containing a band, the people 
being dressed in the Sunday attire of pioneer times, girls and boys 
riding double on horseback without saddles, showing how they 
went to church in olden times. This was one of the most attractive 
features of the procession, the young ladies especially conducting 
themselves with becoming grace, and appeared as if they were in- 
spired with the spirit of their grandmothers. An old dilapidated 
wagon drawn by oxen was loaded with the old-fashioned loom, 
spinning wheel, flax wheel and reel, and an old plow was followed 
by most of our modern machinery in the shaj)e of reapers, mowers, 
harrows, etc. After these a man dressed in Indian costume on his 
pony, ladies and gentlemen in modern style in buggies and carriages, 
the fire engine drawn b}' members of the base-ball clubs in uniform, 
and a modern child-wagon with children was drawn by a very small 
donkey. 






CHAPTER XIV. 
THE REBELLION. 

4 

FIRST INDICATIONS OF THE WAR. 

"When, in 1861, the war was forced upon the country, the people 
were quietly pursuing the even tenor of their ways, doing whatever 
their nands found to do, — working the mines, making farms, or 
cultivating those already made, establishing homes, founding cities 
and towns, building shops and manufactories; in short, the country 
was alive with industry and hopes for the future. The people were 
just recovering from the depression and losses incident to tlie finan- 
cial panic of 1857. The future looked bright and promising, and 
the industrious and patriotic sons and daughters of the North were 
buoyant with hope, looking forward to the perfecting of new plans 
for comfort and competence in ttieir declining years. They little 
heeded the' rautterings and threaten ings wafted from the South. 
They never dreamed that there was one so base as to attempt the 
destruction of the Union their fathers had purchased for them with 
their life-blood. While thus surrounded with peace and tranquillity 
they paid but little attention to the rumored plots and plans of those 
who lived and grew rich from the sweat and toil, blood and flesh, 
of others. 

The war clouds grew darker and still darker, the thunders of 
treason grew louder and louder until April 12, 1861, when the fear- 
ful storm burst upon the country and convulsed a continent with 
its attendant horrors. 

On that day the rebels, who for weeks had been erecting their 
batteries upon the shore, after demanding of Major Anderson a 
surrender, opened fire upon Fort Sumter. For hours an incessant 
cannonading was continued; the fort was being damaged severely; 
provisions were almost gone, and Major Anderson was compelled to 
haul down the stars and stripes, — that dear old fiag which had 
seldom been lowered to a foreign foe; by rebel hands it was now 
trailed in the dust. How the blood of patriotic men of the North 
boiled when on the following day the news was fiashed along the 
telegraph wires that Major Anderson had been forced to surrender! 
And nowhere was greater indignation manifested than in Fike 
county. * 



^ 6 




jm% 





PERRY 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 371 

THE FIRST CALL FOR TROOPS. 

Immediately upon the surrender of Fort Sumter, Abraham Lin- 
coln, America's martyr President — who but a few short weeks be- 
fore had taken the oath of office as the nation's chief executive — 
issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 volunteers for three mouths. 
The last word of that proclamation had scarcely been taken from 
the electric wires before the call was filled, and men and money 
were counted out by hundreds and thousands. The people who 
loved their whole government could not give enough. Patriotism 
thrilled and vibrated and pulsated through every heart. The farm, 
the workshop, the office, the pulpit, the bar, the bench, the college, 
the school-house, — every calling offered its best men, their lives 
and fortunes, in defense of the Government's honor and unity. 
Bitter words spoken in moments of political heat were forgotten 
and forgiven, and, joining hands in a common cause, they repeated 
the oath of America's soldier statesman, '■''By the Great Eternal^ the 
Union must and shall he preserved^ 

Call the young men in the prime of their life; 
Call them from mother, from sister, from wife; 
Blessed if they live, revered if they fall, — 
They who respond unto Liberty's call. 

Seventy-five thousand men were not enough to subdue the Rebel- 
lion; nor were ten times the number. The war went on, and call 
followed call, until it began to look as if there would not be men 
enough in all the Free States to crush out and subdue the monstrous 
war traitors had inaugurated. But to every call for either men or 
money there was a willing and ready response; and it is a boast of 
the people that, had the supply of men fallen short, there were 
women brave enough, daring enough, patriotic enougli, to oflfer 
themselves as a sacrifice on their country's altar. Such were the 
impulses, motives and actions of the patriotic men of the North, 
among whom the sons of Pike made a conspicuous and praiseworthy 
ecord. 

VARIOUS MEETINGS HELD IN THE COUNTY. 

The tocsin of war was sounded, meetings were held in every 
township, village and city, at which stirring and spirited addresses 
were made, and resolutions adopted admitting of but one interpre- 
tation, — that of unconditional allegiance and undying devotioji to 
their country and their country's flag; that, at whatever cost of 
blood or treasure, the stars and stripes, wherever floating, must be 
honored; and the supremacy of the law of the ]S"ational Union sus- 
tained. 

A Union meeting was held in Pittsfield April 20, 1861, the Chair- 
men of which were David A. Stanton, Wm. E.. Wills and D. D. 
Hicks, and the Secretaries F. C. Brown and A. C. Matthews. The 
Committee on Resolutions were Wm. A. Grimshaw, C. L. Higbee, 
J. W. Mackintosh, D. B. Bush, jr., Nathan Kelly and Wm. Steers. 

23 



372 HISTORY OF PIK« COUNTY. 

L. H. Waters, of Macomb, delivered the principal speech, which 
was a very eloquent one, and Hon. Scott Wike, Messrs. D. H. Gil- 
mer and S. M. Hayes made short speeches. A series of resolutions 
were adopted setting forth the inauguration of the war by the firing 
on Fort Sumter and the necessity of rallying to the support of the 
Government. 

April 22 a meeting was held in the court-house for the purpose^of 
forming a company of home guards. The company organized, elect- 
ino- S. 'M. Hayes Captain. M. J. Noyes presided at this meeting. 
About this time the " Pike County Union Guards " were also organ- 
ized, with John McWilliams for Captain. In July Jas. S. Barnard 
was elected Captain of the latter company and P. G. Athey Captain 
of a cavalry company of 130 men, all from Pike county. 

DurJTig this summer also Wm. W. Taylor, a Breckeuridge Demo^ 
cratof Perry, was suspected of disloyalty and made in an informal 
manner to take the oath of allegiance by some soldiers of Col. 
Grant's regiment. 

Aug. 5, 1861, a company called the " Henderson Home Guards " 
was organized in Pittstield, numbering 130 men, with Daniel D. 
Hicks as Captain, each member to arm and equip himself; it was 
also called the " Henderson Union Guards." 

BOUNTY. 

The subject of bounty for soldiers was one that engaged the un- 
divided attention of the law-making power of this county during 
these trying times. That the reader may know what was done by 
the county "officials we give a very full account of the proceedings 
of the Boai'd of Supervisors whenever the bounty subject was 
being considered by that honorable body. 

At a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors held Aug. 4, 
1862, for the purpose of considering the feasibility or propriety of 
offering bounty to soldiers, Supervisor Smith moved that the Chair 
appoint a committee of five to draft resolutions expressive of the 
sense of the meeting. Thereupon the Chair appointed Messrs. 
Smith, Westlake, Wallace, McWilliams and Adams. 

Mr. Wallace presented a petition from the citizens of Barry, 
asking an appropriation by the Board of $16,000. 

The Committee on Eesolutious submitted the following report 
the next day: 

Whereas, Several Southern States of this Union in convention assembled have 
absolved themselves by resolution from allegiance to the United States of America 
and formed themselves into a so-called "confederacy," thereby disclaiming auy 
right, benetit or protection from or under the Constitution of the United States; 
axtd 

Whkreas, Said confederacy have organized, armed and equipped hostile armies 
and did fire upon, reduce and take into their possession Fort Sumter with all its 
defenses, and 'unlawfully seize and take into possession other forts, arsenals and 
other property beh)nging to the United States, thereby bidding defiance to the 
Constiuition and the laws of the same; and • 



HISTOBY OF PIKE COUNTY. 373 

Whereas, It still exists and unsubdued, a ad our present army is insufficient in 
numbers to put down the rebellion ; and 

Whereas, The President of the United States has recently made a call upon the 
several States of this Union to raise 300,000 men in addition to the present army; 

Therefore we, the representatives of the several townships of the county of Pike 
and State of Illinois have here assembled for the purpose of considering the pro- 
priety of oflering encouragememt to the volunteers who will immediately enter 
into the service of the United States ; therefore be it 

Besolved, That the sum of $3,000 be paid to the first three companies that are 
raised or organized in the county of Pike under said call, provided said companies 
are organized on or before the 20th inst. ; and that the Clerk of this Court be au- 
thorized to issue orders on the Treasury for the said sums of money whenever said 
volunteers 'are accepted and mustered into service ; 

Resolved, That $1,000 be appropriated to the families of those who have here- 
tofore volunteered in the service of the United States, and we recommend that 
each township shall through their Supervisor call a meeting to provide for 
the future wants of all families of volunteers; that the Supervisor of each town- 
ship shall be a committee to distribute all appropriations made by the county or 
town ; 

Resolved, That the Supervisors of each township shall report at the September 
meeting the number of families of volunteers in their townships, and their names. 

Bv invitation Judge Higbee addressed tlie Board briefly, after 
wliich Cols. Ross and Bnsli made short addresses. 

Mr. Dennis moved to amend the report by striking out " $3,000 " 
and inserting "$50 to eacli volunteer private who may enlist under 
the present call." Mr. Westlake moved to amend the amendment 
of Mr. Dennis by striking out "$50" and inserting" $25;" which 
motion was lost. The amendment oifered by Mr. Dennis was also 
defeated. 

Mr. Landrum ottered the followins: resolutions: 



"to 



Resolved, That the proposition of the appropriation by the county of $6,000 to 
be submitted to the people for their vote for or against levying a tax to meet said 
appropriation, at an election to be held at the usual places of holding elections in 
the several towns, on Tuesday, the 13th inst.; said fund, if so voted, to be appro- 
priated to aid in raising volunteers. 

Resolved, That a proposition be also submitted at the same time for or against 
appropriating $3,000 as a fund for the necessitous families of volunteers as have 
heretofore or may hereafter be mustered into the service of the United States. 

Mr. Wallace moved to strike out that portion of Mr. Landrura's 
resolution referring to the submission to the people, and that the 
Board appropriate the amount specified in said resolution; which 
motion was carried. 

The question recurring on Mr. Landrum's resolution as amended 
it was put and lost. 

Mr. Dennis moved to strike out the first resolution and amend 
the second so that $4,000 be appropriated for the support of desti- 
tute families of soldiers in the service. 

Mr. Frye moved to lay all on the table without further action 
until the September meeting; which motion was lost. The question 
then recurring on the amendment of Mr. Dennis, it was adopted. 

The substance of the resolution as passed appropriated $4,000 for 
the families of destitute soldiers. 



374 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

At a special meeting ot" the Board ot" Siipervisurs held June 23, 
1865, to either otl'er a bounty for enlistments or to aid persons who 
may be drafted into the service of the United States, Supervisor 
Roberts oft'ered the followin<i^ resolutions: 

Whereas, The President of the United States has called for 300,000 volunteers, 
and ordered, in case the same are not made by the 15th of Februnry next, that a 
draft shall be made to fill the quota ; and 

WuEKEAS, Such draft will fall heavy on many poor persons in this couLty vpho 
have large families to support; and 

WiiEKEAS, Theproi)erty of the county receives the protection of the Govern- 
ment, as well as persons, and should be made to bear its just proportions of the 
burdens of war; therefore 

Eesolvetl, That our Representatives in the Legislature now in session be respect- 
fully requested to procure the passage of an act as speedily as possible, authoriz- 
ing the Board of Supervisors of thi.s couuty to otfer a bounty to volunteers and to 
aid in procuring substitutes for drafted persons, and to provide such funds as will 
be necessarj^ therefor by issuing bonds payable within 20 years, bearing interest 
not exceeding ten per cent, per annum. 

Resolved, That in case of the passage of such an act, the Board of Supervisors 
will pay to each volunteer credited to aoy town in this county subject to the draft 
a bounty of $500, and in case of a draft, each person so drafted in this county who 
shall procure a substitute shall receive from the county the sum of $500 to aid him 
in paying for such substitute. 

Mr. Shields moved to postpone the resolution indefinitely. 
After remarks by Supervisors Shields, Roberts, Kelley, Dunn 
and others, Mr. Shields withdrew the motion, and in lieu thereof 
moved that it be postponed to the April meeting of the Board. 
This he, however, withdrew, and Supervisor Dimmitt moved to 
refer the resolution ofi'ered by Mr. Roberts to a committee; and 
Mr. Dimmitt, from this committee reported on the following day 
this resolution: 

Resolved, That there be paid to each volunteer or drafted man in this county 
under the call of Dec. 19, 1864, the sum of $400, such money to be raised by the 
issue of county bonds (interest not to exceed ten per cent.) payable annually in 
lawful money of the United Stales. 

Resolved, That when such bonds shall have been issued they shall be divided 
among the several townships in proportion to the amount of taxable property 
assessed in each township for the year 18(54; and it shall be iheduty of each super- 
visor to receive said bonds and pay over to each drafted man and volunteer the 
sum of $400 when actually mustered into service. 

Mr. Shields moved that said resolution be laid on the table until 
the April meeting; which motion was lost. Mr. Smitherman 
then moved that it be submitted to the people of the county on 
Jan. 28, 1865; and Mr. Yail moved to amend by taking said vote 
on the 30th; which motion was withdrawn; and Mr. Roberts 
moved that whatever action this Board may take shall be sub- 
mitted to the people on Jan. 30, 1865; which motion was 
adopted. Mr. Roberts then moved to amend the first resolution 
by inserting "$500" in i)lace of "$400;" which was adopted. - 

At a meeting of the Board held Jan. 31, the day after the elec- 
tion, they found after a canvass of the returns that 3,416 votes had 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 375 

been cast, of which 2,131 were for the tax and 1,286 against it. it 
was then resolved by tlie Board to give a bounty of $500 to each 
volunteer to fill the quota of Pike county; and in case said quota 
shall not be tilled by volunteers, then a bounty of $500 shall be 
paid to each person who shall be drafted. For this purpose $127,- 
000 were raised in the county. 

Kinderhoolv township gave $1,500 bounty, and paid $180 for 
transportation. 

PIKE county's soldiers. 

A few statistical items will show what was done by Pike county, 
and whether she was worthy the trust reposed in lier. According 
to the census of 1860 the county had, a population of 27,182. The 
war, however, continued for several years, and the county increased 
in population; accordingly we will place the poj3ulation in round 
numbers at 30,000. There are five persons to every voter, accord- 
ing to tlie customary basis of reckoning. That would make the 
niimljer of men in the county 6,000. Pike county put in the field 
3,132 men, beina: over one- half of her voters. 

The quota of" the county for the calls of 1861 was 762, which 
were quickly furnished, 'in 1862 the quota for this county was 
521. For the calls of Feb. 1 and March 14, 1864, it was 786, and 
for the call of 500,000, July 18, 1864, it was 617, making the large 
number of 2,687 men as the quota for this county up to Dec. 31, 
1864. The county not only furnished this number, but sent of her 
brave sons 2,853, being 166 in excess of her various quotas. Sub- 
sequent calls increased the quota of Pike county to 3,221, which 
the coi nty did not fill by 89. 

Pike county was largely represented in the following regiments 
and companies. Besides those referred to, her sons were in many 
other regiments, but we give only those which were largely made 
up from this county. 

eighth regiment. 

Company G of this Regiment was entirely furnished by Pike 
county, with James S. Barnard as Captain: afterward Elisha Jones 
and Charles H. Hurt served the Company in that position. The 
1st Lieutenants in succession were Elihu Jones, Wm. P. Sitton, 
Charles H. Hurt and George Sanderson. The 2d Lieutenants were 
Wm. P. Sitton, Charles H.'Hurt and Win. A. Saylor. 

The 8th Illinois Pegiment was organized April 25, 1861, Colonel 
Oglesby commanding. A contest for rank and seniority arose be- 
tween the 7th and 8th, both being organized on the same day. The 
cpntest was finally ended, giving to "Col. Cook tlie first number 7, 
as the number of his Regiment, with the second rank of Colonel, 
and Col. Oglesby the second number for his Regiment, with the 
first rank as Colonel. 

The first enlistment was for three months, durino: which tiinethe 



376 HISTOKY OP I'IKK COUNTY. 

Regiment was taken to Cairo. -Inly 25, 1861, its term of three 
months having ex])ired, the 8th reorganized for three j'ears' service. 
It took part in many of the most important engagements of the 
war; was in the advance attack on Fort Donelson, where it lost 57 
killed, 191 wonnded and 10 missing. It was also at Pittsburg 
landing, where it lost 26 killed, 97 wounded and 11 missing; and 
it went through the fatigue and dangers of the siege of Corinth. 
The Regiment re-enlisted in 1863 and was veteranized March 24, 
1864; took part in the engagement at Vicksburg, Spanish Fort and 
many other important engagements. 

SEVENTH RICGIMENT. 

Company D, of the 7th, being- a new company of that old Regi- 
ment, was from Pike county. It was organized Feb. 14, 1865, 
under Capt. Samuel N. lloyt, of Griggsville, v/ith Andrew Moore 
as 1st Lieutenant and Wm. J. Ilanlin as 2d Lieutenant. The Com- 
pany served until July 9, 1865, when it was mustered out. 

SIXTEENTH RE0IMP:NT. 

Company K, of the 16th Infantry, was largely, indeed almost alto- 
gether, from Pike county. They enlisted May 25. 1861, and served 
untilJuly 8, 1865. The Company was organized by Geo. D. Stew- 
art, Captain, who served until April 25, 1865, and John Bryant, of 
Pittsfield, was appointed to fill the position. The 1st Lieutenant 
was James Hedger, and following came French B. Woodall, John 
Bryant and Franklin J. Cooper. The 2d Lieutenants were Richard 
B. Iliggins, Joseph E. Haines and Asbury Brown. 

The 16th was organized and mustered into service at Quincy, 
Col. Robert A. Smith commanding. In July, 1861, it was removed 
to Green river as railroad guard, after which the Regiment was 
scattered along the line of the road as guard. July 10, Col. Smith's 
force was attacked at Missionar}- Station by 1,600 mounted rebels, 
but he held his position until the a.n-ival of reinforcements, when 
the enemy fled. It participated in the battle of Bird's Point, Mo., 
and New Madrid, where it supported the siege guns. They cap- 
tured 5,000 prisoners and a large amount of artillery, small arms 
and ammunition at Tiptonville, Tenn. In January, 1862, it par- 
ticipated in the siege of Corinth and Nashville. It was mustered 
out July 8, 1865. 

TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT CONSOLIDATED. 

Pike county furnished Company B of this Regiment, and almost 
all of Com])anies E and I. Company B was commanded first after 
consolidation by Capt. John T. Thomson, of New Hartford, who was 
honorably discharged May 15, 1865, when Geo. W. Chrysup was 
appointed and served until March 15, 1866. The 1st Lieutenants 
in succession were Robert Young, Henry L. Hadscll, Geo. W. 
Chrysup and Job Pringle. The 2d Lieutenants were Geo. W. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 377 

Chrjsiip, Job Prino^'le and Thomas James. The officers of the Com- 
pan}' were James M. Gale, Ilenrj S. Stokes and Joseph A. Hanks, 

Companies B, E and I of the original organization were from 
this county. Company B was first commanded by Capt. Thomas 
H. Bntler, deceased, then by Capt. Geo. W. Stobie, and finally by 
Capt. John T. Thompson." The 1st Lieutenants were John T. 
Thompson and Kobert Young: 2d Lieutenants, George Stobie, 
David C. Troutner and Cyrus K. Miller. Lieutenant Troutner 
soon died and Lieutenant Miller died July 8, 1863. Company E 
was first commanded by Captain Thomas M. Kilpatrick. who was 
promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and was killed in battle at Pitts- 
burg Landing. John M. Griffin then commanded the Company. 
The 1st Lieutenants were John M. Griffin, Fredrick C. Bechdoldt, 
who was killed July 12, 1863, and Wm. B. Griffin; the 2d Lieu- 
tenant was Burrel McPhcrson. Company I was commanded until 
consolidation of Regiment by Capt. ElishaHurt; 1st Lieutenants, 
Philip S. Likes and David Dixon; 2d Lieutenant, David Dixon 
and Henry L. Hadsell. 

The 28th Infantry was organized at Camp Butler in August, 
1861, by Lieut. Col. Lewis H. Waters and Maj. Charles J. Sellon, 
the latter from Pike county. Aug. 28 it was ordered to Thebes, 
111.; Sept. 9, to Bird's Point, Mo.; Oct. 2, to Fort Holt, Ky., where 
it remained nntil Jan. 21, 1862, when it was assigned to Brig. Gen. 
Lew Wallace's Division. Feb. 6 it took part in the capture of 
Forts Henry and Heiman; Feb. 13 a detachment of 48 men and 12 
officers under Col. Johnson met the enemy 500 strong at Little 
Bethel Church, five miles from Fort Holt, and immediately attacked 
and rov.ted them. The Regiment also took part in the battle of 
Pittsburg Landing; was assigned to the left line in a peach orchard, 
where it was immediately attacked by the enemy, but who were 
repulsed. On the morning ot the 7th it held a position on the 
right line and was hotly engaged until the battle closed and the 
victory won. During these two long, trying, bloody days the 
Regiment behaved nobly and was never broken or driven back by 
the enemy, though often most heavily pressed. It sustained a loss 
of 239 killed and wounded. In May, 1862, it was engaged in the 
siege of Corinth: Oct. 5 engaged in the battle of Metamora, losing 
97 killed and wounded; engaged in the siege of Yicksburg from 
June 11 to July 4, 1863; on the 12th of July, 1863, near Jackson, 
Miss., the 41st,' 53d and 2Sth Illinois and 3d Iowa, not exceeding 
800 men, were ordered to charge across an open field some 600 
yards and carry a strong line of the enemy's works, mounting 12 
gnns and manned by at least 2,000 men. The Brigade swept gal- 
lantly forward under a destructive fire of grape, canister and minie 
bullets. The enemy appeared upon both flanks as it reached the 
ditch; it was compelled to fall back with a loss of more than half 
of their rank and file killed or wounded. The eight Companies of 
this Regiment, in line, numbering 128 men, lost 73 killed and 
wounded and 16 taken prisoners. 



37S HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Jan., 1864, the Regiment re-inlisted as veterans, took part in the 
advance upon Spanish Fort, and were mustered out March 16, 1866 



THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 



Company I of the 33rd was made up in Pike county. The orig- 
inal Captain was Wm. H. Lawton, who resigned June 8, 1863, 
and Wm. T. Lyon received the commission. The 1st Lieutenants 
were Wm. T. Lyon, Charles T. Kinney and Natlianiel W. Rey- 
nolds ; the 2nd Lieutenants were Edward A. F. Allen, Charles T. 
Kinney, Nathaniel W. Reynolds and David F. Jenkins. The 
Company was wholly from the northern part of the county. 

The 33rd was organized at Camp Butler Sept., 1861, by Col. 
Charles E. Hovey ; Nov. 20, it removed to Ironton, Mo., beyond 
St. Louis, where it remained during the winter. In March, 1862, 
it removed to Arkansas, engaging in mau}^ expeditions through 
that State. In 1863 it returned to Pilot Knob; was engaged in the 
battles of Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, the 
assaultand siege of Vicksburg, and the siege of Jackson; in August, 
1863, moved to New Orleans and engaged in the campaign up the 
Bayou Teche, and returned to New Orleans in November; thence 
ordered to Brownsville, Tex., but before landing was ordered to 
Arkansas Pass. The Regiment re-enlisted Jan. 1, 1864, took part 
in the engagement at Spanish Fort, Mobile, and April 14, 1865, 
moved to Yicksburg, and in November ordered to Camp Butler, 
111., for final payment and discharge. 



SIXTY- EIGHT REGIMENT. 



Company B of this Regiment, which was organized for three 
months' service in June, 1862, was from this county, mostly from 
the northern part. Capt. Daniel F. Coffey served the Company 
as Commander. 1st Lieutenant, Judson J. F. Gillespie; 2nd Lieu- 
tenant, Wm. Revnolds. 

SEVENTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 

Company H of the 73rd Illinois Infantry, commanded by Capt. 
James L Davidson, who subsequently was promoted to Lieut. Col- 
onel, was from Pike county. After Capt. Davidson's promotion 
Joseph L. Morgan was appointed to the Captaincy. The l&t Lieu- 
tenants were Samuel Purcell, who resigned April 28, 1863,, Joseph 
L. Morgan and James G. Wolgemath. The 2nd Lieutenants were 
Clement L. Shinn and De Witt C. Simmons. 

This Regiment was organized at Camp Butler, in August, 1862, 
and immediately became a part of Gen. Buell's army. It partici- 
pated in every engagement fought by the Army of the Cumberland 
from Oct., 1862, until the rout of Gen. Hood's array at Nashville 
and the winding up of the whole matter. The dead of this Regi- 
ment are found on the battle-fields of Perryville, Murfreesboro, 



HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. " 379 

Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, throngh East Tennessee and the 
succession of battles from Chattanooga to the fall of Atlanta. It 
had two Majors and two Adjutants killed, and nearly every 
oflHcer of the Reoiment wounded at some one time : several of them 
many times. It was mustered out June 10, 1865. 

NINETY-NINTH REGIMENT. 

The 99th was, strictly speaking, a Pike county Regiment. It 
was organized in Pike countj in August, 1862, by Col. George W. 
K. Bailey, and was mustered in at Florence, Aug. 23, 1862, by 
Col. J. H. Rathbone. Upon the same day it removed to St. Louis, 
going into Benton Barracks, and was the first Regiment out of the 
State under the call of 1862. Sept. 8, ordered to Rolla; served in 
that department to the spring of 1863; was assigned to the Brigade 
of Brig. Gen. Pitz Henry Warren; engaged in the skirmish at Bear 
creek, losing one killed and four wounded and one taken prisoner, 
and in the battle of Hartsville, Mo., losing 35 killed and wounded; 
went into camp at Houston; Jan. 27, moved to West Plains, Mo., 
reporting to Brig. Gen. Davidson; March 3, removed to Pilot Knob, 
thence to St. Genevieve, arriving the 12th; and March 15, 1863, 
embarked for Milliken's Bend, La., arriving the 26th, and was 
assigned to the 1st Brigade, Brig. Gen. W. P. Benton command- 
ing; 14th Division, Brig. Gen. E. 'A. Carr commanding : 13th 
Army Corps. Moved from Milliken's Bend April 11, arriving at 
New Carthage the 12th; was at Grand Gulf April 29; crossed the 
river, and May 1 was engaged in the battle near Port Gibson, 
called Magnolia Hills, losing 37 men killed and wounded; marched 
with tht army toward Jackson, and returned by Champion Hills 
and Black River Bridge; May 19, was at the defenses of Vicks- 
burg; on the 22d the Regiment took a prominent part in the assault, 
losing 103 killed and wounded, out of 300 men. The Colonel and 
Major were wounded early in the day, leaving Capt. A. C. Matthews 
in command. Its line during the day was close to the enemy's 
works, and its colors planted on their breastworks. This position 
was held until 4 p. m., when it was relieved by another Regiment 
and moved back 150 yards to where its knapsacks had been left. 
While calling: the roll the line which had relieved the Regiment was 
driven back in great confusion. The 99th advanced and opened a 
heavy fire, drove] the enemy back into his works and held him 
there, probably saving the whole Division from stampede. Was 
engaged during the siege in Gen. Benton's Brigade — 8th and 18th 
Indiana, and 33d and 99th Illinois. The 99th lost during the entire 
campaign and siege 253 killed, wounded and missing. July 5 the 
9th, 13th and 15th Corps, Maj. Gen. Sherman commanding, moved 
after Johnson's arm}^ to Jackson; returned to Vicksburg July 24; 
Aug. 21 removed to New Orleans, and on the 26th went into camp 
at Brashear City. Oct. 3, 1863, the campaign of the Teclie was 
commenced. The Regiment was in several skirmishes, and a de- 



380 HISTORY OF I'IKE COUNTY. 

tacliment of tlie Regiment, Capt. A. C. Matthews commanding, 
was engaged in the battle at Grand Coteaii; Nov. 9, returned to 
JBrashear Oitj and raoyed to New Orleans; Nov. 16, embarked for 
Texas, landing on the 25th at Mustang Island; marclied up to Mat- 
agorda IshiTid and commenced the attack on Fort Esperanza, which 
was soon surrendered. 

The 99th remained in Texas during the spring of 1864. June 
16 of this year it evacuated the island and reported to Gen. Re^^nolds, 
at Algiers, La. The Regiment performed garrison duty on the 
Mississippi during the entire summer, in the First Brigade, Brig. 
Gen. Slack; 1st Division, Gen. Dennis; 19th Corps, Gen. Reynolds. 
The 99th was brigaded with the 21st Iowa, 29th Wisconsin and 
47th Indiana. 

Ln November, 1864, removed to Memphis, where the Regiment 
was consolidated into a Battalion of live Companies, and Lieut. Col. 
A. C. Matthews assigned to the command. Col. Bailey and the other 
supernumerary officers being mustered out. 

Moved to Germantown and went on dut}' guarding railroad; 
Dec. 25, three men of the Battalion were captured and murdered by 
guerrillas; moved to Memphis Dec. 28; Jan. 1, 1865, embarked 
for New Orleans, arriving on the 9th. Feb. 1 embarked for Dau- 
phine Island, Ala. ; was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Div., 13th 
Ccrps, with 21st Iowa, 47th Indiana and 29th Wisconsin, Gen. 
Slack commanding Brigade, Brig. Gen. Yeatch commanding Di- 
vision. 

March 17, moved to Fort Morgan; on the 26th, arrived at Fish 
river; took part in the siege of Spanish Fort until the 30th, when 
the Division was sent to General Steele's army, and April 1 went 
into position at Fort Blakely. The 99th assisted in the investment 
and capture, and on the 12th entered Mobile. 

In June, 1865, the Division was ordered to Red river to receive 
the surrender of Kirby Smith, and it proceeded to Shreveport, La.; 
from this place Col. Matthews was detailed to proceed with a body- 
guard of the 6th Missouri Cavalry to the Indian Territory and 
receive the surrender of Brig. Gens. Cooper and Standwaite, and to 
form temporary treaties of peace with the Indian tribes. The Col. 
formed treaties with ten tribes, including the Choctaws, Cherokees, 
Chickasaws and Osages, and returned (having traveled a thousand 
miles) on the 3d of July. 

July 19, ordered to Baton Rouge, and Julv 31 was mustered out 
by Capt. E. S. liowk, A. C. M. 

Arrived at Springfield, III., Aug. 6, received final payment and 
discharge Aug. 9, 1865. 

The Regiment was commanded by Col. Bailey until Dec. 16, 
1864, when he was mustered out. The Lieut. Colonels were Lem- 
uel Parke and Asa C. Matthews ; the Majors at various times were 
Edwin A. Crandall, Asa C. Matthews and John F. Richards; Ad- 
jutants, Marcellus Ross, Harvey D. Johnson and Joseph R. Furrey ; 
Quartermasters, Isaac G. Hodgen. Josliua K. Sitton and James F. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 381 

Oreathouse ; Surgeons, Joseph H. Ledlie and Edwin May ; 1st 
Asst. Surgeon, Archibald E. McNeal and John F. Curtis; 2d Asst. 
Surgeon, Abner T. Spencer ; Chaplains, Oliver A. Topliff and 
Wm. M. Evans. 

Company A. — Captains— Geo. T. Edwards and Isaac G. Ilodgen; 
1st Lieutenant — James K. Smith ; 2d Lieutenants — James F. Sto- 
bie, Thos. A. Hubbard, John W. Sajlor. (Hubbard died Feb. 15, 
1863.) 

Company B. — Captains — Benj. L. Matthews and James "W. Fee; 
1st Lieutenants — James W. Fee, James A, Elledge and Harvey 
Thornbury ; 2d Lieutenants — James A. Elledge, Harvey Thorn- 
bury and Milton L. Tiell. 

Company C. — Captains — Asa C. Matthews and John A. Bal- 
lard ; 1st Lieutenants — Joshua K. Sitton, Lucien W. Shaw, John 
A. Ballard, Wm. B. Sitton (died July 10, 1864), N. Henry Kinne ; 
2d Lieutenants — Lucien W. Shaw and Wm. B. Sitton. 

Company D. — Captains — John F. Kichards and Wm. B. Clandy ; 
1st Lieutenants— Francis M. Dabney, Wm. B. Clandy and John 
Bowsman ; 2d Lieutenants— Wm. T. Mitchell, Wm. B. Clandy 
and John Bowsman. 

Company E. — Captains — John C. Dinsmore, Allen D. Rich- 
ards ; 1st Lieutenants — Joseph G. Colvin, Allen D. Richards and 
Robert H. Griffin ; 2d Lieutenant— Allen D. Richards. . 

Company F. — Ca])tains — Eli R. Smith, Daniel McDonald. 
Captain Smith was killed in battle May 22, 1863. 1st Lieutenants 
— Leonard Greaton, Jacob E. Stauffer ; 2d Lieutenants — Daniel 
McDonald and Jesse Parke. 

Company G. — Captains — Henry D. Hull and Henry B. Atkin- 
son ; Isv Lieutenants — James H. Crane and Henry B. Atkinson ; 
2d Lieutenant — Lewis Dutton. 

Company R. — Captains — Lewis Hull and Melville D. Massie; 
1st Lieutenants — Melville D. Massie, Benj. L. Blades and Daniel 
Riley; 2d Lieuterants — Gottfried Wenzel and Benj. L. Blades. 

Company I. — Captain — Joseph G. Johnson; 1st Lieutenants — 
John G. Sever and George S. Marks; 2d Lieutenant — Robert E. 
Gilliland. 

Company K. — Captains — Isaiah Cooper and John G. Sever; 1st 
Lieutenants — Wm. Gray (died May 30, 1863, of wounds received 
in ba,ttle May 22, 1863)", Augustus Hubbard and Zebulon B. Stod- 
dard; 2d'Lieutenants — Thos. J. Kinman (killed in battle May 22, 
1863) and John Andrew. 

NINKTY-NINTH REGIMENT AS CONSOLIDATED. 

April 2, 1863, according to orders from the War Department, the 
^9th was consolidated into a Battalion of live Companies, — A, B, C, 
D and E, officereJ as follows: 

Colonel, Asa C. Matthews; Adjutant, Joseph R. Furrey; Quar- 
termaster, James F. Greathouse; Surgeon, Edwin May; 1st Asst. 
Surgeon, John F. Curtis; Chaplain, Wm. M. Evans. 



382 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Company A. — Capt., John F. Richards; 1st Lieut., Win. B. 
Clandy; 2d Lieut., Jolm Bovvsman. 

Company B. — Capt., James W. Fee; 1st Lieut., Jacob E. Stauf- 
fer; 2d Lieut., Joseph Dno^delL 

Company C. — Capt., Alelville D. Massie; 1st Lieut., Henry B. 
Atkinson; 2d Lieut., Wm. L. Carter. 

Company J). — Capt., Isaac G. Hodgen; 1st Lieut., James K. 
Smith; 2d Lieut., S^dvester Durall. 

Company E. — Capt., Jolm A. I)anard, 1st Lieut, N. Henry 
Kinne; 2d Lieut., Clayton B. Hooper. 

' ONK HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 

Compan}' F of this Regiment was organized by Robert B. Robin- 
son, of Barry, this county; Company G, by Orville C. Holcomb, of 
Milton, and Comj)any I, by Levi Barbour, of Pittsfield. These three 
Companies of this Regiment were made up from Pike county. The 
Isl Lieutenant of Company F was De Witt C. Simmons, of Griggs- 
ville, and the 2d Lieutenant David D. Kidwell, of Barry. The 1st 
Lieutenant of Company G was John M. Johnson, and the 2d Lieu- 
tenant, Joseph S. Latimer. The 1st Lieutenant of Company I was 
Henson S. VanDeventer and the 2d Lieutenant, Wm. A. Hubbard. 

Tliis Regiment was organized at Camp Wood, Quincy, by Col. 
John Wood, and was mustered in June 5, 1864, for 100 days. June 
9, tlie Regiment left Quincy and proceeded to Memphis, Tenn., 
where it was assigned to the 4th Brigade, District of Memphis, Col. 
E. L. Baltwick, of Wisconsin, commanding. On July 9 it was as- 
signed to the 3d Brigade, Col. John Wood commanding, and was 
stationed on the Hernando road, on picket duty. The Regiment 
was mustered out of the IT. S. service at Springfield, 111., Sept. 4, 
1864. 

SECOND CAVALRY. 

Of this regiment Company K and parts of other Companies were 
from Pike county. It was organized July 30, 1861, with Pressly G. 
A they as Captain, who resigned Jan. 27, 1862, when Thos. W.Jones, 
1st Lieutenant, was promoted Captain. He was subsequently pro- 
moted to the position of Major. Daniel B. Bush, jr., was at tirst 
Major, and was subsequently^ promoted to the rank of Lieutenant 
Colonel and finally Colonel. In 1865 Montgomery Demmons was 
promoted to the Captaincy. The 1st Lieutenants were Thos. W. 
Jones, Benj. F. Garrett and Wm. R. Scull, and the 2d Lieutenants, 
Benj. F. Garrett, Franklin Kinman, L. Mitchell, Montgomery 
Demmons and David C. Rock. 

Besides the Regiments and Companies noticed above. Pike county 
gave many men to numerous other Companies. Her sons fought 
upon every battle-field of that great war, and upon the field of 
every great battle during that long, hard struggle for the supreiuacy 
of the Fnion the life-blood of some of her sons was shed. They 
were found in the foremost of the fight : indeed, they were found 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 383 

wherever duty called them. It is an easy matter to be a patriot 
"in the piping times of peace, in the sunny hours of prosperity," 
but when war, discord and rebellion present their horrid forms to 
strike the liberty of a hundred years, it is then the patriot shines 
in his dev^otion to his country. When the painful duty presented 
itself to the patriots of this county to send thoui^nds of her citi- 
zens into danger, and many of them to certain death, there was no 
hesitation. Men enrolled their names with a steadj^ hand, bade wife 
and little ones, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters farewell, and 
went boldly to the front and saved this glorious blood- bought 
Union. 

lee's surrender. — Lincoln's assassination. 

Our armies bravely contended until finally, after four long years 
of bloodshed and carnage, the news was flashed over the wires that 
Lee had* surrendered. This joyful news reached this county Mon- 
day, April 10, 1865, being within two days of four years from the 
time the batteries were opened on Fort Sumter. On receiving the 
news of the fall of Richmond the people were very jubilant over 
the success of the Union forces. They assembled in all parts of 
the county and had grand jubilees. The streets of the cities were 
brilliantly illuminated; bonfires, rockets and music were seen on 
every hand; it was indeed a season of rejoicing; and well might it 
be, for what had been endured, what had been suffered. 

Scarcel}^ had the downfall of the Southern Confederacy been re- 
ceived ere the sad news of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln 
was flashed over the wires. On that beautiful April morning, five 
days after the announcement of Lee's surrender, the people, joyful 
over the near approach of the return of their loved ones from the 
South, the sorrowing news of the President's death was announced. 
Mr. Lincoln was bound to the people of this county with stronger 
cords than simply being a good ruler. He had spent many daj-s 
here, had many warm personal friends, and it was like the loss of a 
brother. They felt the loss keenly; the tolling bells, the sym- 
pathetic dirges, interpreted not merely the grief of the people at the 
loss of a President, but the sorrow of a community at the death of 
brother, a son, one who was closely akin to all. Meetings were 
held and appropriate resolutions passed. Dwellings, stores, churches 
and public buildings were draped, and the flags which had been sent 
up in moments of rejoicing were taken down, draped, and sent up 
at half-mast. 

THE close. 

The war ended and peace restored, the Union preserved in its in- 
tegrity, the sons of Pike, who had volunteered their lives in de- 
fense of their Government, and who were spared to see the army of 
the Union victorious, returned to their homes to receive grand 
ovations and tributes of honor from friends and neighbors who had 
eagerly and zealously followed them wherever the fortunes of war 



384 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 

called. Exchanging their soldiers' uniforms for citizens' dress, most 
of them fell back to their old vocations, — on the farm, at the forge, 
at the bench, in the shop, and at whatever else their hands found to 
do. Brave men are honorable always, and no claes of citizens are 
entitled to greater respect than the volunteer soldiery of Pike 
county, not alone because they were soldiei\s, but because in their 
associations with their fellow-men their walk is upright, and their 
honesty and character without reproach^ 

Their country first, tlieir glory and their pride, 
Land of their hopes, land where their fathers died; 
"When in the riglit, they'll keep their honor bright; 
When in the wrong, they'll die to set it right. 

The soldiers of Pike county met at the court-house Aug. 23, 
1866. The meeting was called to order by Maj. T. W. Jones, when Dr. 
E. M. Seeley was called to the chair, and James H. Crane was ap- 
pointed Secretary. The object of the meeting was to take measures 
for raising funds for the erection of a monument. Elaborate resolu- 
tions were adopted with reference to the loyalty and fidelity of the 
soldiery, etc., and sympathy with the suffering, the widows and or- 
phans etc.; and committees of soldiers, five in each township, were 
appointed to solicit donations. A central committee for the county 
was also appointed, and a committee to solicit $10,000 from the 
county treasury. Considerable entiiusiasm was manifested in this 
work of love, and a wish to honor the heroic dead, the citizen 
soldiers who yielded their lives a sacrifice to their country, but 
nothing definitely toward the final carrying out of the project was 
ever done. Although no marble pile rises heavenward to commemo- 
rate the fallen heroes, yet we know that the memory of their valor 
and heroic devotion to our country will never fade in the minds 
and hearts of the citizens, and that their love and gratitude are as 
B'rong and undying as though a monument of stones were piled 
up as high as Babel's tower. 




, CHAPTER XV. 

PIKE COUNTY BAR. 

PIONEER COURTS. 

The records of the early Courts found in the Circuit Clerk's- 
office open as follows: 

"At a Circuit Court begun and held at Cole's Grove, within and 
for the county of Pike, on Monday, the first day of October, in the 
yearoDe thousand eight hundred and twenty-one. Present, Hon. 
John Reynolds, Judge. 

" The Sheriff of the county returned a panel of grand jurors, 
which being called over, sixteen of them appeared and were sworn 
agreeably to law, viz: Levi Roberts, foreman; Ebenezer Franklin, 
Gardner H. Tullus, Joel Bacon, George Tully, Ebenezer Smith, 
David Dutton, Amos Bancroft, James Nixon, Nathaniel Shaw, 
Thomas Proctor, Richard Dilley, Stephen Dewey, William Massey,. 
Comibrt Shaw, Daniel Phillips; and the following persons were 
called but made default, to wit: Leonard Ross, Henry J. Ross, 
Daniel Shinn, James M. Seeley, Abraham Kuntz, Levi Newman,. 
Henry Loup, John Bolter and John Jackson. 

" Joseph Jervais and John Shaw, interpreters sworn to give evi- 
dence to the grand jury." 

The first case called was " Solomon Smith, assignee of Elias K. 
Kane, vs. Wm. Frye, action of debt." The case was continued, as 
the defendant was reported by the Sheriff not found. 

The second case was a "libel for a divorce," by Salley Durham, 
plaintiff, vs. John Durham, defendant. The defendant not appear- 
ing, the case went against him. 

The fourth case was the indictment of two Indians for murder, 
an account of which is giv^en in our chapter entitled "Criminal 
Record." 

Pike county was originally in the 1st Judicial Circuit, then in the 
5th, and is now in the 11th, comprising the counties of Adams, 
Hancock, McDonough, Fulton, Schuyler, Brown and Pike. By 
provision of a recent State law the Circuit elects three Judges, who 
divide the work between them. 

Four Appellate Districts were defined in the State in 1877, for 
each of which the Supreme Court appoints three Judges, and these 



386 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Judges elect one of their own number the presiding Judge. Each 
District elects its own Clerk, and these officers are all chosen for six 
years. The sessions of the Court are held the 3d Tuesday of May 
and November each year. Pike county is in the 3d Appellate 
District, and the Court is held at Springfield. 

CIRCUIT JUDGES. 

We now proceed to give a short sketch of all the Judges and 
attorneys who have been or are now connected with the Bar of Pike 
county. 

Hon. John Reynolds was a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish 
descent, and was reared amid pioneer associations and imbibed the 
characteristics, manners and customs of the pioneers. He disliked 
polish, condemned fashion, and was addicted to inordinate pro- 
fanity. These, garnished by his varied reading, a native shrewd- 
ness and a wonderful faculty of garrulity, make him, considering the 
high offices he held, one of the public oddities of Illinois. He 
was one of the Justices of the Supreme Court when he held Court 
at Atlas. 

Hon. John Y. Sawyer. — By the Constitution the terms of office of 
the Supreme Judges were to expire with the close of the year 1824. 
The Legislature re-organized the judiciary by creating both Circuit 
and Supreme Courts. The State was divided into five judicial 
circuits, providing two terms of Court annually in each county. 
The salaries of the Circuit Judges were fixed at $600. Judge 
Sawyer was the first Circuit Judge to hold Court in this county. 
He was chosen for the First Circuit. 

Hon. Richard M. Young was appointed Judge of this Circuit in 
1828, and remained in the office till January, 1837, when he resigned 
to accept a seat in the [Jnited States Senate. Judge Young was a 
native of Kentucky, and was one of the first settlers of Northern 
Illinois. He ranked high in his profession, and his counsels did 
much to shape the polic}'^ of the State. In his manners he was 
gentle, courteous and entertaining, which qualities rendered him 
attractive and popular. He was generous in his feelings and lib- 
eral in his views; possessed liberal endowment of intellectual abil- 
ity and literary and legal acquirements, and these, with his other 
qualifications, admirably fitted him for the post he was called to 
fill. He died from insanity. 

Hon. James H Ralston, a native of Kentucky, was elected by the 
Legislature in 1837, and in August of the same year he resigned on 
account of his health, with a view of going to Texas, whither he 
went, but soon returned to Quincy. In 1840 he was elected State 
Senator, In 1846 President Polk appointed him Assistant Quar- 
termaster of the U. S. army. Having discharged his duties faith- 
fully during the war with Mexico, he returned home and soon after 
emigrated to California. 

Hon. Peter Lott^ a native of New York, was elected the successor 



a^ 





/ 




W ././^i-TT^^^jl^'^) 



GRISeSVILLE 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 389 

of James Halston, and continued in the office until January, 1841. 
He was subsequently appointed Clerk of the Circuit Court of Ad- 
ams county, and served until 1852; he then went to California and 
was appointed Superintendent of the U. S. Mint in San Francisco 
by President Pierce, and was removed in 1857 by President 
Buchanan, and afterward moved to Kansas and lived in humble 
life. 

Hon. Stephen A. Douglas was elected Judge by the Legislature 
in 1841. The lite and career of this great man is so well and widely 
known as to render any extended notice of him useless. It is suf- 
ficient to say that the circumstances under which he entered upon 
the duties of his office were such as to thoroughly try the scope of 
his ability. The Circuit was large; the previous incumbent of the 
office had left the " docket " loaded with unfinished " cases," but he 
was more than equal to the task. He "cleaned out the docket " 
with that dispatch and ability which distinguished his subsequent 
course; and so profound was the impression he made upon the 
people that, in the first Congressional election which occurred after 
he was established in his character as Judge, he received nomination 
as a member of Congress, and was elected. 

Hon. Jesse B. Thomas was appointed in August, 1843, and con- 
tinued to hold the position until 1845, when he resigned. Judge 
Thomas possessed high legal abilities and acquirements, and dis- 
charged the duties of his office with honor to himself and to the 
satisfaction of the people. After his resignation he was appointed 
to another Circuit, and soon alter died. He was a delegate to 
Congress from Indiana as early as 1808. His district was what 
are now the States of Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan. 
He w^as one of the first U. S. Senators of Illinois. 

Hon. Norman H Purple was the next incumbent of the office. 
He was elected in 1845 and served till May, 1849, when he resigned. 
The probable cause for this was the insufficiency of salary. The 
people of this district were anxious to retain him as Judge, and 
probably would, but for the cause stated. He was distinguished 
for high legal abilities and executive talents, and the office was ren- 
dered the more honorable for his having occupied it. 

Hon. William A. Minshall was elected in May, 1849, and con- 
tinued to hold the office till his death, in October, 1851, although in 
.1850 his district was changed. Judge M. was a native of 
Tennessee, and came early into the State. He was an active and 
successful lawyer, and attained distinction in his profession. Pre- 
vious to his election as Judge he had been a meniber of the Con- 
stitutional Convention, and also a member of the State Legislature. 

Hon. O. C. Skinner succeeded Judge Minsliall and occupied the 
office from May, 1851, to May, 1853, when he was elected to the 
Supreme Bench, and remained there till 1858, when he resigned. 
He was a sound, able lawyer, and popular as a Judge, and gained 
eminence in his position as a Judge of the Supreme Court." 

Hon. PinJcney H Walker served until his appointment, in 1858, 

24 rr 7 > 



390 HISTORY OF I'IKK COUNTY. 

to fill a vacancy on tlie Supreme Bench. In 1859 lie Avas elected to 
the Supreme Court for nine years, which ])osition he now holds. 
Judge Walker is a native of Kentucky, and eatne into the State 
with his father among the first settlers, and located in McDonough 
count}'. He had only such advantages for obtaining his literary 
acquirements as a newly settled country afforded, but a strong 
determination, added to high intellectual abilities and good health, 
carried him over all of the educational wants of the times, and 
gave him a fair position as a scholar. The same qualifications 
rendered him thorough as a student of law, and gave him superi- 
ority as a counselor. Ilis present residence is at Rushville. 

Hon. John S. Bailey was the succeeding incumbent of the ofiice 
and served for three years. Previous to his appointment he was 
State's Attorney for this district. He was considered a sound 
lawyer, and made an impartial Judge. He now resides at Ma- 
comb, and yet follows his chosen profession. 

Hem. Cliaunceii L. Higbee^ of Pike county, w^as first elected in 
1861, and was re-elected twice, each time for six years. His repu- 
tation as an able lawyer is unquestioned, and fewer appeals were 
made from his decisions than from any other Judge in the State. 
He was elected to the Appellate Court in 1877, when the present 
incumbent, Judge Shope, of Lewistown, was chosen. 

Hon. S. P. Shope. — Judge Shope, of Lewistown, was born in 
Mississippi but reared in Ohio. In the spring of 1839 he came to 
Illinois, read law with Judges Purple and Powell in Peoria, and 
was admitted to the Bar June 11, 1856. He first opened an ofiice 
in Metamora, 111, but in a short time removed to Lewistown, where 
he still resides. He has had a large practice as a lawj^er, not only 
in his own Judicial District, but also in Logan, Mason and Cass 
counties. In August, 1877, he was elected Judge of this District 
without opposition. His thorough knowledge of law, quick com- 
prehension and well-known impartiality, render him a popular 
Judge. 

PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. 

During the earliest period of the countj^'s history the Attorney 
General of the State acted as Prosecuting Attorney in Circuit Dis- 
tricts. After the expiration of Attorney-General Forquer's terra 
the Circuit was given a State's Attorney. This mode remained in 
vogue, although, of course, the districts were often changed and cut 
down, until 1872, when the county was given a Prosecuting At- 
torney, who is known both as State's Attorney and County At- 
torney. Tliis official is not now, as formerly, called out of the 
county to prosecute for the people. 

The Prosecuting Attorneys serving this county are as follows: 
Hon. Thomas Ford served for several years previous to 1836. 
He was possessed of high and noble qualities of manhood, a thor- 
ough student, a keen, energetic, untiring lawyer, of strict integritv 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 391 

and laudable aspirations, and was universally esteemed and re- 
spected. He afterward became Judge of the northern district, and 
when he had become known over the State, was chosen Governor 
by a spontaneous movement of the people. Mr. Ford failed to 
appear at the Courts of this county very much, and in his place in 
1832 Hon. J. H. Ralston served, and in 1833 Gen. John J. Hardin, 

Hon. William A. Richardson^ who served till 1837. Mr. Rich- 
ardson's personal merits and characteristics are too well known to 
require any delineation. His predominating traits were courage, 
unyielding perseverance and unvarying adherence to the cause to 
which he was committed. He had command of a regiment of Illi- 
nois volunteers duriiiff the Mexican war, and in the battle of Buena 
Vista his cap was carried from his head by a musket ball. He re- 
turned home and was elected to Congress, and re-elected five 
times. He was also appointed Governor ot Nebraska by Buchanan. 

Hon. Henry L. Bryant., of Lewistown, succeeded Mr. Richardson, 
and served until 1839. He is characterized as a gentleman of fine 
qualities and as an able lawyer. 

Hon. William Elliott served from January, 1839, till January, 
1848. He was esteemed as a worthy man, a warm friend and a 
good lawyer. He served in the Black Hawk war, and was wounded 
in a hand-to-hand conflict with a single Indian, whom he killed. 
He was Quartermaster in the 4th Reginient during the Mexican 
war, and served through. He returned to Lewistown and continued 
his practice until about 1856, when he moved upon a farm in Peoria 
county, near Farmington, where he died in February, 1871. 

Hon. Hohert S. Blacl'well was the successor of Mr. Elliott, and 
served from 1848 till 1852. Mr. Blackwell was one of the most 
distinguished lawyers in the State, and is the author of " Blackwell 
on Tax Titles." 

Harmon G. Reynolds. — From 1852 to 1854, Hon. Harmon G. 
Reynolds, of Knoxville, held the office. Mr. Reynolds was an at- 
torney-at-law of great ability, and an active jnan in all beneficent 
enterprises. He came from Rock Island to Knoxville some time 
about 1851, where he practiced law, was State's Attornej' and post- 
master, and held prominent positions in the Masonic order. He 
moved from Knoxville to Springfield, where he served as Grand 
Secretary of the order. He now resides in Kansas. 

William C. Goudy. — Hon. William C. Goudy, of Lewistown, 
succeeded Mr. Reynolds. Mr. Goudy was a shrewd Democratic 
politician in earlier days, as well as a faithful servant of the people 
as a delegate to conventions, as a member of the State Senate, etc. 
As a lawyer he is accounted one of the ablest that ever practiced 
at the Bar. He has accumulated large wealth and now resides in 
Chicago, where he moved in 1859. 

Calvin A. Warren followed Mr. Blackwell in the office. Mr. 
Warren served from May, 1852, until August, 1853. This gentleman 
was a popular, fluent speaker and successful lawyer. 



392 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



Hon. John S. Bailey^ of McDonough couiit}^, filled the office 
until September, 1858, when he resiajned for a seat upon the Bench. 

Daniel II. Gilmer served as State's Attorney j^ro tern in 1860, 
as also did Thomas E. Morgan in 1802, and Wm. E. Archer. 

Hon. L. II. Waters was a{)pointed by the Governor to fill the 
unexpired term of Mr. Bailey. He was from Macomb, and served 
until the fall of 1860. A year later he entered the army as Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel of the 28th Illinois Infantry. Resigning, he was 
commissioned to raise another regiment, which he succeeded in 
doing and received the appointment of Colonel. I'his was the 84th 
Illinois Infantry and did excellent service under his efficient com- 
mand. At the close of the war he returned to Macomb and prac- 
ticed law, and about four years later moved to Missouri. He now 
resides at Jefferson City that State. 

Thomas E. Morgan was the next incumbent. Mr. Morgan was 
a lawyer of fine ability and ranked at the head of the Bar in this 
part of the State. He died July 22, 1867. 

L. W. James, of Lewistown, was the next incumbent. Mr. James 
is a lawyer of more than ordinary talent, and was one of the best 
prosecutors in the district, and is said to be one of the most brilliant 
young men in the State. He now resides at Peoria. 

Jeff Orr. — When each county throughout the Circuit was given 
a Prosecuting Attorne}' Jeff Orr was chosen for Pike county, and 
since has served with marked ability. He is a young member of 
the Bar, endowed with great energy, and gifted with superior native 
talent. He has resided in Pittsfield since 18 fS. 



THE BAR. 

The Bar of Pike county has ever stood foremost of all in this 
great State. Some of the best legal minds, and fairest logicians 
and finest orators of the age have practiced at this Bar. 

In reviewing the Bar of the county our readers must bear in 
mind that as the prosperity and well-being of every community 
depends upon the wise interpretation, as well as upon the judi- 
cious framing, of its laws, it must follow that a record of the mem- 
bers of the Bar, to whom these matters are generally relegated, 
must form no unimportant chapter in the county's history. Upon 
a few principles of natural justice is erected the whole superstruc- 
ture of civil law tending to relieve the wants and meet the desires 
of all alike. But where so many interests and counter interests 
are to be protected and adjusted, to the judiciary is presented many 
interesting and complex problems. But change is everywhere im- 
minent. The laws of yesterday do not compass the wants and 
necessities of the people of to-day. The old relations do not exist.' 
Kew and satisfactory ones must be established. The discoveries in 
the arts and sciences, the invention of new contrivances for labor, 
the enlargement of industrial pursuits, and the increase and devel- 
opment of commerce are without precedence, and the science of 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNT V. 893 

the law must keep pace with them all; nay, it must even forecast 
events and so frame its laws as will most adequately subserve the 
wants and provide for the necessities of the new conditions. Hence 
tlie lawyer is a man of the day. The exigencies he must meet are 
those of his own time. His capital is his ability and individuality. 
He can not bequeath to his successors the characteristics that dis- 
tinguished him, and at his going the very evidences of his work 
disappear. And in compiling this short sketch one is astonished 
at the paucity of material for a memoir of those who have been so 
intimately connected with, and who exerted such an influence upon, 
the county's welfare and progress. The peculiarities and the per- 
sonalities, which form so pleasing and" interesting a part of the lives 
of the members of the Bar, and which indeed constitute the cliarm 
of local history, are altogether wanting. Unlike the fair plaintiff 
in Bardell vs. Pickwick, we have no pains-taking sergeant to relate 
"the facts and circumstances" of the case. The Court records 
give us the facts, but the circumstances surrounding and giving 
an interest to the events are wanting. 

The great prominence in history occupied by the Bar of the Mili- 
tary Tract is well known, and ranking with and a part of this is 
the Pike county Bar. High as stood the local standard of its at- 
tainment and repute, whenever its chieftains were called to combat 
on other arenas, they left no lost laurels there. Here were taught, 
needed, developed, the stalwart qualities that attach to and betoken 
the most complete fruition of legal excellence, as attained in tlie 
recognition, study, comprehension and application of the abstruse 
and limitless principles and history of that noblest portion of juris- 
prudence, land law. 

It is no such difficult task to become what the world calls a 
lawyer, but with hope to tread the higher paths of the profession, 
easy effort, varnished knowledge, common mind muscle, need not ap- 
ply. There are grades to which any may attain, but there are also 
summits to which few can aspire. Education, industry, and per- 
sistency may rightl}' demand and ensure success and even eminence 
in the settlement of commercial collisions, or in the adjustment of 
the thousand ordinary interests that constantly appeal to a lawj'er's 
guidance. The babbling charlatan may, equally with the profound 
jurist, claim a fictitious standing as a criminal advocate; but such 
will always stumble among the rugged paths of " land law" prac- 
tice, where rests the settlement of the earth's ownership and where 
true learning, combined with most grasping mental strength, can 
only be at home. 

On this broad field, years since, inviting and fast filling with ad- 
venturous immigration, where existed land titles of every shade, 
affected by conflicting legislation varying as the years, was gained 
the rare training and reputation of the legal athletes,' an arena such 
as was found in no other section of the State; and in addition to 
these advantageous themes of practice, the professional necessities 



394 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTV. 

of the Bar vastly aided its members in their advance to self-reliant 
supremacy. The reasons for this are novel, but conclusive. 

Law in those past-off daj^s demanded of its votaries different 
qualities from now. It exacted the instincts of the smarter men, of 
genius and nerve and novelty. It was the intellectual over the ed- 
ucated who chiefly led the van. Of books there were few. Author- 
ities and precedents slumbered not in the great handy libraries. 
The entire resources of the Bounty Tract could hardly fill out the 
shelves of one ordinary lawyer's library to-day. Hence alike, 
whether engaged in counsel or in litigation, native resource, re- 
membrance of past reading, but mainly the readiness and aptitude 
with whicii legal principles'drawn from rudimental reading or 
educed by intuition could be applied to any interest or exigence in 
" the inflnite vanity of human concerns," were the armories whence 
were drawn their welded weapons of assured success. 

He was a luckless lawyer who had to hunt his books to settle a 
suddenly controverted point, or answer a bewildered client's query; 
and he was a licensed champion, who, theorizing from his instored 
legal lore, or instinctive acumen, knew on the instant where best to 
point his thrust and was equally ready with every form of parry and 
defense. The ofF-hand action and advice of such men, nerved by 
necessity and skilled by contest, became of course to be regarded 
almost like leaves of law. 

One can thus somewhat realize what keen, pliant, incisive re- 
soui-ce was attained by such careers, how inspiring and attractive 
were tlieir collisions, how refined and subtle and sharpened their 
intellects must have become. 

It should not be supposed that looseness, lack of accuracy or legal 
formula, marked the rulings of the Bench or Bar. There was friend- 
ship and familiarity, it is true, because eveiybody knew everybody; 
the court-houses were shambling great log shanties, tlieir furniture, 
chairs and desks, split-bottomed and unplaned, would have set a 
modern lawyer's feeling on edge, but the Bench was always filled 
with character, knowledge and dignity (in fact, the second Judge 
who held Court in Pike county, John York Sawyer, weighed 3S6 
pounds, and if that Bench was not full of judicial dignity where 
will the proper amount of avoirdupois be found?), and forensic ruling 
and requirement was governed by as much judicial ]irecision and 
professional deference as would mark the records of the most pre- 
tentious tribunals in the land. 

The Bar in those days was a sort of family to itself. There was 
a mutual acquaintance. All traveled the Circuit, went to every 
county on Court week, came from all quarters. Egypt and Galena 
had their representatives. Some wont there because they had busi- 
ness; some because they wanted to get business, and all that they 
might learn. 

In Court, by practice and observation, was acquired much of 
knowledge that the paucity of books denied the student and young 
practitioner. Out of Court their association was like that of a de- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 395 

bating society or law school. They minorled in couiiiion, ate, di'ank, 
smoked, joked, disputed together. The Judge had at the tavern the 
spare room, if such a room there was, and the lawyers bunked 
cosily, dozens together, in the "omnibus," as the big, many-bedded 
room was called, and there they had it. Whatever of law point 
past, pending, or probable could be raised, they "went for," dis- 
cussed, dissected, worried, fought over it until, whether convinced 
or not, all knew more than when they commenced; and thus, strug- 
gling over these made-up issues of debate, became sharpened, by 
mutual attrition, the legal faculties that were panting for future 
and more serious contests. 

These lawyers were on exhibition, too, and they knew it. Every 
man in the county came to town Court week if he could. There 
were but few people in the country then, and Court week was the 
natural periodical time for the farmers to meet, swap stories, make 
trades, learn the news, hear the speeches and form their own opin- 
ions as to which of these " tonguey fellers it is safest to give business 
to or vote for for the Legislater." 

A pretty good idea how universal was the gathering of necessity 
at the county-seats in those primitive days may be gleaned from the 
fact that ofteu Sheriff, Capt. Ross and Deputy Sheriff "Jimmy " Koss 
had to go on the jury to make up the number. They could not find 
enough men in reach to sit as jurors. They had jolly old times, 
those limbs of the law — ^jolly, indeed. Most of them were young. 
All were instinct with the very cream of zeal, enterprise and origin- 
ality that inheres to a new community, and among them jibe and 
jest and fun and 3^arh and repartee and sell were tossed about like 
meteoric showers. 

An amusing incident is told in which figured an eminent surviv- 
ing member of the Bar, of the Military Tract. He, the Judge, and 
the Prosecuting Attorney, traveling over the prairie, while lighting 
their pipes, either thoughtlessly or accidentally set the grass on 
fire. It spread, swept toward the timber, destroyed a settler's fences 
and improvements, and some luckless wight was indicted for the 
offense. The lawyer above was engaged as counsel for the culprit. 

The Prosecuting Attorney of course had his duty to perform to 
the furtherance of the ends of justice; the Judge had the outraged 
interests of law to protect under the solemnity of his position and 
oath; but it required all the earnest effort of the gifted counsel, all 
the generous ruling of the Judge, all the blundering action of the 
Prosecuting Attorney, the united sympathies, in fact, of this secretly 
sinning legal trinity to prevent the jury from finding a verdicl 
against the innocent accused. Countless are the racy legends of Illi- 
nois life and law, unrecorded and fast fading away as the memories 
that hold them pass from existence, but time and space give now 
no warrant for their recital. 

BAR OF THE PAST. 

Of those attorneys who resided in the county at one time, or 



396 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

practiced here, and are now either dead, have quit the practice or 
moved away, we will speak first : 

Oen. E. D. Baker^ whose father was an Admiral in the English 
navy, and whose brother. Dr. Alfred C. Baker, now resides at Barry, 
was an eminent lawyer, a fine rhetorician and orator, a man of 
great intellect, and a leader in the halls of legislation. After many 
years' practice in Illinois he went to California, which State soon 
sent him to Congress as Senator, but he was finally slain by treach- 
ery at Ball's Bluff in Virginia. 

lloii. O. H. Browning^ of Quincy, too well known to describe 
here, lias practiced at this Bar. 

Col. D. B. Bush, of Pittsfield, is the oldest man in the county 
who has been a member of the Bar at this Court. He was admit- 
ted to practice in 1814. 

Son. J. M. Bush, the present editor of the Democrat, has prac- 
ticed law here with commendable success. 

Neherniah Bushnell, a partner of Mr. Browning's at Quincy, 
has also practiced law in the Pike countv Circuit Court. He was 
an easy, quiet and thorough laM'yer, and a superior man in the U. 
S. Court. He died in 1872. 

Alfred W. Cavalry was a smooth, pretty talker. He moved to 
Ottawa and died there a year or two ago at a very advanced age. 

George W. Croiv, of Barry, was a young man but not much of a 
laM-yer. He weiit to Kansas. 

Stephen A. Douglas practiced at the Pike county Bar in early 
davs. 

Daniel H. Gilmer was a young but able lawyer, thorough-going, 
learned, careful and popular. For a time he was a partner of Archi- 
bald Williams, and was subsequently a Colonel in the army, suc- 
ceeding Col. Carlin : he was killed at Stone river. His daughter 
Lizzie is now Postmistress at Pittsiield. 

JanJcsoii Grlmshaw, younger brother of Hon. Wm. A. Grimshaw, 
was leader of the Bar in his day. He resided at Pittsfield fourteen 
years, then went to Quincy, where he died in December, 1875. 

The following high eulogy was paid to the memory of Mr. Grim- 
shaw by Hon. I. N. Morris before the Bar of Quincy, at the time 
of his decease : " I rise to second the motion to place on the 
records of this Court the resolutions adopted by the members of 
the Bar of Quincy, as a slight testimonial to the memory of Jack- 
son Grimshaw. It is but little we can do, at best, to keep the 
defacing march of time from obliterating every sensitive memory 
of our departed friends, but we can do something toward it and 
let us do that little in this instance. Jackson Grimshaw deserves a 
living place in our minds and in our hearts. Yet he was mortal. 
He, like other men, had his faults and his virtues. His faults 
belonged to himself. His virtues to all. When the melancholy 
news came out from his residence, at 11 o'clock yesterday, that he 
was dead, its echo went over the city like the sound of a funeral 
bell, and "poor Grimshaw" was the general wail amid the heart- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 397 

felt sorrow of all. His genius was of no ordinary kind; his energy 
was tireless, and he was true to his profession, his client and his 
honor. I challenge any man to say if he ever Ijeard either 
impeached, even by a suspicion. If there was any thing the 
deceased hated more than any other, it was an illiberal, tricky, 
unmanly, dishonorable act, inside or outside of the profession, more 
especially inside of it. He had no patience with anything low or 
mean. These words grate on the ear, but I know of none more 
appropriate or expressive. His impulses flowed from a pure and 
noble inspiration, and were guided by a cultivated mind. I repeat 
it with pride, Jackson Grimshaw was an honest man. He bowed 
to no expediency, nor to sordid motive. He was easily excited, 
and the blood would mount to his cheeks instantly at a wrong or 
indignity, and he would rebuke it on the spot. All will concede 
there was not a particle of deceit or hypocrisy about him. What 
he was he was, and we all understood him. He did not ask a favor 
in a smiling, cunning, obsequious way, but he trod the world as a 
man, and he looked with pity and disdain upon the servile who 
crawl upon their belly. In short, I say from a long and intimate 
acquaintance, notwithstanding his quick resentment and hasty 
words, he was superior in all the better qualities of the head and 
heart, for he never meant or planned a wrong: never coollj' devised 
an evil, or gave the least countenance to it in another. I do not 
speak the language of romance or eulogy, but the simple, unadorned 
language of truth, and by that standard let him be judged. He 
would not prostitute his profession to plunder the widow or the 
orphan, or, in other words, he did not study or practice it merely 
as a means of gain, but for the higher and nobler purpose of estab- 
lishing justice among men, and not degrading the court-house 
into a place of tricks, technicalities and legal legerdemain. His 
sense of right was exalted, and he was not a spawn of nature, but 
was cast in the best mold. I repeat it, he was in the broadest 
sense of the term an honest and honorable lawyer and man. 

It is no disparagement to others to say that in his profession he 
was the peer of any of them. He was a close student, but what 
was better, he was a close thinker. The principles bearing on his 
case shone through his mind as the face in the mirror, and they 
were unfolded to the Court and the Jury in language clear, forcible 
and convincing. His plain law, his impressment of facts, his eluci- 
dation, his power of analysis, his clear, forcible language and 
delivery, placed him justly in the front rank at the Bar. 

Zachariah iV. Garhuti was born in Wheatland, N. Y., about 
the year 1813; graduated at the University of Yermont; studied 
law in Washington city in the office of Matthew St. Clair Clark; 
he directly emigrated to Jacksonville, 111., where he finished his 
legal course; he came to Pike county about the year 1839, returned 
East for a year, and then came back to Pittslield, where he estab- 
lished the Free Press in 1846, and from which yjaper he retired in 
1849; he also practiced law some, was Justice of the Peace and 



398 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Master in Chancery. He was a strong anti-slavery Whig and a 
temperance advocate, and in the Mormon war, as Mr. Grimshaw 
says, " lie earned laurels bv piling up big sweet potatoes for the 
troops of the anti-Mormons." Earnest and somewhat original in 
his opinions, very independent in the expression of his thoughts, he 
was an upright, jovial man, and something of a genius. Finally, 
while traveling fur a firm in St. Louis on commercial business, he 
was attacked with varioloid in Mem})his, Tenn., where he died in 
1855. In 1811 he married Phimelia B. 8cott, a native of New 
York State, and who has since married Mr. Purkitt, and still re- 
sides in Pittsfield. 

Alfred Oruhh was tirst Sheriff, then a member of the Legisla- 
ture, then County Judge, and then admitted to the Bar, and prac- 
ticed in the Courts. He had considerable legal knowledge, and 
was well versed in the rules of practice, but his natural ability was 
comparatively deficient. ^ 

Gen. John J. Hardin^ who had descended from a stock of 
soldiers and lawyers, was a fine attorney. He used to practipe con- 
siderably at the Bar in this county, and often stop here on his way 
to Calhoun and return. For a period he was State's Attorney on 
this Circuit. He was killed at the battle of Buena Yista. 

Milton Hay^ formerly of the firm of Hay & ]3aker, now ranks 
high as a lawyer at Springfield, 111., being a member of the firm of 
Hay, Greene & Littler, and has accumulated a fortune. He has 
been a member of the State Constitutional Convention and of the 
State Legislature. 

Mr. Iletoitt practiced here a while, and went to Iowa. 

Capt. Joseph Klein., of Barry, was admitted to the Bar, but 
never practiced in the Circuit; was a partner of J. L. Underwood 
until 1869. He had considerable ability. He was once a steam- 
boat captain, and came from St. Louis to this county. 

Josiah LaTThhom., a lame man, once Attorney General of the 
State, resided at Jacksonville, and afterwai-d at Springfield. He 
had a great deal of talent, but was a corrupt man. 

Abraham Lincfiln ])racticed at the Pike county Bar in early 
days. 

Samuel D. Lockwood., who resided at Jacksonville, was a very 
superior man as a lawyer and as a gentleman. He was once Attorney 
General of the State, Judge of the old Fifth Circuit, and was the 
author of the original criminal code of Illinois. He resiffned the 
othce on account of ill health, and went up to or near Aurora, 
where he died a short time ago. He was also one of the original 
trustees of the Asylum for the Blind at Jacksonville. 

Gen. Maxwell., of Rushville, has appeared before the Bar in this 
county. His favorite song was, "The big black bull went roaring 
down the meadow." At one time he was a partner of Wm. A. 
Minshall, and at another of Wm. A. Richardson. 

Isaac N. Morris, of Quincy, but recently deceased, has practiced 
law in Pike county. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 399 

Murray 0^ Connell, of Jacksonville, practiced here considerably. 
He was a rough-speaking man, but of great vvdt. During Buchan- 
an's administration he was 5th Auditor of the Treasury. He was 
murdered at the age of seventy. 

John G. Pettingill, School Superintendent for a number of 
years, was also a lawyer in this county, but is now living in Mis- 
souri, 

iV. E. Quinhy, another Pike county hiwyer, is now deceased. 

James H. Ralston^ formerly of Quincy, used to practice here 
and was for a time Circuit Judge. He was finally killed and de- 
voured by wolves in California. 

Hon. Win. A. Richardson, State's Attorney for a long time, used 
to practice here, but of late j^ears he has visited the county more 
in the role of a politician. 

■ John Jay Ross, son of Capt. Leonard Ross, was a lawyer of Pike 
county, but his practice was mostly confined to Atlas. He is now 
dead. 

David A. Smith, once of Jacksonville, practiced here a great 
deal. He was a partner of Gen. Hardin at the time the latter died. 

Thomas Stafford, a Barry lawyer, had not much ability. He 
soon removed from Barry to parts not now remembered. 

Mr. Starr practiced at Coles' Grove in very early day : he after- 
ward went to Cincinnati. 

John T. Stewart, of the firm of Stewart, Edwards & Brown, 
Springfield, is a shrewd lawyer of the Scotch kind. He was the 
first antagonist of Stephen A. Douglas in the Congressional race 
that the latter made in 1S3S, and was beaten by eighty-odd votes. 
The noted " Black Prince" turned the election. This district then 
extended to Galena and Chicago. 

E. G. Tingle, Barry, whose father was a Judge in Maryland, was 
a well-read lawyer, but he did not stay in Barry long. 

Hon. Lyman Trumhull, ex-U. S. Senator and now practicing 
law in Chicago, has appeared as attorney in the Pike county Court. 

James Ward was a native of Ohio, and in this county was Jus- 
tice of the Peace and Probate Judge. He died, leaving a family at 
Griggsvillc and numerous relatives. 

Calvin A. Warren, of Quincy, but now dead, has visited here 
some as a lawyer, and was State's Attorney for a time. 

Charles Warren, for a time partner of Milton Hay in Pittsfield, 
was counsel of the commission appointed to ascertain the damages 
incurred by the damming of Copperas creek, 

Alpheus Wheeler, an eccentric preacher and lawyer, came from 
old Virginia to Pike county at the close of the Black Hawk war, 
residing for some time at Highland. In 1838 and 1840 he was 
elected to the Legislature of Illinois where he made his peculiar 
speeches and encountered the wit and humor of another remarkable 
raan, but of a more elevated type of manhood and education, 
namely. Usher F. Binder, who died recently at Chicago. On one 
occasion Mr. Wheeler addressed the Chair, saying, " Mr. Speaker, I 



400 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



have a-rose — " " Does thc;^entleman keep a flower garden?" inter- 
rupted tlie Speaker. Mr, W. practiced law in Pittsfield and ob- 
tained considerable business. lie took great pride in his oratorical 
eftbrts and made some lofty flights in speeches to the jury. On one 
occasion when D. M. Woodson, State's Attorney, submitted a casfe 
without argument for the purpose of preventing Wheeler from 
speaking, the latter re])lied: " Gentlamen, I admire the State's At- 
torney; he has shown the most sublime eloquence, as from some 
men it consists in most profound silence." He used to say of 
Woodson, " His eloquence is like the tall thunder amongst the lofty 
oaks, coming down for to split things." This remark at one time 
excited some one who had a ready hand at a rough pencil sketch to 
draw a picture of a man's head with a big nose elevated in a tree- 
top, upon the west wall of the court-room at Pittsfleld, and it re- 
mained there for many years, until the house was whitened up on 
the inside. That big nose was a caricature of Wiieeler's. In a case 
for killing a cow, when (). H. Browning made some points for the 
defendant, Mr. Wheeler replied: "The gentleman tells you, gentle- 
men of the jury, that the plaintiff, my client, cannot recover in this 
suit because the cow warn't no cow because she never liad a calf, 
but that she war a heifer. Gentlemen, that are not the notion of a 
sound and legal lawyer but the notion of a inusharoon." This al- 
most convulsed the court-house with laughter. Another objection 
of Browning's in this case was thus replied to by Mr. Wheeler: 
" Gentlemen of the jury, Mr. Browning says that our cow warn't 
worth a cent. Now, gentlemen, where were there ever a cow that 
warn't worth a cent? That cow were worth somethinij for her meat, 
it she warn't worth nothing for a milk cow. She war worth some- 
thing for her horns; she war worth something for her hide, if not 
for her meat or milk; and gentlemen, she war worth something be- 
cause the tail goes with the hide." The cause of Browning's point 
was, that Wheeler had ftiiled to prove by witnesses the worth of the 
cow. 

A suit brought by Wheeler for one Harpole against his brother 
was for damage done to hogs by cutting the toe-nails off" the hogs 
80 as to prevent them from climbing. Wheeler, in describing the 
injury done to the hogs, insisted that the hogs hact a right to toe- 
nails and a right to climb, and that, although they had done dam- 
age, yet it was laid down, " root hog or die." 

One Zumwalt was indicted for destroying a mill-dam of Dr. 
Hezekiah Dodge's. Wheeler in this case assailed the character of 
Dr. Dodge, wlio was a respectable man and whom the jury did be- 
lieve. Zumwalt was convicted upon evidence that he had said 
at his son-in-law's, on the night of the destruction of the dam of 
Dodge's, " Just now the musrats are working on old Dodge's dam.'^ 
Wheeler said of Dodge on the trial, " Dr. Dodge are a man so de- 
void of truth that when he speaks the truth he are griped." 

During another of the lofty flights of our hero, a wag, John J. 
Ross, a lawyer and a man who made and enjoyed a joke, laughed. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 401 

SO at one of Mr. Wheeler's speeches that he became excited, and, 
turning upon Ross in a very contemptuous way, with a majestic 
sweep of his long arm brought down at Ross, said: " I wish 1 had 
a tater: I'd throw it down your throat." Wheeler did not close his 
speech that evening, and the next morning early, when he was 
again addressing the jurj' and Ross at the Bar table, by some hand 
several large potatoes were put down in sight of Wheeler's eye. 
He fired up and let out a torrent of invective upon Ross, every one, 
Judge and all, in a ioud roar of laughter. 

In a line frenzy at one time, Mr.W. parodied Shakspeare thus: 

" Who steals my purse steals trash ; 
Robs me of that which not enriches him but makes me poor, — 

all to injure my client." 

Wheeler went to Bates county, Mo., since which time he has 
been lost sight of b}' people of this county. It is reported that he 
is not now living. 

James W. Whitney was denominated " Lord Coke" on account 
of his knowledge of law. For a sketch of him see chapter on the 
early settlement of this county. 

Archihald Williams^ formerly of Quincy butlater of Kansas and 
U. S. Circuit Jude^e, has been an eminent practitioner at the Bar 
of Pike. 

John H. Williams, now of Quincy and a Circuit Judge, is a son 
of Archibald. Williams, a nian of good sense, and has been an able 
pleader at the Bar of Pike county. He is one of three Judges of 
this Circuit, but seldom holds Court in Pike county. 

David M. Woodson was a State's Attorney of the old 1st District, 
which then included Pike county; afterward was Circuit Judge 
for 18 years, then was member of the Legislature. His partner in 
the law was Charles D. Hodges, late Circuit Judge of Greene 
county. 

■Gov. Richard Yafes delivered his " maiden" speech as an at- 
torney here in Pittsfield. 

THE PRESENT BAR. 

We have endeavored to mention the names and give what facts 
we could learn of every attorney who has ever practiced in the 
courts of Pike count3\ We will now speak of those who compose 
the Bar at present. No name will intentionally be omitted. The 
list we give was furnished by some of the leading attorneys of the 
county, and we believe full and complete. 

Hon. Wm. H. Archer \9, a, wAtive 0^1^ ew York city, where he 
read law and was admitted to the Bar in 1838, and shortly after- 
ward moved to this county, where he has ever since resided, ever 
active to forward any movement for the progress and prosperity of 
the county. 



402 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

R. M. Atkinson was admitted to the Bar in 1868; was elected 
Conntv Judij^e in 1865 and served two terms. 

Qaitmaji Brown is en^aij^ed in the practice of law at Milton. 

A. G- Crawford. — Mr. Crawford is a native son of Pike; studied 
law at Pittsfield, and (graduated from the Chicaojo law school. He 
received his non-professional education in the schools of this 
county and at Blackburn University at Carlinville. 

Josej^h L. Dohhin. — This gentleman, who resides at Pittsfield^ 
has been gaining a foot-hold in this county as an attorney of high 
rank. 

Kdward Doocy, Griggsville, is a graduate of Illinois College at 
Jacksonville, and was admitted to the Bar in 1874. He was born 
in Griggsville in 1851, and as a lawyer he now has a successful 
practice. 

Isaac J. J)ye7\ Time, was reared in Jacksonville; had but limited 
literary education; received his professional education at the law 
scliool of Washington Universitv at St. Louis, and was admitted to 
the Bar in 1873. He served in the late war and was disabled for 
life by wounds in the left arm. 

James F. Great/iouse, of Pittsfield, is a son of one of the early 
pioneers of Pike county. He was reared in Montezuma township 
and has thus far continued to reside in the county. Pie served his 
counti-y during the trying days of the Rebellion. 

Delos Grujsl)y^ son of Judge Grigsby^ has recently been admitted 
to tlie Bar. 

Hon. Wm. A. Grimshaw^ the oldest practicing attorne}^ of the 
county, ranks as one of the leading lawyers of the State; was ad- 
mitted to the Bar in Philadelphia at the age of 19; in 1833 he came 
to Pike county, since which time he has been activeh^ identified 
with almost every public interest of the county. 

Samuel V. Hay den is engaged in the practice of law at Milton. 

Harry Higlee, son of Judge Higbee, and partner of Messrs. 
Wike (Sc Matthews, attended Columbia Law School, New York 
citv, and the Chicago Law School, and was admitted to the Bar in 
1878. _ ^ 

Geo. W. H{n7na7i is engaged in the practice of law at Perry. 

James 8. Irwin 'wrs a college class-mate of the noted John C. 
Breckinridge, Mdio was once Vice President ot the United States and 
afterward a leader in the Southern Confederacy. Mr. Irwin is one 
of the leading lawyers of the State. 

Henry C. Johnston^ of Pittsfield. Mr. Johnston has resided in 
Pittsfield for some time, engaged in the practice of law, 

J. W. Johnson was admitted to the Bar in 1869, came to Pike 
county the following year, taught school for two years and then 
located at Pittsfield. He is at the present engaged in the practice 
of law in company with J, S. Irwin. 

W. I. Klein, who graduated at Ann Arbor, is practicing 
law at Barry at the present time. 

A. G. Lang is also practicing at Barry. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTT. 40S 

Hon. A. C Matthews is a native of this comit}-, liis father being 
one of the sturdy pioneers. He served in the late war witli dis- 
tinction as Colonel of the 99th, and subsequently was Collector of 
Internal Revenue for several years in the 9th District, then Super- 
visor of Internal Revenue. 

Jefferson Orr. Mr. Orr is at present the State's Attorney. As 
a lawyer and as a man of integrity and ability he ranks high. 

Peter T. Staats, Griggsville. While engaged in the practice of 
law Mr. Staats also teaches school occasionally. 

J. L. C/Vi^^eri^oo*^, of Barry, was born in ]5Jew York city May 
10, 1826, the son of Robert L. and Martha Underwood; emigrated 
lirst to A.dams county, and in 1837 to Pike county, settling at 
Eldara; read law here and was admitted to the Bar in 1865, but 
had been practicing law four years before that time. Although 
living at Eldara his office for many years was at Barry, to which 
place he has more recently moved. 

Hon. Scott Wike studied law at Harvard University, and was 
admitted to the Bar in 1858; the following year he located at 
Pittsiield and began the practice of his chosen profession. He is 
one of the leading lawyers of the Circuit. 

TKos. Worthington, jr., son of Dr. Thos. Worthington, was born 
in Tennessee wliile his mother was there on a visit during the 
holidays. But he is, strictly speaking, an Illinoisan. He read law 
with Judge Atkinson and in the law school at Chicago, and wa8 
admitted to the Bar in 1877. He is now in the office with Judge 
Atkinson at Pittsfield. 

EL Yates, a partner of Jeff Orr, the State's Attorney, at Pitts- 
field, ranks among the leading attorneys at this Bar, and unrivaled 
in his ability to relate anecdotes. 




v 



A 



TOWNSHIP HISTORIES. 



CHAMBERSBURG TOWNSHIP. 

This township lies in the extreme northeastern part of the 
county. It is bounded upon the north bj Versailles tp., Brown 
CO., on the west by Perry tp., on the south bj Flint, and on the east 
bv the Illinois river. Alono^ the river is much bottom land, whole 
sections of which are entirely useless for agricultural purposes. 
Both the north and south forks of McGee's creek traverse this town- 
ship: they join on section 27, and empty into the Illinois river 
about a mile above Naples, which is on the opposite shore, in Scott 
county. 

The first pioneers who came to this township were James Wells, 
Samuel Atchison, a Mr. Brewster and a Mr. Van Woy. They 
came in 1822. The first named located on section 20, and Mr. 
Atchison erected his cabin on section 17. The first sermon 
preached in the township was at the house of Kachel Brown, in 
1827, by Rev. John Medford, ' a Methodist preacher. The first 
church edifice was erected on section 31. The first school was 
taught in 1830 in an old loo^ house which stood near where Joseph 
Brown lives, by John Lyster, The first Siniday-schoul in the town- 
ship was organized by the Methodists in the town of Chambersburg. 
The first wedding in the township was in 1826, the contracting 
parties being James Medford and Eliza Brown. The wedding 
occurred at the residence of the bride's mother, and the ceremony 
was performed by Esquire Wells. The first person overtaken by 
death in the township was Michael Brown, who died in 1826. 
lie came to the township in the fall of the same year. 

Joseph Brown is the oldest pioneer living in the township. 
James Pool is the next oldest. Harvey Dunn was an early settler 
here. He was a member of the convention which framed the Con- 
stitution of 1847. He was an unassuming, intelligent and honest 
man, and died many years ago. 

The ])rivations of the pioneer families in this township were in 
some respects very great, cut off as they were from almost all 
social, religious, educational and commercial advantages. Of course 
they enjoyed these in a limited degree. The first settlers were people 
who valued greatly such privileges, and though they were for many 



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aL<^-t-^ 



PERRY 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 407 

jears without school-houses and churches, easily found the facilities 
for enjoying themselves, both socially and religiously. The great- 
est privations arose from the want of the means of communication 
with the outside world. The absence of railroads, or even good 
wagon roads, rendered the locality almost inaccessible to postal and 
commercial facilities, and traveling for other than business pur- 
poses was out of the question. Most of the original pioneers are 
represented here by descendants, but they, with few exceptions, 
have passed to a country that is always new, where, however, the 
trials of pioneer life are unknown. 

The first settlers were all farmers, after a fashion now unknown. 
They raised a little corn and a few vegetables, and, like their red 
neighbors, depended largely^upon their rifle for subsistence. Their - 
houses were but little superior to those of the Indians, being 
merely little cabins erected only witli the help of the ax and per- 
haps an auger. No locks, nails or any other article of iron entered 
into their construction, but such devices as could be wrought out 
on the ground by the use of the tools named and of such materials as 
the locality afforded. The only boards used for any purpose were 
such as could be hewed out of logs. 

CHAMBERSBURG. 

The town of Chambersburg is located on the north fork of Mc- 
Gee's creek, on section 8. It was surveyed and laid out May 7, 
1833, by Seabourn Gilmore and B. B. ^Nfetz. Mcintosh and 
Givens were the first settlers of the town. They owned a distillery 
and store here before the town was laid out. There are several 
good stores, churches, a school-house, shops, etc., in the town; and 
for an inland village it transacts a very good trade. 

PERSONAL SKETCHES. 

James Barry is a native of Morgan county, O., and was born in 
1834; he is a son of Wilson and Rosanna Barry, the former a native 
of Pennsylvania and the latter of Vermont; he was brought to this 
county at the age of nine years; Feb. 1, 1855, he married Eleanor 
E. Kurfman, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1838. Everything 
was in its native wildness when Mr. B. came to this county, and as 
his father soon died, he began life for himself at an early age, work- 
ing for $13 a month; he had many obstacles to overcome, but his 
enterprising, persevering disposition overcame all of them. He 
prospered for a time here and removed to Rockport, with tlie 
intention of going to Missouri the following spring, but the out- 
break of the war prevented him. He bought land again in this 
county, met with disasters, but has again established himself, now 
owning 190 acres of land. Mr. B. is a member of the U. Baptist 
Church, P. O., Chambersburg. 

Joab Brooks ; P. 0., Chambersburg. Mr B. was born in Pike 
county in 1832, and is a son of A. H. and Lucy Brooks, natives of 
Tennessee. In 1863 he married the widow Brooks, whose maiden 

25 



408 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

name was Elizabeth Hume. She was born in 1833. Six children 
have blessed this union. Mr. B. is engao^ed in fanning on sec. 9, 
but formerly followed blacksmithing. JVlcmbei-s of M. E. Church. 

Joseph Brown, fanner, sec. 17; P. O., Chambersburg; isa native 
of the Green Mountain State, where he was born in 1816; his 
father, Michael Brown, is a native of Ireland, wiio came to this 
country when 18 years of age; his mother, the daugliter of Joseph 
Greir,'was born near Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. B. came with his 
parents t > Illinois in 1820 and located near Shawneetown, 111., and 
in the fall of 1824 was brought to this county, and has lived on the 
8ame farm since the spring of 1825, and has been engaged in farm- 
ino- ;ind runninir flat and steam-boats on the river. In 1858 he 
married Mrs. Catharine Jones, a native of Coshocton Co., O. Three 
children have been born to them, two of whom are dead. Mr. 
Brown is an old pioneer, coming here when the wolves were thick 
as squirrels and could be heard in all directions, and turkey and 
deer seen in large num.bers. He is the oldest ])ioneer now living 
in the township. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church. 

Nancy Burrows, widow of the late Robert Gr. Burrows, was 
born in East Tenn. Dec. 18, 1825, and is a daughter of William 
Deviney, deceased. She was married to Mr. Burrows June 5, 
1850. Tiiey had 8 children, of whom 3 are living, — Ada E., wife 
of David M. Reynolds, of Pike county; Ella F. and Laura A. Mrs. 
B's brother, Capt. P., Deviney, wlio spent most of his life on the 
waters, now resides in St. Louis, where she also has a sister resid- 
ing, and one sister in California, whom she has not seen for 29 
years. Mr. Burrows, her husband, was born in New York city, 
May 2, 1819; by profession he was a civil engineer, but desiring a 
more active life he went upon the waters; he was mate of the Cal- 
houn on the Illinois river from the time she was launched until his 
death, which occurred Jan. 13, 1879. He was a man of culture 
and education, widely known and highly respected, and a worth}' 
member of the M. E. Church. 

James W. Okenoweth was born in 1847 in Pike county, and is a 
eon of Wm. and Sarah Chenoweth; he lirst married Mary Erving 
in 1874. One child was born to them. Mrs C. died the same year, 
and in 1878 Mr. C. married Miss Maggie Erving, who was born in 
1857. Mr. C. commenced buying and shipping stock eight years 
ago, and in this business has succeeded very well. 

Miles B. Chenoweth\ P. O. Chambersburg; was born in 1827 in 
Bartholomew Co., Ind. His parents, Abraham and Rachel Cheno- 
weth, were both natives of Kentucky; thoy moved to Clinton Co., 
Ind., in the lall of 1832, and in 1830 to Pikecountj^, 111., where our 
subject grew to manhood and embarked in farming; in 1848 he was 
united in marriage to Miss AnnaE. Allen, a native of Madison Co., 
N. Y., born April 7, 1830, and they are the parents of 4 children. 
Tiiey have been members of the Christian Church for 35 years, atid 
in all public enterprises Mr. C. is very liberal. 

J^. D. Cooper was born in 1812 in Sumner Co., Tenn., and was 
the son of George and EIiz:\bcth Cooper, the former of N. C, and , 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 409 

his mother of Tenn. With his parents our subject moved to Ky., 
and in 1829 came to Illinois, and worked at the carpenter's trade in 
Pittsfield. In 1843 he married Miss Veturia Hobbs, who was born 
in Ky., in 1818. Mr. C. .followed farunng up to 1857, and then 
embarked in the grocery business; he went West, and in 1860 came 
back to Illinois, and again engaged in the grocery business until 
1865, then embarked in the milling business, which he continued 
two years; farmed for a year; engaged in the milling business in 
Versailles, 111., for about a year and a half; returned to the farm, 
where he lived for 7 years; then sold out and bought the Chambers- 
burg Mills, which he has been running since, in connection with 
the iiouring-mill, which he has put in excellent repair, lie has a 
saw-mill. 

J. H. Dennis^ Chambersburg, is one of the leading citizens of 
the township, indeed of the county. Mr. D. has served many terms 
as a member of the Board of Supervisors, and as Chairman of that 
body. 

Thomas Dorman, farmer, sec. 4; P. O. Chambersburg. Mr. D. 
is a son of Lewis and Eliza J. Dorman; born in 1851 in Brown Co., 
111.; his father is a native of Ohio and his mother a native of Brown 
Co.. 111., where Thomas was raised until the age of 15; he then en- 
gaged in engineering, and for 3 years followed blacksmithing, at 
Hersman Station, then went to Jaques' Mills, where he worked two 
years. He was married to Miss America Berry in 1872; she was 
born in Ohio in 1850. Of the 3 children born to them one is dead. 
Mr. and Mrs. D. are members of the Christian Church, 

George H. Dunn was born in Morgan Co., 111., Feb. 28, 1838. 
His parents, Harvey and Angeline Dunn, were born in N. Y. and 
Mass., respectively. Mr. D. was brought to this county by his 
parents in 1839, and up to the year 1850 lived in the town of Cham- 
bersburg, and then moved on a farm on sec. 5, where he lived until 
the death of his father in Dec, 1869. He shortly afterward returned 
to Chambersburg and has since lived in retired life. In April, 1864, 
he married Miss Susan M. Dennis. Mr. D. is a brother of Dr. 
Dunn, of Perry. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, also the 
Chapter of Knight Templars of the Masonic fraternity. 

Thomas Grayham^ farmer sec. 17; P. O. Chambersburg. Mr. G. 
was born in 1833 in Kentucky; at the age of 22 he came to this 
county and followed carpentering and boat-building. His parents 
were John and Susan Grayham. Our subject was married to Miss 
Siretta J. Rushing, who was born in Nashville, Tenn. To them 
have been born 10 children, 6 of whom are living. Mr. G. has 
been very successful as a farmer. Mrs. G. is a member of the . 
Methodist Church. 

Joel Ham, farmer, sec. 20; P. O. Chambersburg. In Rutherford 
Co., Tenn., in 1829, there was born to Jnmes and Mary Ham the 
subject of this sketch; they moved to this county when their son 
was one year old; here he grew to manhood, and May 9, 1850, was 
married to Miss Sarah A. Wells, who was born in this townshij) 



410 IITSTORT OF PIKE COUNTY. 

April 20, 1S33. James A., Orson, Sarah H., Bennett D. and 
Charles are the names of the children born to them. Mrs. H. died, 
and Sept. 8, 1859, Mr. H. married Miss Malvina Lee, who was born 
May '24, 183(), at Orleans, Ind. Ten children have been born to 
tlieiu, — Benj. F., Anii^enettia, Lncretia, David L., Enoch, AValter S., 
Harvey, Anna E., Duliie P., Frederick A. The following of his 
former children are dead: James A., Orson and Charlie; and of 
the latter, Benjamin, Lncretia and Dollie. Mr. II. began life very 
poor, l)nt now owns 400 acres of land. He well remembers about 
the early settlers pounding corn with an iron wedge in the top of a 
slump burned out for the purpose, and when it took two days for 
Ids father to go to mill with the grist in a sack thrown over the 
horse's back. All the sugar they used was from the maple trees 
standinrr in the forest. Mrs. II. is a member of the Christian 
Church. 

John H. Ham, farmer, sec. 20 ; P. O. Chambersburg ; is the son 
of Lewis and Julia A. Ham, and was born in this county in 1855 ; 
Ids mother died in December, 187S. In 1874 Mr. H. took unto 
himself a wife in the person of Miss Alice Conner : she was born 
in Pike county in 1854 : only one of the two children born to them 
is living. Mrs. H. is a member of the Christian Church. 

James L. Ham^ one of the largest farmers in this county, was 
born June 15, 1832, in this township ; his parents came here in 
1830 from Kutherford county, Tenn.; their names were James and 
Mary (Broiles) Ham, one a native of S. C. and the other of Tenn., 
and of German descent, — both very old families in those States, 
and took part in the Revolutionary war, their great-grandfather, 
Gen. Williams, serving under Washington. James Ham, the 
father of our subject, during his life-time was a very large and 
successful farmer, owning and working 1,500 acres of land in this 
township at the time of his death, which occurred in 1868. He 
began life in 1830 with a team and 35 cents. He raised a large 
family of eight children, seven of whom lived to be grown, — four 
now living in this county and one in Stark county. James L. was 
married Sept. 25, 1853, to Julia A. Wells, daughter of James 
Wells, the oldest settler in this township. He had a family of four 
children, — John H., who is married and lives on sec. 20, Henry A., 
Marshall A. and Keuben L. Mr. Ham has served the township for 
several years as Supervisor, and was Chairman of that body : he is 
now acting as Justice of the Peace. He has been a member of the 
Christian Church for many years. He is also a member of the 
Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and has been prominently 
connected with the Pike County Agricultural Society, being Pres- 
ident, Vice-President or Director for the last fifteen years, and is 
now Vice-President. 

William Hawk, tanner, sec. 4 ; P. O. Chambersburg ; was born 
Auc. 3, 1842, and is a son of James and Rachel Hawk. He came 
with his parents to Brown county. III., when nine years of age, and 
in 1854 located in Pike county. Mr. H. served three years in Co. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



411 



G, 99tli 111. Yol. Inf.; was in the siege of Vicksburg, then trans- 
ferred to the Army of the Gulf; was in the battle of Fort Blakely, 
then returned to New Orleans, then to Memphis, then to Mobile, — 
was there when that place was captured, then to Shreveport and 
Baton Rouge. He returned home and engaged in farming. 

Henry Hendricks, farmer, sec. 16 ; P. O. Chambersburg. Mr. 
H. is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Hendricks, the fortner a native 
of Kentucky and the latter of Vermont. They were married in 
Jennings county, O., where in 1S36 the subject of this sketch was 
born ; in 1849 Mr.H. camewitli his parents to Brown county. 111., 
where he lived until he became of age and married Miss Elmina 
Hume, who was born in 1837. To them have been born seven 
children. Mr. H. has held some township offices ever since he 
came to this county in 1861. Mrs. H. is a member of the Christian 
Church. 

D. J. Holls, of the firm of Smith & Hobbs, was born in 1848 
in Pike county, 111., and is the son of Henson and Jane Hobbs ; 
his father was"^ born in Kentucky and his mother in this county ; 
in 1857 he moved with his parents to Missouri, and returned to 
Pike county in 1861. He worked two years in a woolen mill at 
Perrv, this county. In 1868 he married Miss Bettie Ann Wilkins, 
.who was born in Ohio Dec. 22, 1848. Four children have be^en 
born to them. Mr. H. embarked in the wagon business in 1870, 
turning out good wagons and buggies and meeting with fair suc- 
cess. Both Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Christian Church. 
Geo. T. Hume, merchant, Chambersburg, was born in Pike 
county in 1855, and is a son of Thos. and Elmina Hume, father a 
native of Pike county and mother of Brown county, Illinois. Mr. 
H. grew to manhood in this immediate vicinity, receiving a liberal 
education, and embarked in the mercantile business; he carries a 
lar^e stock of dry goods, hats, caps, boots, shoes, notions, etc., and 
transacts a large business. He married Miss Vienna McPherson 
in 1877; she was born in DeWitt county, Illinois, in 1858. 

W.A. Hume, merchant, Chambersburg, was born in 1837 in this 
county, and is a son of W. A. and Margaret Hume, both natives of 
Kentucky. They came to this State in 1828 (where both of them 
died) when the subject of this sketch was bound out; in 1864 he 
married Miss Caroline Pool, who was born in Pike county in 1846. 
Two of the four children born to them are living. Mrs. H. died in 
1873, and Mr. H. married again in 1874 Miss Mary Winegar. Miss 
W. was born in this countv in 1850. Of this union two children 
have been born. Mr. H. has held the offices of Collector, Treasurer 
and Town Clerk. He embarked in the dry-goods business in 1865 
and met with good success. He owns a farm of 230 acres. 

John G. Irving was born in 1852 in Pike county and is a son of 
Christopher and Mary Irving, the former a native of Scotland and 
the latter of England; they came to America and were married in 
Massachusetts and emigrated to Illinois in early days. In 1878 
Mr. I. married Miss Ida M. Newton, who was born in Morgan 



41*2 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

county, Illinois, in 1859; they have one child. Mr. I. has been 
eniriiired in fanning since he was ot" ao^e. Mrs. I. is a member of 
the Christian Church. 

R. M. IruiiKj, farmer and stock dealer, was born Sept. 25, 1848, 
in Pike Co., lli., and is the son of Christopher and Mary Irving; 
at the ai^e of 15 R. M. commenced doing business for himself, en- 
sracriiiir in farmiuir and finally becomintj: a stock-shipper. When he 
and his brother commenced in tlie cattle business they I)orro\ved 
$■200 and bou<j;-ht calves, and from the start kept increasincr their 
number until now he is shipping about 200 head a year. He and 
his brother own a fine farm of 280 acres. 

E. O. Jackson was born in Indiana in 1845; he is the son of 
Samuel and Harriet (Twichell) Jackson, natives of New^^ork 
State. He is a farmer and owns 100 acres of land. He was edu- 
cated in a seminary in Orland Town, Ind. At the present time he 
is running a '' leveeing" machine, throwing uji embankments along 
streams of water, so as to make bottom lands tillable. It has proved 
a success. This machine will throw a cubic yard of dirt in a 
minute, and the expense is only 5 cents per yard. It takes 12 
horses and 3 men to do the work. Over 100 acres of wheat was 
raised in 1870 on lands that had been ponds of water before; the ma- 
chine had been used for grading roadt;, but Mr. Jackson has im- 
proved it till he can do all kinds of work with it. In 1&76, he 
married the daughter of Mr. Gardner, one of the early settlers of 
this county. 

A. W. James^ farmer, sec. 32 ; was born in 1818, Rutherford 
county, Tenn., son of Casey and Martha James, natives of Vir- 
ginia. In 1838 he married Matilda Clardy, who was born in Bed- 
ford county, Tenn., and died in Sept., 1844. March 19, 1848, he 
married Elizabeth Sartain, who was born in 1827, in Tenn.. and 
they had 6 children. Mr. J. came to Adams county in 1852, and 
in 1862 to this county, where he has since resided. He has held 
the offices of Constable, School Director and Road Commissioner. 

John M. JCelseij was born in this county in 1852, son of Samuel 
and Annie E. Kelsey, the former born Nov. IS, 1827, and the Mat- 
ter April 20, 1834. In 1875 he married Matilda Smith, who was 
born in this county in 1859, and they had 3 children. Mr. K. is a 
farmer and also follows irrain threshino: with the Snence machine. 
He is a member of the Christian Church. His father was in the 
late war, belonging to Co. B., 99th Reg. 111. Inft., and died at Mem- 
phis, Tenn., while in service. 

Andrew Kleinleln was born in Germany in 1820, and is a son of 
Peter and Martha Kleinlein. At the age of 33 he crossed the ocean 
and landed in Baltimore, Md., and followed butchering for 10 
months, then worked in an engine house 2 years for the Great 
Western R. R. Co., and in 1858 came to this county and com- 
menced farming. In 1856 he married Miss Caroline Berceka, who 
was born in 1833 in Hamburg and came across the ocean in 1855. 
Of their 9 children 7 are living, 2 of whom are married. Mr. and 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 413 

Mrs. K. have been uieiiibcrs of the German Lutheran Church, and 
he owns 140 acres of good land. 

John Leahi\ son of Joseph and Anna M. Leahr, was born in 
Germany in 1840. He came to New York when but 15 years old, 
thence to Pike county, where he commenced farming, and in 1867 
he married Miss Emma Smith, who was born in 1847, in Oliio. 
They had 7 children, of whom 5 are living. Mr. L. lias been School 
Director and is a member of the Christian Church. 

David E. Loei\ farmer, sec. 5 ; P. O., Chambersburg; son of 
Henry and Matilda Loer; was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, in 
1832. His father died in 1847 and his mother in 1879. He moved 
to Indiana with his parents when quite young; in 1852 he married 
Miss Sarah Leisur, who was born in Rush count}', Inch, in 1833, and 
died in 1867, in Grant county, Ind. They had 3 children, 2 of 
whom are living. In 1868 he married Mrs. Maria Glassgow, a 
widow having 3 children, and who was born in Ohio, in 1836. Mr. 
and Mrs. L. have 3 living children and are members of the Chris- 
tian Church. 

John Loer was born Aug. 22, 1814, in Colraiu tp., Hamilton 
Co., Ohio. His father, Thomas Loer, was a native of Virginia, and 
son of Ilenrv Loer, a native of Germanv, who emigrated to Amer- 
ica with his parents before the Revolutionary war, being then 8 
years of age. He served under "Washington during the war, for 
which he received a pension until his death. After the war he 
married Sarah Barkus and settled in Virginia; thence they removed 
to Ohio about 1795; he died in Hamilton in 1841. Thomas Loer, 
the father of our subject, died in Henry county. Ind., inl8T3, aged 
86. John's mother, Sarah {iiee Patterson ) was the daughter of 
George Patterson, a native of Scotland, who came to America before 
the Revolution, settling in Grant county, Ky., where he resided 
until his death. John Loer married Martha Hickman in 1835, in 
Ohio, and moved to this county in 1839, locating in this township. 
He was a cooper by trade and brought 5 coopers with him, intend- 
ing to conduct that business here; he built a frame cooper shop 20 
X 40, bought timber and opened up business, which he followed 2 
years witli success; then went into the pork speculation, buying 
pork at $1.50 per cwt., or $5.00 per barrel, shipping to New Orleans, 
some of which brought only 75 cents per barrel. Mr. L. lost 
heavily by this venture, and returned to coopering, which he fol- 
lowed With varying success until 1849. At one time during the 
wild-cat-money period he took a cargo of barrels to Alton and was 
obliged to sell them for 50 cents, when they had cost him 62^ cents 
to have them made, besides the freight, which was 25 cents each. He 
took Shawneetown money for pay and was advised to hurry home 
and dispose of it, as it was liable to become worthless any day. 
Mrs. Loer died in 1847, leaving 5 children. In 1^49 Mr. L. mar- 
ried Mary, daughter of John and Hannah Hall Reese, of Ky , and 
they had 6 children, 2 living. In 1849 he invested in a saw-miU 
on McGee's creek, which he carried on until 1862, then traded for a 



414 HI8T0RY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

farm on sec. 16 and carried on farming until 1877; sold the farm 
in 1879 and bouglit a flonrini^ will in Chambersbiirg which he now 
operates. Mr. L. lias served as Supervisor for several years : also 
as lload Commissioner, Collector and School Director, The pres- 
ent fine school buildino: was built under the administration of Mr. 
Loer while he was Director. Mr. and Mrs. L. are members of the 
Christian Church, and Mr. L. belongs to the Masonic fraternity. 

Frank Marden is one of the leading and enterprising citizens of 
Pike county. Residence, Chambersburg. 

Mark McGinnis was born in East Tennessee in 1823. His 
father, David, was a native of Teimessee, and his mother, Sarali, a 
native of Virginia, When he was 9 or 10 years of age he moved 
with liib parents to Indiana, living there six years; then came to 
Morgan county. 111., and then to Pike in 1844 and located at 
Chambersburg. He followed coopering 16 years, and in 1842 
married Mary Bushfiekl, who was born in 1828 in Kentucky. 
They had 7 children, only one of wliom is living, Tliomas B. Mr. 
McGr. is now farming and has considerable property. Mr. and Mrs. 
McG. are members of the Christian Church. 

Henry Metz was born in this county in 1842; his father, Benj. 
B., was born in Maryhind in 1806, and his mother, Jane Metz, was 
born in Ohio in 1812. In 1871 Henry married Alvira Morrison, 
who was born in this county in 1855; of their 4 children 3 are 
living. Mr. M. is a farmer, his land lying adjoining the town of 
Chambersburg. Mr. M. served 4 years in the late war, firsi in Co. 
L., then transferred to Co. I, 10th 111. Cav.; was mustered out in 
1865 at San Antonio, Texas, In 1864 he was taken prisoner by 
Joseph Shelby; was held for 14 days and then paroled, and was ex- 
changed in 6 months. Mrs. M. is a Methodist. 

James L. Metz, son of Benj. B. Metz, was born in this county 
Jan. 27, 1834. His father moved from Maryland to Virginia, 
where he married Miss Jane Lawson. They came to Pike county 
in 1833, and became one of the first and most influential settlers of 
Chambersburg township. He died April 9, 1870. James L. married 
Emily Morris, daughter of John and Emily Morris, of Pikecounty. 

Dr. John W. Murphy, son of John, a native of Vermont, and of 
Nancy, a Tiative of Ohio, was born in Highland county, O., in 1844. 
His father died Jan. 10, 1845, in Ohio; in 1850 his mother removed 
to Indiaiui and then back to Ohio. During the late war he enlisted 
in Co. H, 39tli O. V. I.; was in the battle of Corinth, was in the 
siege of Vicksburg, then at Chattanooga and in the Atlanta cam- 
paign and through to the sea and around by Washington, and was 
mustered out at Louisville, Ky.; then came home and learned the 
cooper's trade and milling business. Tlie Doctor came to Pike 
county in 1869; commenced the study of medicine in 1871, and 
attended the American CollegeatSt. Louis, Mo.; in 1874 he located 
in Chambersburg and commenced the practice of medicine; in 
1877-'8 attended medical college and returned home, continuing 
his profession. In 1876 he married Annie Lockerbie Thompson, 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. ^ 415 

who was born in 1851 in Cincinnati, O., and who was a teacher. 
She is a member of the M. E. Church. 

Augtistus Myers was born in 1819 in Baden, Germany. His 
parents were Andone and Catherine Myers, both natives of Ger- 
many. He emigrated to America in 1846, worked in Cincinnati 
8 years by the month, then in this county to 1858, when he married 
Louise Carterman, who was born in 1829, in Lippe Detmold, Ger- 
many, who came to this country in 1857. Of their 8 children 1 
are living. Mr. M. has been very successful in farming, now hav- 
ing 300 acres of nice land, sec. 19. He and his wife are members 
of the Lutheran Churcli at Perry. P. O., Chambersburg. 

Thomas J. Smith, of the firm of Smith & Hobbs, wagon and 
carriage manufacturers, was born in 1835 in Clarke county, Ind., 
a son of Nicholas W. and Susan E. Smith, the former b'.rn in 
Kentucky, the latter in Vermont. In 1852 he married Margaret 
T. Montgomery, who was born in 1837, also in Clarke county, Ind. 
Of their 10 children only 5 are living. Mr. S. studied and practiced 
medicine 4 years in Indiana, and since 1871 he has practiced med- 
icine and been connected with the carriage manufactory at Cham- 
bersburg. From 1863 to 1865 he serv^ed in Co. I, 40th Ind. Vet. 
Vol. Inf.; fought in the battles of Pulaski, Columbia, S])ring Hill, 
Franklin, Tenn. (whei-e he was wounded), Nasliville, and in the 
whole campaign after Gen. Hood. Mr. and Mrs. S. are Methodists, 
and he is an Odd Fellow. 

Valentine Smith was born in 1819 in Baden, Germany, near 
the river Rhine; his parents, Vincent and Mary, were also natives 
of Baden. He crossed the sea in a sail vessel, landing at New 
Orleans; then went to Cincinnati, and in 1855 he came to this 
county, where he has lived ever since, a prosperous farmer, owning 
373 acres of good bluff land. In 1848 Mr. S. married Martha 
Thrasher, who was born in 1830 in Hamilton county, Ohio, and of 
their twelve children nine are living. Mr. and Mrs. S. are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church, reside on sec. 30, and their postoffice 
is Chambersburg. 

George L. Thompson, blacksmith, Chambersburg, was born in 
Woodford county, Ky., son of William and Elizabeth Thompson, 
the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Scotland; in 
1833 he emigrated to Indianapolis with his grand-parents, and the 
next year with his parents, to Perry township, in this county; in 
the spring of 1835 he left his parents, returning to Indianapolis, 
where he learned his trade; in the fall of 1855 he settled at 
Chambersburs:, where he has since followed his trade. In 1845 he 
married Hannah S. O'Harrow, who was born June 20, 1829, in 
Hamilton county, Ohio, and they have had six children. Being an 
early comer to this wild West, Mr. T. has often seen large 
packs of wolves and killed many a deer. One day when well 
on his way home with a deer on horseback, the wolves attacked 
him, and he was compelled to abandon his booty and seek safety. 
The wolves devoured the deer with characteristic greed. Mr. 



416 HISTORY OF PIKE CoL'MT. 

Thompson used to go to the town of Perry to buy such things as 
were kept for sale in an old logliut 12 feet square, kept by Joseph 
King, wiio was an old baciielor, and cooked, ate and sold goods in 
the same room. His wife is a Methodist. 

Frdiiklin Todd was born in 1825 in Bourbon county, Ky.; his 
father, John P., was born in Vermont, and his mother, Mary, in 
Pennsylvania: his father died in 1827, and in 1832 he accompanied 
his mother to their new home in Chambersbiirg, when there were 
but two cabins there, occupied by James and John Fike. In 1843 
Mr, Todd married Lucretia Draper, w^io was born in Scott county, 
111., in 1825, the daughter of Samuel and Huldali Dra[)er, her 
father a native of Massachusetts, and her mother, of Ohio. Mr, 
and Mrs. T. have had 11 children, 7 of whom are living. From 
1840 to 1855 Mr, T. followed coopering in Chambersburg, part of 
the time when there were 40 coopers at work. Since that time he 
has been a successful farmer, and now owns 160 acres of land. 
Twelve years ago he was $4,000 in debt, but has now paid it all. He 
has been School Director and Road Commissioner, lie and his 
wife are members of the Christian Church, and are public-spirited, 
worthy citizens. 

Robert Todd was born in Bourbon county, Ky., in 1819, son of 
John and Mary Todd, natives of Maryland and South Carolina, 
respectively. His father died in 1828, and in 1832 he came with 
his mother to this county. In 1843 he married Margaret Edwards, 
who was born in 1824 in Greenup county, Ky. ; they have had 3 
children. Mr. T. now owns 120 acres of good land on sec. 5, 
besides other valuable property; he has been Constable, Tax Col- 
lector, School Trustee and Director, and was in the Mormon war. 
In his early day here Indian trails were sometimes his only guide 
in traveling over the country, and for two years St. Louis was his 
trading post. P. O., Chambersburg. 

Eli D. Tucker was born in 1857 at Sutton, Worcester Co., Mass., 
son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth T., tthe former a native of Rhode 
Island, and the latter of Massachusetts; both his parents d3nng 
while h« was very young, he was bound out at the age of 7, but 
at the age of fourteen, being maltreated, he ran off to West Warren, 
Mass., where he worked at $10 a month on a farm; commencing 
in 1871, he worked two years in a rubber manufactory; in 1874 he 
•came to Illinois, worked on a farm and repairing telegra])h wires 
on the O. & M. R. R.; in 1877 he became an employee at the 
Perry Mineral Springs; Nov. 8. 1878, he began to learn the black- 
smith's trade under Frank Marden, of this place, and is doing well. 

James T. Yarner was born in 1830 in Morgan county. III., son 
of John and Sarah (Wood) Varner, natives of Kentucky, and of 
German a!icestry. He came to this county in 1849 and now owns 
PO acres on sec. C, and is a farmer and cooper. In 1850 he mar- 
ried Nancy Hanks, and the}' have one son and three daughters 
living. Mr. V. has been Road Commissioner and is a Democrat 
P. O., Chambersburg. 



HISTORY OF PIKK COUNTY. 417 

Wm. W. Winegar was born in tliis place (Chatnbersburg) in 
184:4, sou of John and Freelove Wines^ar, his father a native of 
Massachusetts and his mother of Ohio; he served three years in 
the army, in Co. F, 99th 111. Inf., beino^ in the sieii:e of Vicksburg, 
etc.; transferred to the Army of the Gulf; was wounded at Fort 
Gibson. In 1866 he married Mary E. Breden, and they had one 
child, which died in infancy; Mrs. W. died in 1867, and in 1874 
Mr. W. married Glarlnda Jones, who was born in Brown county, 
111., in 1851, and they have had one son. Since 1865 Mr. AVinegar 
has followed blacksmithing, with fair success. He and his wife 
are members of the Christian Church. 

Dr. Henry R. Walling was born March 28, 1836, in Orange 
■county, Ind., son of James and Catherine Walling, the former a 
native of Tennessee, and the latter of Orange countv, Ind. In 1852 
the subject of this sketch came with his parents to Coles county, 
111., and in February, 1851, they moved to this county. Sept. 12, 
1863, Henry R. was married by T. M. Hess, at Homer 111., to Miss 
S. S. Gaston, who was born Aug. 18, 1840, in Lawrence county, 
111. Her migrations were: at the age of three months she was 
taken to Cinncinnati, in 1850 to Paducah, in 1861 to Douglas 
county, 111., and in 1863 to Homer, Campaign Co., 111. After 
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. W. first settled at Areola, Douglas Co., 
where he followed preaching for a while; ^but he took to the 
study of medicine, which he pursued with zeal while working his 
way at manual labor; in 1866 he attended medical college in Ohio, 
and then went to Mt. Vernon, 111., where he clerked in a drug 
store; he then went to Bridgeport, where he had a driving practice; 
but health failing, he went to ^tna. III., where also he had a large 
practice, and in 1870 he settled at Perry in this county, where he 
again preached the gospel as well as practiced medicine. He now 
has a nice piece of property in Perr3^ 

In 1877 he moved to Louisiana, Mo., where he again followed 
preaching (for the Christian denomination), and the next year back 
to this place(Chambersburg), where, Sept. 2, he opened an office and 
commenced business; he also has a drug store. His wife is an 
intellectual woman and a good painter of pictures. In this family 
there have been born 5 children, only 2 of whom are living. The 
Doctor is a Republican. 

FLINT TOWNSHIP. 

This is the smallest township in the county and was theiirst one 
settled. In 1817 a Canadian Frenchman by the name of Teboe, 
located on section 33 in this township. He was the first resident 
of Pike county, as mentioned in the first chapter in this book. 
Mr. Teboe's residence, which was on the banks of the Illinois river, 
was the favorite resort of hunters and trappers. He was killed at 
Milton in the year 1844. Garrett Yan Deusen was the next settler. 
He opened a ferry across the Illinois, which is still carried on at 
Yalley City, near Griggsville Landing, and is known as Phillips' 



418 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Ferry. Mr. Van Deusen sold his claim to Mr, Niinrod Pliillips, 
many of whose descendants are still .residents of Pike county. 

The earlv settlers were alive to the importance of educating their 
children and anxiously desired to have the proper facilities, or as 
goo^i as they could afford, to carry on this great work. Accordingly 
the citizens met on section 19, near Flint creek, in 1846, for the 
purpose of inaugurating or organizing for school purposes. There 
being no houses in the vicinity their deliberations were carried on 
upon a log in the wild forest. Among those present at this meeting 
were Josiah Wade, Wm. Thackwray, James Crawford, liiehard 
Sweeting, James L. Thompson, James G. and David Pyle, E. A. F. 
Allen, Francis Wade, J. Husband and Wm. Turnbull. Peter 
Kargis presided over the deliberations of this body. The first 
school in the township was taught in the winter of 1845-'6 by Wm. 
Turnbull, James G. and David Pyle, and James L. Thompson, who 
gave their services without any compensation. The school was 
held in an old log house bought and paid for by a few of the citizens. 

The first and only church ever built in the to"wnship was erected 
at Griggsville Landing in 1871 ; it is known as Union Church, but 
the M. E. society is the only one having an organization at this 
place. We were unable to obtain its history definitely, as we failed 
to find the records. 

Flint townsliip was named from a stream which runs through it 
called Flint creek. The name is very appropriate, as the bluffs of 
Flint townsliip contain a variety of flint rock. In the crevices of 
the rocks, in the bluft's on Flint, are found a variety of fossils whose 
formation would puzzle the most skillful geologist. They are 
mostly of the crinoid family. Mr. Wallace, who has a very fine 
collection and many relics of the Indian days, gave us much infor- 
mation on the point. Mr. N. A. Woodson, of Griggsville, also 
showed us a verv fine and rare collection of fossils, which he had 
obtained by many days of hard labor on the bluff's and in the rocks 
of Flint township. 

The township is divided into three school districts, and contains 
three school-houses, known as North, Middle and South Flint. 

To a stranger Flint township presents at first sight, as he 
approaches from the east, a rugged and desolate appearance ; and 
one would suppose that an ignorant and rather indolent class of 
people dwell here ; but such is far from being the case. We were 
not a little astonished at the intelligence and enterprise of its noble- 
hearted citizens. Although the surface of Flint township is rough 
and broken, it is a fine locality for growing and feeding stock. 

Flint Magnesia Springs. — In the south-eastern portion of Flint 
township, on the land, or rather rock, of Wm. Reynolds, there is a 
living spring of magnesia water flowing from a crevice in the rock, 
and empties into the Big Blue river. It would require a volume 
as lai-ge as this to describe fully all the w'onders of nature found in 
Flint township. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 419 

VALLEY CITY. 

This little village, and the oiil_y one in Flint township, was 
fonnded at Phillips' ferry by Wallace Parker in the year 18T7. 
The postoffice at Griggsville Landing, one-half mile below, and 
known as Flint, was then discontinued and another established at 
the new town, taking the name of Valley City. The town contains 
one store and postoffice. 

Valley City Christian Temperance Union.— This society was 
established in the spring of 1879 on the Murphy plan, and has thus 
far been very successful. In the fall of the same year the society, 
by the aid of the citizens of the township, erected a hall 28 by 40 
feet in size, with 16-foot story, and finislied in first-class style, at a 
cost of $1,000. The ground upon which the hall was erected, which 
is valued at $100, was donated by Wallace Parker. 

PERSONAL SKETCHES. 

Wm. bright, lumber dealer, Yalley City, was born in this county 
Oct. 13, 1847. His father, Geo. W., was a farmer, a native of West 
Tennessee, and was a soldier in the Mexican war. He was one of 
the first pioneers of Pike county, and died in 1855. In 1867 Wil- 
liam married Hannah Davis, who died in 1869, and Mr. B. again 
married in 1872. this time Belle Griffin, and they had 2 children, 
William, deceased, and Mabel L. Mr. B. is proprietor of the saw- 
mill at Griggsville Landing, formerly owned by I. S. Freeman, and 
is doing a good business. 

Zevl Butler, i'hvmev, sec. 17; P. O., Valley City; was born in 
Genesee Co., N. Y., Oct. 4, 1831 ; he came with his parents in 1833 
to this county, where he still resides. Oct. 14, 1853, he married 
Louisa Wilson, and of their 10 children 9 are living: Parvin, Joseph, 
John, David, Ellen, Emma, Loraine, Ann and Maggie. Parvin 
married Elizabeth Walker, and resides in this township. 

George Carrell, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 29; P. O., Valley 
City; was born June 25, 1823, in Morgan Co., O.; his grandfather 
was a soldier in the war of 1812; his father, Joseph, a fanner, was 
a native of Pennsylvania, and died Jan. 13, 1867. George has been 
Constable or Deputy Sheriff 12 years. March 27, 1845, he mar- 
ried Providence Wells in Morgan Co., O., who was born in Guern- 
sey Co., O., March 19, 1829; they have three children— John J., 
Nancy J. and Sarah E.; the two former are married. 

John Carrell, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Valley City; was born in 
Morgan, now Noble, Co., O., April 26, 1846, the son of George Car- 
rell, of this township; he was brought by his parents to this county 
when but 3 years old; has pursued various vocations, but for the 
past 9 years lias been farming. Feb. 7, 1870, he married Sarah 
Bartlett, daughter of N. Bartlett, near Maysville; their 3 children 
are Wilbur, Robert and an infant girl. 

James L. Caiothon, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Griggsville; was 
born March 4, 1836, in Virginia, the son of Christopher Cawthon, de- 
ceased, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, and hence a pensioner 



420 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 

until liis death in 1853. James L. came to this connty in 1857, 
where he has since been farming. At first he worked by the month 
until he laid by enough to begin for himself. Nov. 14, 1858, he 
married Louisa Ilensell, daughter of the late Dariiel Hensell, of 
Griggsville, and they have iiad 8 children, of whom 5 are living — 
Mary, Laura, Eddie, Albert and Frankie. 

John Clark, farmer, sec. 7; son of the late John Clark, of 
Griggsville; was born in Hamilton Co., O., Sept. 14, 1830; was 
brought by his parents to Ogle Co., 111., in 1835; was reared on a 
farm, and came to this county in 1857. June 8, 1852, he married 
S. Janett Borger, daughter of Samuel Berger, of Polo, 111., and of 
their children 5 are living — Henry, Julia E., Libbie, Jennie and 
Fred A. 

Rachel Conover was born in Northampton Co., Penn., Nov. 7, 
1807; married, in New Jersey, Abraham Conover, and had 2 children 
— Catherine, now Mrs, Wallace Parker, of Yalley Cit3\ and Rachel, 
deceased. Mr. Conover died Aug. 1, 1827. Mrs. C. kept house for a 
Mr. and Mrs. Moore in Pennsylvania; the former came to Pike 
count}' and erected a house on the present site of Griggsville, which 
is still standing; he then returned to Pennsylvania, where he died 
in 1835, Mrs. Moore having previously died. In 1836 Mrs. C. 
came with the Moore family and her own children, and occupied 
the house that Mr. Mooi*e had previously built. She now resides 
with her daughter, Mrs. Parker. 

William Glenn^ sr., sec. 29; P. O., Valley City; born in March,. 
1800, in Ireland; in 1830 he landed in Philadelphia; he remained 
in Pennsylvania 5 years; is a mason by trade; came to Pike county 
and entered the land whereon he now resides in 1835; then went to- 
St. Louis, Mo., where he followed his trade for five years, and then 
moved back to this county; has been a prominent farmer and stock- 
raiser, but being old, has turned the business over to his son Wil- 
liam. In 1835 he married Maria Topping, and of their 6 children 
6 are living, — James, Thomas, William, Catharine and Maria. 
Their son Robert was killed in the late war during Gen. Forest's 
raid through Tennessee. 

Elizabeth Husband^ sec. 30 ; P. O., Valley City; was born in 
Coshocton Co., O., May 1, 1834, the daughter of George McCune, 
deceased, also a native of Coshocton Co., O., who was the first white 
child born in that county. He renioved with his family to St. 
Louis Co.. Mo., in 1835, where he resided until the fall of 1864, 
when he came to Pike county, and died Dec. 18 of the same year. 
He was Sheriff in St. Louis county, Missouri, County Treasurer,. 
Tax Collector and held other offices of trust. Mrs. Husband's 
grandfather, Joseph Fuller, was a soldier under Gen. Washington. 
She was married Aug. 20, 1850, to Edward Monnier, in Rock Hill, 
Mo., and had 3 children, — Henry E., born Oct, 6, 1853; Ida L., 
Oct. 25, 1860; and James, Feb, 19, 1862. Mr. M. died Feb. 19, 
1863; in 1865 she married Jonathan Husband, who was born in 
Yorkshire, Eng,, Sept. 21, 1803, and emigrated to America in 
1825- ]:e died Nov. 28. 1S70 



HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 421 

RobeTt Husband, farmer, sec. 20; was born April 11, 1842, in 
this tp., the son of Jonathan Husband, deceased, an early pioneer 
of this county, who in company with Mr. Wade and Wm. Tarnbull 
owned the same coftee-mill. March 15, 1871, Robert married' 
Esely Grable, and of their 3 children 2 are living,— Nellie and 
Eddie. Mr. H. was a prosperous farmer, but worked 2 years in a 
saw-mill in Wisconsin. 

Sylvester McKee, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 19; P. 0.,Griggs- 
ville. This man was born in Noble county, O., Feb. 22, 1850, and 
is the only son of Ezra, who now resides with him. The family 
emigrated in 1864 to this county, where he still resides. Oct. 20, 
i869, he married Sarah A., daughter of Wm. Orr, of Derry tp. 
Of their 4 children 3 are living,— Addie C, Eosie E. and Alma. 
Little Wilbert W. died Oct. 26, 1879. Sylvester's mother's 
maiden name was Elizabeth Mummy, and she died Jan. lY, 1870. 
Wallace Parker was born in Clinton county, N. Y., Feb. 17, 
1825, and is the son of James Parker, of Griggsville; came with 
his parents to Pike county in 1844, where he followed farming 
until 21 years of age, when he became a merchant in Valley City; 
has been very successful except in some grain speculation in 
Chicago and St. Louis. At present he carries a stock of about $3,000> 
worth? In Feb., 1849, he married Catharine Conover, and of their 
7 children only 4 are living, Rachel C, Hardin W., James H. and 
Helen F. Mr. P. is also Express Agent, Postmaster and Justice 
of the Peace, at Valley City. He has given his son James H. an 
interest in the store. He also has a tine collection of Indian relics, 
as battle-axes, arrowheads, pipes, frying-pans, a copper needle, the 
burnt jaw-bone of an Indian and numerous other curiosities. Some 
of these he has picked up and others he has obtained by opening 
Indian graves. 

David JP(/le, fai-mer, sec. 18; P. O. Griggsville. This gentle- 
man was born in Harrodsburg, Ky., Feb. 4, 1817; his parents, 
Ralph and Rachel Pyle, deceased, emigrated with him to New 
Orleans in 1818. where he was reared and educated. In 1834 he 
came with his mother to Phillips' Ferry on a visit; went to Phila- 
delphia, Pa., then to Cincinnati, O., and then back to this county 
in the fall of 1835; the next spring he bought a farm on sec. 19,. 
where he lived for 21 years, and which he then sold, removing to 
Morgan county, 111.; in 1862 he returned to this township, pur- 
chasing a farm on sec. 18, where he still resides. He was married 
Aug. 2, 1838, to Martha A. Willsey, and they have had 11 chil- 
dren, all living; namely, Ralph W., Joseph H., Christopher W., 
Rachel E.*, Isaac N., Martha A., Carrie, David W., Morgan L., 
James C. and Emma L. All but. three of these are married, and 
living in this county. 

K M. Roberts, farmer, sec. 28, was born in London, Eng., June 
23, 1828; in 1836 the family emigrated to America, settling in 
Pike county. Feb. 19, 1867, he married Susan W. Kem})ton, while 
visiting friends in Fairhaven, Mass. They have had 5 children, of 
whom 4 are living: Sarah M., Evpn M.. Lo^iif: F. and George B 



422 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Mr. Roberts is a cousin to the popular Roberts Brothers, publisli- 
ers, Washington street, Boston, Mass. 

Joseph A. Ruloii is of French ancestry. During the Catholic 
persecution of the Protestants in France two of the Rulon Broth- 
ers, being Protestants, were arrested and phiced under a guard in 
a private house up stairs. They knew it would be certain death 
if they were brought to trial; hence they attempted to bribe the 
o-uardsmen to let them escape, but in vain. They then asked the 
guards simply to remain just outside the room and the\' would take 
care of the rest; the guards then received the oflfered fees, stepped 
out of the room and guarded the door. Tiie Rulon s then made a 
rope of the bed-clothes, by which they made their escape throngh 
the window; and in the night found their way to the wharf where 
they boarded a brig bound for America. Some time after landing 
in America one of tliese men married, and has descendants are scat- 
tered throughout the country. One of these, Jesse, was a soldier 
in the Revolution, participating in the battle of Monmouth, and he 
was the father of Joseph C, a sailor, who in 1832 settled on a farm 
in Indiana; but after a short time he began trafficking and came to 
Meredosia, 111., in 1849. He was capsized and drowned in the 
Mississippi river Jan. 12, 1852, while attempting to board a steamer 
from a small row-boat. He was the father of Joseph C. Rulon, 
the subject of this sketch, who was born Sept. 5, 1831, on the Mon- 
mouth battle grounds, on the very spot where his grandfather fought 
in the bloody battle of Monmouth in the Revolutionary war. He 
was married June 6, 1856, to Mary E. Bonds, and their two child- 
ren are Albert E. and Flora E. The latter is teaching instrumental 
music. Mr. R. came to Pike county in 1871, where he still re- 
sides, and is foreman of the railroad bridge at Phillips' Ferry. 

John C. Scott is a native of Scott Co., where he was born Dec. 
22, 1823, being the first white child born in that county; was 
brought up on a farm; came to this county in 1836, in 1843 re- 
turned to Scott Co., where he married, in Jan. 1845, Mary A. Hob- 
son, who died the next year; then Mr. S. returned to this county, 
where,in 1850, he married Martha Wilson, and of their 11 children 
the following 9 are living: Charles W., James M., Leonard G., Da- 
vid W., Frank W., Joseph L., Benjamin E., Margaret J. and George 
E. Mr. Scott is a farmer on sec. T. His father, John Scott, was 
the first settler in Scott county, and for him that county was 
named. Having been a soldier in the war of 1812 he was a pen- 
sioner until his death in Jap., 1856. He was a noble-hearted man. 

John G. Sleight, sr., was born in Lincolnshire, Eng., Oct. 5, 
1805; in 1827 he married Rebecca Walker, and their 8 children 
are: Betsy G., Sally G., Ann G., Walker G., Eliza G., Mary G., 
John G. and Rebecca G., deceased. They came to America in 1857, 
stopping at Griggsville until the following spring, when they set- 
tled on'sec. 6, where Mr. S. still resides. Mrs. S. died June 19, 
1862, and Mr. Sleight's son-in-law, Joseph Wilson, resides with 
him and conducts the farm. Mr. Wilson was born in 1838 in Griggs- 



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PERRY TP 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 425 

ville tp., and is the father of 4 children, of whom but one, Elizabeth 
F., is living. 

Walke?' G. Sleight was born in Lincolnsliire, Eng., Aug. 29, 1833; 
came to Pike county in 1856, where he still resides, a farmer, on 
sec. 7; P. O., Griggsville. 

Samuel Thackwray, farmer, sec. 32; P. O., Griggsville. He was 
born March 25, 1837, in Pike county, and is a son of \Vm. Thack- 
wray, deceased; iiis mother, Hannah T., is now in her 80th year, re- 
siding on the old homestead, sec. 31, with her son James. Mr. 
T. is a successful farmer and stock-raiser. Nov. 9, 1865, he married 
Mary A. Lynde, daughter of Henry Lynde, of Griggsville. She 
was born Nov. 10, 1843, in this count\\ Of their 4 children, these 

3 are living: Annie, Cassie and Melva. 

James L. Thompson, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Griggsville. This 
early settler of Pike county was born in Charlestown (now part of 
Boston), Mass., Sept. 11, 1812, and is the son of Dr. Abraham R. 
Thompson, a native of the same place and a college class-mate of 
Daniel Webster; they were intimate friends all through life. Dr. 
T. died in Charlestown in 1870. James L. was educated in Boston 
in the school of Willard Parker, now a noted physician of New 
York city. He was commission merchant in the city of Boston^ 

4 or 5 years, when he suffered a severe loss by the crisis of 1836; 
in the fall of 1837 he emigrated West and settled on sec. 18, this- 
tp., where he now resides, on a farm of 160 acres of well-improved 
land. When but 19 years of age Mr. T. went to sea, taking a cargo 
of ice from Boston to New Orleans, where he loaded his ship with 
staves, cotton and coffee, which he carried to Tarragona, Spain; 
there he loaded with a cargo of wine and dried fruits, and shipped 
for Buenos Aj^res, S. A. ; at this place he took on a cargo of jerked 
beef, which he brought to Havana, Cuba, whence he took a load of 
coffee and sugar to Boston. Fifteen months were consumed in this 
round trip, which was full of interest and had its frightful scenes. 
In 1850 Mr. T. went overland to California, suffering untold priva- 
tions on the way. En route he met with Col. Robert Anderson, 
afterward of Fort Sumter notoriety, and had a conversation with 
him. In California Mr. T. met with Admiral .lames Alden, who 
procured for him a situation as. Purser on the U. S. Surveying 
Steamer "Active." He was on the survey of the northwestern 
boundary, the report of which was accepted by Emperor William. 
This report, requiring about a quire of foolscap, was all written by 
Mr. T. It took two seasons to complete the survey. After being 
absent about 5 years he returned to his family here in 1856, where 
he has since resided. He has been married four times, and is the 
father of seven children, — James L., J. B., Henry, Frederick W., 
Katie, Charlie and Benj. F. 

Austin Wade, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Griggsville. The birth of 
this gentleman took place July 23, 1832, in this county; he is the 
son of Josias Wade, of Griggsville; Sept. 27. 1855, he married 
Mary A., daughter of Joseph Pyle, of Naples, 111., and of their 8 

26 



426 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

children 6 arelivinof, — Willard, Elizabeth, Arthur, Luranie, Ferber 
and Homer. Mr. Wade resided 7 years in Morgan county, 111., 
and two years on the Pacific coast. 

Coleman Wade, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Valley City; a native of 
Pike county, and was born July 7, 1S37, tiie son of Josias Wade, 
ofGriggsville, and brother of the preceding; was educated in Griggs- 
ville; lias been very successful in farming and stock-raising. Jan. 
20, 1859, he married Rachel, daughter of Joseph Pyle, of Naples, 
and they have had 6 children, of whom 5 are living: Lillian, Ernest, 
Raymond, Clifford and Irene. The four youngest are attending the 
Middle Flint school, where Lillian i.-^ engaged as assistant teacher. 

John Wade, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Griggsville; born Jan. 12, 
1822, in Blyth, Nottinghamshire, Eng., and is the son of Francis 
Wade, deceased. All the school education he has had he receiv^ed 
before he was 8 years old. The family emigrated to America in 1834, 
locating in Trenton, JST. J., thence to Pennsylvania, and in July, 
1838, landed at Phillips' Ferry, in this county; May IS. 1866, he 
married Ann Stoner. Their 7 children are: Maria, Mary J., Arthur, 
Francis. Fred, John and George. Mr. W. now owns 370 acres of 
land, and is a successful farmer and stock-raiser. 




^^^^•r 



DETROIT TOWNSHIP. 

Detroit township is situated on the Illinois riv^er and consists for 
the most of broken land. To Lewis Allen belongs the lionor of 
being the first settler in the township. He came in 1823 and erected 
a cabin on section 31. He was a native of Warren county, Ky., 
and was born Nov. 11, 1794. Garrett Yan Deusen, Wm. Meredith 
and a Mr. Morgan, also, were very early settlers in this township. 
The first birth in the township M^as a daughter of David and Hannah 
Mize, who died in infancy, which was also the first death to occur. 
The first marriage was Robert Cooper to Nancy Rice in 1826, at 
the residence of Wm. Meredith. The first sermon was preached 
by Rev. Elijah Garrison, a Christian minister, at the house of David 
Mize in 1826. The early pioneers were industrious people and 
were not neglectful of the education of their children; for as early 
as 1827, David Mize, Ezekiel Clemmons, Wm. Meredith, Joseph 
Neeley and others banded together and erected a school-house on 
section 16. and employed a teacher, placing their children in their 
charge for instruction and intellectual improvement. The first 
teacher was Abraham Jones. 

The next great question which occupied the minds of these noble 
fathers and mothers was the preparations for public worship. They 
accordingly organized themselves into a body, or rather each person 
considered himself one of the building committee, and as early as 
1834 there was a church building erected by the Baptists at Blue 
river graveyard. Previous to this meetings were held in school- 
houses and private dwellings. 

Garrett A an Deusen was the first Justice of the Peace, and Isaac 
Teniff the first Supervisor. The township received its name from 
the postoflice which had been established several years previously, 
and named by Col. Daniel Bush at Pittsfield and Wm. Johnson, 
the first postmaster at Detroit. 

The pioneei's had many encounters with wild animals during the 
early settlement of the county, two or three of which, related by 
Mrs. Dinsmore, who is still residing m this township, we will place 
on record in this connection. On one occasion, while she and her 
husband were passing through the woods, a huge lynx came bound- 
ing up behind her and grabbed her dress with his claws. She 
hastily called the dogs and they quickly came to her side. The wild 



428 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

animal loosened his hold and gazed upon the dogs. They were 
greatly tViglitened and did not attempt an attack upon the lynx, 
but ran to the house. The lynx, too, concluded to leave and took 
to the forest. 

This same lady tells of another time when she was attacked or 
about to be attacked by one oi" tliese fierce creatures. She was en- 
gaged in the woods making sugar, with her camp fire near a large 
log. She heard a noise upon the opposite side, which was made by 
the lynx just in tiie act of" preparing to make a leap, as she sup- 
posed. She set the dog uj)on it, and as it sprang over the log he 
alighted upon a large, powerful lynx. The fierce contest that ensued 
was a short one, for the dog was coinpletely overpowered; ajid as 
soon as he could release himself from the clutches ot his antagonist 
he " run home a-howlin' with his tail between his legs, and run 
under the house," where he remained for some time. 

We will irive Mrs. Dinsmore's panther story in her own language 
as nearly as we can. " One dav when 1 wasa-comin' thro' the woods 
I seen a large painter come out of the brush and begin to drink out 
of a puddle of water in the path; and I shooed at him, and he paid 
no attention to me, and I took off my bonnet and shooed and shooed 
at him; but he wouldn't shoo; he jist staid there and lapped away 
till he got done and then went off'." 

Mrs. Dinsmore also relates that she was once standing in the door 
when she saw her father stab and kill an Indian. 

Big Blue Hollow. — This is quite an historical locality. In 1842 
it ranked as the second place in the county in the amount of busi- 
ness transacted. There were then three flouring mills, a saw- mill, 
and a store in this mountainous-looking region; these mills were 
known by the name of Providence Mills, and were owned by 
Jonathan Frye. In 1835 he erected there a two-story frame house 
and sided it with shaved clapboards; this house is still standing 
there, with the old siding upon it, and is occupied by Mr. Wm. 
Reynolds and family. 

FLORENCE. 

This is the oldest town in Detroit township, and was founded 
in 1836 by the Florence Company; this company was composed 
principally of Pittsfield business men, among whom were Austin 
Ijarber, Robert R. Greene, Wm. Ross, Thos. Worthington and 
James Davis. The town is located on the Illinois riv'cr, and was 
intended for river transportation for the town of Pittsfield, and a 
gravel road was constructed from Pittsfield to this place. The land 
was first settled by John Roberts. Col. Wm. Ross and Stephen (lay 
kept the first store in the place. A saw-mill was erected here in 
1836, by the Florence Company, which was converted into a steam 
flouring mill in 1842. During the early pioneer days Florence was 
known by the name of Augusta. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 429 

DETROIT. 

This lively little business village was founded in 1837 by Peter 
H. Lucas, and named by him after the postoffice which had been 
established at this point some years previous. Soon after Henry 
Neeley added to the town plat what is known as Neeley's addition, 
and consists of all that part of town north of Main street. 

Detroit contains 2 general stores, 1 drugstore, 2 blacksmith shops, 
1 wagon manufactory, 1 shoemaker's shop, a millinery store, and a 
broom factory. Three physicians reside in the place. There are in 
the town 3 church edifices and 4 church organizations. The citi- 
zens have erected a fine two-story brick school -house and employ 
two teachers. 

CHURCHES. 

Detroit Christian Church. — This church was organized Feb. 25, 
1876, by Elders Rufus Moss and J. W. Miller, with a membership 
of 33. The first deacons were Nathaniel Smith and John Turner. 
C. L. Hall was appointed Elder and afterward elected to that oflice, 
in company with his brother, W. C. Hall. The present Deacons are 
Albert Field and John Turner. The congregation sustains a large 
and interesting Sunday-school, which was organized the first Lord's 
day in 1876, with 25 members. It now has an attendance of about 
85, with W. 0. Hall as superintendent. The congregation at pres- 
ent worship in the house belonging to the Predestinarian Baptists. 
The present membership is 140. Elder Thomas Weaver is Pastor. 
" Detroit M. E. Churchy South. — This society was organized in 
1861, and consisted of parties who left the Methodist Episcopal 
Church on account of the political excitement that then pervaded 
all of the Churches. They erected a meeting-house in 1870, and 
sustain a Sabbath-school : membership 30. Services are held each 
alternate Sabbath morning and evening bv Rev. J. Metcalf, Pastor. 

Detroit M. E. Church. — The Methodists had an organization in 
this township at an early day. As early as 1828 this people held a 
camp-meeting on the Meredith farm, sec. 16. The exact date, how- 
ever, of the first organization of this society is not certainly known. 
The congregation erected a brick house, 36 by 48 feet in size, in 
the town of Detroit, in 1857, at a cost of $1,500. The Church now 
sustains a good Sunday-school, has preaching each Sunday evening 
and each alternate Sunday morning, by Rev. James A. Wills, Pas- 
tor. The number of communicants at present is 75. 

Detroit Predestinarian Baptist Church. — In the year 1828 
the Baptists began holding services in the Blue River school- 
house, and in 1834 they erected a church edifice. Soon after this 
the question of missions divided them, and the Missionary Baptists 
retained this house, and in 1840 the Predestinarians formed another 
organization. The former society is now extinct, and the latter, 
by the help of others, in 1857 erected a house of worship in De- 
troit. The_y have no regular services, the societj- being very weak. 



430 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



PERSONAL SKETCHES. 



Below are personal sketches of many of the old settlers and lead- 
ing citizens of this township. 

Wm. Anthony, a native of this county, was born Dec. 9, 1833. 
His father, Martin Anthonj^, came to this county about the year 
1831. William was reared on a farm and had limited school advan- 
tages. He attended school a mile and a half from home, in an old 
log cabin with no ceiling, and a fire-place across one end of the 
house. His books consisted of a testament and spelling-book. 
July 17, 1867, he married Orle A., daughter of the late Leander 
Jeffers, of the vicinity of Hannibal, Mo. Mrs. Anthony was born 
Aug. 22, 181:7, in Cincinnati, O. They have had six children, of 
whom three are living, — Ida, Mattie and Nellie. Mr. A. is engaged 
in general farming on sec. 6, this township. P. O., Griggsville. 

I). J. Aldrich was born in Worcester county, Mass., Oct. 3, 
1802, and is the son of Jesse Aldrich, deceased. He was educated 
in the academy at Uxbridge, and after leaving school engaged in 
teaching at $8.50 per month in winter, and worked on a farm by 
the month in summer, receiving $40 per month., P'or two and a 
half years he traveled throughout the Middle and Western States, 
a distance of 13,000 miles, visiting many points of interest. In 
1825 he visited Ann Arbor, Mich., and while there entered 160 
acres of land eight miles north, in Dexter township. May 8, 1837, 
he married Eliza A. Taft and they had two children, — Adaline, 
deceased, and Augusta. Mr. A. came to Pike county in 1838 and 
settled on sec. 18, this township. Mrs. Aldrich died April 30, 
1871. She was a woman of fine education and a worthy member 
of the M. E. Church. 

Sarah Allen was born in Yorkshire, Eng., Jan. 21, 1828, and is 
the daughter of John Burlend, deceased, who brought his family to 
America in 1831, and, like all pioneers, endured many hardships.. 
He died April 4, 1871, aged 88 years. Mrs. Allen was married 
May 4, 1852, to Francis Allen, and they liad 4 children, — Charlotte 
M., John W., deceased, Francis E. and David Franklin. Charlotte is 
married to Sylvester Thompson, and resides near Pittsfield. Mr. 
Allen was a farmer on sec. 16 until his death, which occurred July 
23, 1874. He belonged to the Episcopal Church, and was a promi- 
nent and worthy citizen. 

Oeorge P. Bechdoldt was born in Germany March 28, 1828, the 
son of Jacob P., who came to America with his family in 1837^ 
and settled in Little York, Pa., where he remained until 1839, 
when he removed to Calhoun county. 111., and died the same year, 
leaving a widow and 8 children, who had to endure many hardships 
and privations. Two of the children had married and remained 
in the East. Geo. P. is the 9th of 11 children; his education was 
principally in German, before he came to America. April 10,. 
1851, he married Frances S. Price, daughter of Robert Price, well 
known in the earlv settlement of Scott and McDonouffh counties.. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 431 

She was born May 29, 1834, in McDonoui^h Co., 111. They have 
had 11 children, of whom 9 are living — Julia, Helen, Theodore, 
Maria, Anna, Esther, Ettie, Edith and Frederick. Mr. B, is a 
prominent farmer and stock-raiser on the north J of S. E. |- of see. 
32. P. O., Milton. 

Dr. Wm. Cohel was born in Middle Tennessee May 30, 1826, the 
son of Geo. A. and Mary Cobel, who emigrated with their family 
to Hendricks county, Ind., in 1833. The doctor is a graduate of both 
the Keokuk (regular) Medical College and of the Eclectic Medical 
College, of Cincinnati, O,, and' began practice in 1859. He has 
lost but one case out of 300 in tiie last 12 montlis, and that was a 
chronic case of heart-disease. He settled in the town of Detroit, 
this county, in 1873; in 1878 he met with an accident, dislocating 
his hip joint, but he still continues to ride day and night. Nov. 
21, 1851, he married Elizabeth J. McClure, and of their 5 children 
only 2 are living, Wm. M. and Fannie A. Mrs. Cobel died Nov. 
12, 1878, aftering a lingering illness of 22 years' standing. She 
was a member of the M. E. Church, and a faithful and respected 
worker in the moral interests of society. Wm. M. Cobel is now 
teaching school near Detroit. 

John L. Craoens was born Jan. 1, 1844, in Jefferson Co., Ind., 
the son of John C. Cravens, of the same State; was educated at 
Hanover College, Ind.; he chose the profession of teaching, enter- 
ing upon this work in 1866; he taught three terms in Boone 
county, Mo., when he went to college until 1870, and then to Wa- 
pello Co., Iowa, where he raised a crop, and in September he 
returned to Boone county. Mo.; taught school until 1875, when he 
came to Bike Co., and now has charge of the Toil-Gate school, dis- 
trict 4, in this township. In the late war he served 4 months in 
Co. K, 137th 111. Yol. Inf., and was honorably discharged. In 1873 
he married Elizabeth D. Snyder, of Boone county, Mo., and their 
two children are Lillian B. and W. Guy. 

Thomas Dolby, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 5, was born in 
England in 1853, the son of David and Sarah Dalby, deceased. His 
brother James was in the 73d Keg., I. Y. I., under Capt. Davidson, 
of Griggsville; was taken prisoner and confined in the pen at An- 
dersonville, where he died from starvation. He lost another brother, 
Joseph, who died from a wound received by a saw-log rolling off a 
wagon and catching him; so that Mr. D. now has no brother in Amer- 
ica. Aug. 27, 1849, Mr. D. married Hannah Burland, who was born 
in Yorkshire, Eng., in 1853. Mr. Dalby is the owner of 400 acres 
of land. 

James W. Dempsey was born in Chilli co the, O., Aug. 20, 1834, 
the son of Coleman Dempsey, who emigrated to Missouri in 1854. 
After spending two years in Te^as, erecting telegraph wire from 
Galveston to Houston, and thence to Shreveport on Ked river, 
James W. returned to Missouri. By profession he is a civil engi- 
neer, and by trade a gunsmith. He is a " natural genius." He 
came to Pike county in 1856, where he followed engineering n^ustly 



432 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

for 14 years. In ISYO lie began trading in guns, ammunition, etc., 
in Detroit, and also dealt in sporting goods, cigars, tobacco and con- 
fectionery: he now has a full supply of dry goods, groceries, 
hardware and confectionery, tlie stock being about $3,000 in value. 
His trade is increasing. Aug. 22, 1S56, he married Minerva, daugh- 
ter of Jesse Sintf, deceased, of Detroit. They had four children, of 
whom but one. Harry, is living, who was born Dec. 11, 1S68. 
Mrs. D. died May 20, 1879, mourned by all who knew her. 

Afiss Virgi?ite Dinsmore, teacher, wms born Dec. 26, 1853, in 
Hardin township. Her father, John C. Dinsniore,deceased, was Cap- 
tain of Co. E, 99th 1. V. I., in the llebellion, and was also an of- 
ficer in the Mexican war, ]iarticipating in the battles of Buena 
Vista, Cerro Gordo and others, and saw Col. Hardin fall. He died 
in February, 1874, on the old homestead near Time, this county. 
Miss Dinsmore has been a teacher for 7 years, and now has charge 
of the primary de])artmeiit of the Detroit schools. She is well liked 
as'an instructor and disciplinarian. 

William Douglas was born March 9, 1817, in New Galloway, 
Kirkcudl)rightshire, Scotland, where he received a common-school 
education, and came to America in 1836, stopping in the East for 
several years. Dec. 19, 1841, he married Permelia, daughter of 
Edmund Strawn, who came to this county in 1830, just in time to suf- 
fer the privations of the severe winter of the deep snow. Mrs. Doug- 
las was born in Guilford Co., N. C, Aug. 25, 1823. Mr. and Mrs. 
D. have had 12 children, of whom 7 are living, — Andrew, Mary, 
Edmund, John T., Churchwell, William W. and James S. The 4 
eldest are married. Mr. Douglas is a mechanic by trade, in which 
capacity he wrought during the earlier portion of his life, but is 
now a prominent farmer and stock-raiser on sec. 33. He spent one 
year in Canada and 6 years in Missouri. He helped erect the State 
University in the latter State, and also assisted in the erection of 
the first mill in Pittsfield in 1849. 

John W. D anniway was born in Gallatin county, Ky., Jan. 17, 
1834, the son of David and Annie (Crow) Dunniway. They came 
to Pike county in 1836, settling on sec. 18, enduring the usual hard- 
ships of that day; their houses consisting of little log cabins, etc. 
They came by boat, having sent their teams through by land, and 
when the teams arrived the hair was all worn off* the horses' legs, 
so terrible were the roads and swamps through which they passed. 
Mr. D. died March 5, 1869, at the age of G9 years, and Mrs. D. re- 
sides with her son on the old home place, at the age of 77.- She 
was born in Clark count}', Ky. John W. was married Nov. 29, 
1855, to Jnlia A., daughter of David Rupart, who came to Pike 
county in 1840. They have 4 children, viz: Mary E., William A., 
David F. and Frederick A. Mr. D. is a farmer and stock-raiser. 

James W. EIUh^ a native of this tp., was born Oct. 10, 1838, and 
is the son of Thomas Ellis, deceased, and brother of John and T. B. 
Ellis. He received his education in a log cabin known as "mud 
college," raised a farmer, and knows all about heavy work in pio- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUiNTV. . 433 

neer times. Dec. 2S, 1869, he married Miss C. J. Phillips, daughter 
of James Phillips, of this tp., and they have had 2 children, Charlie, 
deceased, and Lillian. Mr. Ellis is a farmer on sec. 16. 

John B Ells was bom Oct. 17, 1831, in Lockport, N. Y., the 
son of Thomas Ellis, deceased, who brou_<jjhr his family to this county 
in 1836. John B's mother, Elizabeth Ellis, still resides on the old 
homestead, at the age of 74. Nov. 6, 1862, Mr. E. married Ellen 
Croft, daughter of George Croft, of Montezuma tp., and their 7 
children are, Ellen E., Tliomas G., John W., Peter J., David C, 
Annie S. and Mary E. Mr. Ellis is a farmer and stock-raiser on 
sec. 16. 

Thomas E'lis, deceased, was born in the village of Milton, Oxford- 
shire, Eng., Dec. 18, 1808; educated in the village school, and March 
16, 1832, married Elizabeth Brooks, and they have had 7 children: 
Thomas B., John B., Peter, James W., Elizabeth A., Harriott and 
Ellen J., deceased. Mrs Ellis was born July 15, ISOi, in Shipton, Ox- 
fordshire, Eng. ; they came to America in 1832, locating at Lock- 
port, N. Y., where they remained until 1835, when they removed 
to this county; resided on a rented farm one year; then purchased 
80 acres at a sale of school land in Detroit tp., where Mrs. Ellis 
still resides. Mr. E. died March 21, 1868. 

Thomas B. Ellis was born in Lockport, N. Y., Nov. 8, 1832, son 
of the preceding; is a farmer on sec. 15. Oct. 9, 1873, he married 
Fannie Allen, daughter of J. W. Allen, of Milton. Their 4 chil- 
dren are Thomas II., John A., Charles L and Elizabeth. Mr. Ellis 
served 3 years in the late war in Co. C, 99th L V. L, participating 
in the siege of Vicksburg and in other engagements; he was taken 
prisoner while on a scouting expedition in Texas near Victoria; he 
was held in camp in Camp Ford, Texas, for 6 months and then ex- 
changed. He was discharged in 1865. 

Bernard W. Flinn, tarmer, sec. 5, and the present County Treas- 
urer, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., March 29, 1814, the son of 
John Flinn, deceased, M-ho was a native of Ireland; he was brought 
by his parents to Morgan county, O.. in 1819, where they remained 
until 1826, and then were in Zanesville, O., until 1839; a portion of 
this time he engaged in wholesale dry goods, and afterward in the 
mercantile business in Coshocton Co., O. In 1841 he moved to 
Cincinnati. O., and became proprietor of the St. Charles House; in 
1852 he removed to St. Louis, Mo., and to Pike county in October, 
1856, settling on sec. 5, this tp., where he still resides, owning 3>5 
acres of land. In February, 1841, he married Sarah Brownell, and 
they have had 8 cliildren, of whom 5 are living, namely: James, M'ho 
married Charlotte Stephens and resides at Pana, 111.; Esley, now 
Mrs. James Dimmitt, of Detroit tp. ; Cornelia, Lewis H. and Charles. 
Mr. Flinn was elected Treasurer at the November election in 1879 
by a majority of 323 votes. 

Norton Foreman, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 31; was born 
Aug. 2, 1843, in JSewburg township, this county, and is the son of 
James Foreman, who came to this county in early day; was edu- 



434 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

cated in Detroit and reared on a I'arm. Dec, 17, 1863, he married 
Sarah E., daufjjhter of James Bond, of Piatt county, 111. Their 5 
children are William, James F., Annie, Nellie and Edwin. 

Townsend Foreman, farmer, was born July 28, 1845, in New- 
bnriy tp., this county, the son of James W. and Jane Foreman; 
was raised on a farm and received a common-school education; 
May 15, 1867, he married Mary J. Goldman. He was a merchant 
in Detroit 4 or 5 years, then a farmer until 1874, when he moved 
to Lewistown, Fulton county, 111., where he again engaged in mer- 
chandising 2 years; he sold out and entered the livery business in 
that place; he then returned to Detroit, where he is engaged in 
farming. lie is also proprietor of an " Eclipse " thresher, which he 
operates each season to tlie entire satisfaction of his many patrons. 

James E. French was born Oct. 25, 1832, in Indiana, and is the 
son of Jacob French, deceased, who came to this county in 1834, 
settling in Griggsville township; received his education in an old 
log cabin, in a subscription school at a distance of 4 or 5 miles 
from home. Nov. 10, 1850, he married Caroline C. Madden, 
daughter of Bonham A. Madden, an early settler of the Illinois 
river valley. Mrs. French was born Feb. 10, 1833, in Indiana. 
Their 4 children are George N., who married Frances Thackston, 
and resides in Greene county. 111.; Henry C., who married Mari- 
etta McEvers, and resides near Montezuma; M. E. and William A. 
Mr. French is a farmer and stock-raiser on sec. 32. 

/^«?^Z P. i^r^TicA, P. O., Florence, was born September 20, 1832, 
in Harrison county, Ind., and was brought to this county by his 
parents about 1842; was reared on a farm and is now engaged 
in farming, and also has a half interest in the Florence horse 
ferry. Dec. 20, 1853, he married Mary E., daughter of Edward 
Farthing, deceased, and of their 9 children only 4 are living, namely : 
Wm, P., Nancy J., Edward and Annie. Mr. French traded in live 
stock and followed general merchandising in Florence for several 
years, but his health failing, he had to change business. 

Elizaheth Goldman, widow of the late Benjamin Goldman, was 
.born in Clark county Ky., Dec. 29, 1830, the daughter of David 
and Anna Dunniway, who brought their family of 5 children to 
this county in 1836, settling on sec. 7, this township, where Mrs. 
Dunniway still resides, at the age of 77. Mr. and Mrs. Goldman 
were married Nov, 26, 1848, in this township, and of their 4 chil- 
dren 3 are living, Mary J., Julia C. and Elizabeth D. Julia mar- 
ried Taylor Foreman, who is managing the farm of his mother-in- 
law. Mr. Goldman was born Dee. 24, 1824, in Clark county, Ky., 
and is the son of Abraham and Susannah Goldman, deceased, who 
brought him to Pike county in early day, where he was bn^ught up 
on a farm amid all the privations of pioneer times. He was a 
Class- Leader in the M. E, Church for many years. An eminent 
Christian and a worthy head of the family. His death occurred 
October 20, 1874. 

Elizaheth A. Goldinan was born in this county January 31, 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 435 

1841, and is the daughter of Thomas Ellis, deceased, and a sister 
of John and Thomas B. Ellis, of this township, elsewhere noticed. 
Jan. 2, 1852, she married Josiah Goldman, and 8 of their 9 chil- 
dren are living, viz: John, Millicent, Fannie, Hettie, Thomas, Jane, 
Ellen and James Monroe. John is superintending the farm. 

TFm. C. Hall was born May 29, 1844, in this county, and is the 
son of T. L, Hall, of early day here, who came in 1828, when he 
had to go to Atlas, a distance of 26 miles, to mill. He taught the 
first singing-school in Atlas, said to be the first in the county. In 
1840 he built a saw-mill on Little Blue creek. He was brought 
up a Presbyterian, but during the latter part of his life was a mem- 
ber of the Christian Church. His death occurred January 5, 1872, 
Wm. C. was reared on a farm in early day, having all the usual 
experiences ot clearing wood land. October 9, 1866, he married 
Nellie, daughter of John S. Shinn, of Griggsville, and they have 
one little boy, Willy. Mr. Hall is a farmer and stock-raiser on 
sec. 16. 

James D. Heavner. farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 32; V. 0. Mil- 
ton; was born Jan. 7, 1835, in this county, and is the son of Jacob 
Heavner, who emigrated with his family to Sangamon county in 
1827, and to this county in 1828; he was a soldier in the Black Hawk 
war. under Abraham Lincoln. He died in 1867. James D. was 
married Nov. 4, 1858, to Matilda, daughter of Manley Thomas, an 
early settler. Of their 7 children the following 6 are living: Clara, 
Lizzie, Maggie, Nannie, Dovie and Mattie. 

Samuel Llghtle was brought to this county when a boy by his 
parents in 1835; educated in the old-fashioned subscription school; 
married, Dec. 31, 1858, Martha, daughter of Coleman Dempsey, of 
Pike county, Mo. Of their 10 children these 8 are living: Mary 
A., Isaac S., Clara IL, John W., Annettie J., Charlotte M., Nellie 
E. and James W. Mr. L. is a farmer on sec. 8. P. O., Detroit. 

Stewart Lindsey, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 31, owning 200 
acres of land, was born Oct. 1, 1808, in Scott county, Ky., and is 
the son of Robert Lindsey, who emigrated with his parents from 
Virginia to Kentucky in 1788. Stewart's grandfather, Aaron Rey- 
nolds, was one of Daniel Boone's associates as an early settler of 
Kentucky. His mother was born in a fort called Craig's Station, 
in Woodford county, Ky. He was educated in a log cabin with a 
triangular fire-place across one end of the room, with a window ten 
feet in lengfth and one lio^ht hiffh. The text books consisted of a 
Webster's speller, Testament and Guthrie's Arithmetic. . The seats 
consisted of split logs with legs fastened in them. Jan. 27, 1835, 
lie married Mary Hays, and they had 10 children, of whom 9 are 
living, — Falissa A., John W., Newton J., James, Oscar, Mary, 
Robert, Charles and Frank. The name of the deceased was Samuel. 
Four of his sons were in the late war; Samuel was a prisoner at 
Andersonville, where he contracted a disease that caused his death. 
The others were honorably discharged. 

Aaron Loveless was born in Medina county, O., Dec. 7, 1883, 



436 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

and is the son of Wni. Loveless, of Detroit tp., who brouo^ht his 
family to this connty in 1839, Oct. 13, 1858, he was married to 
Rebecca Yelliott, daughter of Luke Yelliott. She is a native of 
England, and was born in 1840. Mr. Loveless is a farmer and 
resides on sec. 7; he is also proprietor of a portable saw-mill, which 
he has successfully operated for two years, and which is now situ- 
ated on Cicero Scoby's farm, between Pittsfield and Griggsville. 
Mr. and Mrs. Loveless have liad 5 children, of whom 4 are living, 
— Addie, Albert. Wesley and Clayton. 

Wm. Loveless was born in Monmouth county, N. J., Oct. 26, 
1816; was brought by his parents to Medina count}', O., in 1830, 
where he remained until he attained his majority, when he married 
Rebecca Snyder, Feb. 22, 1838. They emigrated to this county in 
1839. Mr. Loveless is a mechanic, and worked in various places in 
this county for several years. Abont 1848 he purchased a farm on 
sec. 18, Detroit tp., but has resided in this tp. all the time. They 
resided in Rockport,this county, for abont 3 years, and in Wiscon- 
sin for bh; years, where he pursued his profession. Mr. and Mrs. 
Loveless have 3 children, — Aaron, Wilson and Emily. Aaron 
married Rebecca Yelliott, of this Ip.; Wilson married' Nellie Ole- 
son, and resides in Oak county. Wis.; and Emily married James 
Shriver, and resides in the house with her parents. 

Samuel S. McAfee was born near Baltimore, Md., July 23,1855, 
and is the son of Samuel I. McAtee, of Shelby county. Mo. He 
was educated in the common schools of Missouri, where his parents 
took him in 1857, and in 1872 came to Pike Co., and to Detroit in 
1875, where he engaged in the manufacture of wagons, in which he 
has been successful. Dec. 24, 1877, he married Ollie Sanderson, 
daughter of Reuben Sanderson, of Detroit. 

Win. Moore was born in Detroit, Pike Co., 111., Dec. 29, 1853, 
and is the son of Wm. Moore, of Detroit tp. He was reared on a 
farm, and at the age of 21 was apprenticed to A. F. Reinika, a 
blacksmith of Detroit, and in 1878 he began business for himself, 
and has a good trade. He also manufactures wagons in company 
with Mr. McAtee. 

George M. JVeeley, P. O., Detroit, a native of this county, was 
born March 1, 1839, where Detroit now stands. His father, Henry 
Neeley, was a resident of Horse-Shoe Bend, on the Sangamon river, 
before Illinois was a State. In 1821 he went up in a keel-boat to a 
French trading post on the Upper Mississippi. He emigrated with 
his father, Joseph Neeley, from North Carolina to Tennessee, where 
they remained several years, when Joseph Neeley emigrated to 
Illinois, and soon after was followed by his son. Henry, who came 
to Pike Co. in 1831 and settled on sec. L8, Detroit tp. Henry saw 
the first house erected in Pittsfield, and states that the parties erect- 
ting it began at the top of the rafters to lay on the roof. Mr. Neeley 
died Aug. 1, 1869, at the place where he first settled in Pike Co. 
Geo. M. was married April 4, 1861. to Lizzie Mclver, by whom he 
had 2 children, Alfred and Emma. He again married Sept. 10, 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 437 

1874, Lizzie Stephens, daughter of Elijah Stephens, of Jasper 
count}', Mo. They have 2 cliildren, — Liliie and George Arthur. 
Mr. Neeley is a farmer; also proprietor of the Detroit House in 
Detroit; he spent about IS years of his life in Texas, Mexico and 
the Southern States, and while there served three years in the Con- 
federate army. He is now Justice of the Peace for Detroit tp. 

Henry Perry ^ farmer and stock- raiser, was born in Manchester, 
Eng., Dec. 10, 1840, and is the son of John Perry, deceased. He 
came to America in 1856 and settled in Detroit tp., where he still 
resides. July 14, 1859, he married Sarah H. , daughter of Amos 
Taylor, a pioneer of this Co. They have had 9 children: 8 are 
living, — Maria, Laura A., John H., Rosa M., Elizabeth H., Wm. M., 
Mattie M. and Liliie M. The name of the deceased was Robt. H. : he 
accidentally shot himself with a gun while climbing a fence in the 
fall of 1878. Mr. Perry served in the late war in Co. I, 99th Reg. 
I. Y. I. and participated in the battle of Hartsville, Mo., where he 
received a slight wound, and in the campaign of Yicksburg. He 
was discharged in 1865. 

James Phillips was born in Cherry Valley, Otsego county, N. Y., 
March 12, 1812, and is the son of Barnabas Phillips, dec. He came 
to this county in the fall of 1837jand settled in the town of Griggs- 
ville. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. He worked in 
a flouring mill at intervals for about 10 years, then settled on sec. 
21, Detroit tp., where he still resides a prominent farmer. Dec. 
29, 1842, he married Armina Hughes: they have had 9 children, 8 
of whom are living, — Clarissa J., Edward D., Francis M., Martha E., 
Lucinda C, Mary C, Owen R. and James M. Mr. Phillips is a very 
worthy citizen. 

A. F. Reinika, blacksmith, was born in Germany, Sept. 15, 
1848, and is the son of Simon Reinika, of Pittsfield; was reared on 
a farm until 17 years of age; was then apprenticed to August Sit- 
ler, a shoemaker of Detroit, but the trade not being pleasant to 
him he went back to farming, which he pursued 2 years, when he 
engaged upon a saw-mill for 9 months ; he then apprenticed 
himself to Conrad Winant, a blacksmith of Pittsfield, with whom 
he worked 18 months; then went back to the farm again for one 
season, then went to work for Geo. Carrier, a blacksmith of Pitts- 
field. Li Oct. 1872, he, began business fur himself in Detroit, 
where he still remains, doing a large business. Nov. 27, 1871, he 
married Mary E. Ayers, and their 4 children are AUie M., Harry 
O., Lurie and Wm. A. 

Wqu. Reynolds was born in Gallia county, O., Oct., 1825, and 
came to Pike Co. in 1840; was raised on a farm; served 21 
months in the Mexican war, then returned to Ohio and married 
Susan Fry, by whom he had 12 children, of these 10 are living, — 
Geo. W., Wm. L., Stephen A., Frances J., Emily, Maud, Henry 
and Mary. Mr. R. returned to Illinois in 1850, and now resides 
on sec. 4, Detroit tp., in the Big Blue valley, and is engaged in 
farming. He was 2d Lieutenant in Co. B. 68th Ree. L Y. L, in 



438 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

the late war. About 1854 or 1855 lie engaged in brick-laying 
and assisted in laying the brick in all the |)rinci])al buildings in 
Pittsfield, (Ti-iggsville, Perry and New Salem, up to al)out 1870. 

Joseph Rhodes, farmer, sec. 6, M^as born in Yorkshire, Eng., Jan. 
8, 1824; learned the business of a wool-stapler under Mr. Atkin- 
son; then worked as journevman until 184S, when ho came to 
America and worked with one Greenbanks, of New England, until 
1856, and then came to Pike county and settled upon his farm. 
Although farming was entirely new to him he has by good sense, 
hard work and economy made for himself a nice farm of 190 acres. 
He is a prominent farmer in this tp. and makes wheat raising a 
speciality. In 1844 he married Martha, daughter of James Whit- 
field, a hind for Arthur Heywood, a large land-owner in England. 
Their 9 children are William, Henry, Charles, Albert E., Manuletta, 
Daniel E., Sarah J. and Mary J. (twins), and Julia A. Mrs. 
Rhodes also is a native of Yorkshire and was born July 10, 1823. 

William Sanderson vj2L^\iox\\Y)Q,(i.'i,%, 1826, in Highland Co, 
O., and is the son of George Sanderson, dec; was reared on a farm, 
received a common-school education, came to Pike county in 1855, 
where he still resides, on sec. 30, this tp. In Nov., 1848, he mar- 
ried Sarah Paris, and their children are Alva C. and Ilufus A. 
Mrs. Sanderson died in 1852. Sept. 17, 1857, Mr S. married Jane, 
daughter of John A. Williams, dec, who was a native of North 
Carolina and s,ettled in this count}' in the fall of 1830, just in time 
to help wade through the "deep snow." Mr. and Mrs. Sanderson 
have 5 children: Gilbert C, Linnie L,, Orin R., Willy A. and Clara 
B. Mr. Sanderson's father was a soldier in the war of 1812. His 
widow draws a pension and resides among her children. 

Joshua, K. Sitton; P. O., Detroit; was born Nov. 25, 1824, in 
Lincoln Co., Mo., the son of Jesse Sitton, who brought his family 
here in 1828, and died in the fall of 1832, a Baptist minister. He 
preached all over Pike county and in the counties of Morgan and 
Sangamon. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was in the 
battle of New Orleans under Gen. Jackson. Oct. 6, 1847, Joshua 
K. was married to Mary A. Heavner, daughter of Jacob Heavner, 
dec, an early settler in this State. The}^ have had 6 children, of 
whom only 3 are living, namely, Jesse, Mary E. and Annettie. Mr. 
Sitton is a farmer and stock-raiser on sec. 20. In 1849 he went 
overland to California and returned in 1851. He served 18 months 
in the late war, in Co. C, 99th I. Y. I., and participated in the bat- 
tles of Magnolia Hill, Black liiver, Raymond, Wilson Creek, siege 
of Yicksburg and others. He was wounded at Yicksburg, in con- 
sequence of which he was discharged in 1864. He was a commis- 
sioned officer all the time he served in the army. He went out as 
First Lieutenant and was discharged as Quartermaster. 

Mary J. Smith was born in Cumberland Co., K)'., Feb. 4, 1828, 
and is the daughter of Samuel Baker, who brought his family to this 
county in 1834, settling on sec 33. on what is now known as the 
" Douglas farm." He died in March, 1837. Marv J. was married 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 439 

Sept. 1, 1846, to Richard R. Smith, a native of Clark Co., Ky., who 
was born July 19, 1821 and was brought to Morgan, now Scott Co., 
in., in 1828, settling in Winchester. He was raised on the farm, 
and in 1848 caine to Pike county, settling on sec 33, Detroit tp., 
where he resided a fanner and stock-raiser until his death, which 
occurred Oct. 19, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had 7 children, — 
Harriet A., now Mrs. Wm. H. Butler; Sarah J, now the wife of Mr. 
A. Armstrong; Judith Y., now the widow of Mr. A. Landers; 
Mary 11., dec; Martha C, now Mrs. Henry T. Bagby; Wm. S. and 
Richard D. 

3£rs. Nancy Smith. This ladj^'s father, Samuel Blake, brought 
his family to this county in 1833; the next year he died, leaving a, 
widow and 7 small children. The subject of this sketch has there- 
fore seen hard times, — times when wolves made the night hideous, 
when young live-stock had to be kept in pens, when a hewed-log 
house was considered almost an exti-avagant luxury, and when mill- 
ing was almost impossible; she has worked in the field at picking 
brush, rolling logs, building fence, gathering corn, etc. She built 
traps and caught turkeys, and her sister Margaret at one time waded 
into the Little Blue creek, waist deep in the water with an ax and 
killed a deer, which the dogs were trying to drag down; several 
times Mrs. Smith M'ent 5 miles to mill takino^ a sack of corn horse- 
back. The first steam-boat that she saw on the Illinois river she 
remembers was the "Raccoon." Feb. 9, 1812, she married George 
Y. Stackpole, a native of Thomaston, Maine, who died Sept. 3, 1871. 
He was Capt. of various boats on the Illinois river; filled every 
position on boats from deck-hand to proprietor. Our subject was 
again married Nov, 3, 1878, this time to Nathaniel P. Smith, who 
was born in Ohio, Oct. 16, 1823; he was raised a farmer's boy; 
taught school most of the time for about 14 years; came to this 
county in 1873, and now resides on sec. 28, this tp. 

William K. Smith is a native of Scott county, Ky ., born April 
4, 1804; came to Morgan county. 111., in 1839, wliere he followed 
farming until 1851, when he came and settled on sec. 33, this 
township, where he has since resided; but he has placed the farm 
in charge of his son-in-law, John F. Kingman. In July, 1825, Mr. 
Smith married Lucinda Kendrick, and they have had one child, 
James W., now living in Montezuma tp. Mrs. Smith died Oct. 13, 
.1841, a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mr. 
S.,in Oct., 1843, married Elizabeth Kendrick, a sister of his former 
wife, and they have had 4 children, of whom 2 are living, — Susan 
J. (now Mrs. J. F. Kinman) and Joanna I. Mrs, Smith died Oct, 
3, 1875, a worthy member of the M. E. Church. 

James Stoner was born in Yorkshire, Eng. , Nov. 21, 1827, the 
son of Thomas Stoner, wdio brought his family to America in 1844, 
settling in this toMmship, where James still resides, a farmer on 
sec. 17. In 1856 he married Mary A,, daughter of George Croft, 
of Montezuma tp. They liave 2 children, Ellen and Frederick. 
Mrs. S. died in 1865, and in 1866 Mr. S. married Harriet, daughter 



440 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 

of Mrs. Elizabeth Ellis, of this township; their 2 children are Fan- 
nie and James. 

Creed Strawn was born Sept. 9, 1833, in this county, and is the 
son of Edmund Strawn, deceased, who came to this county in 1830; 
July 12, 1857, Mr. Creed Strawn married Helen, daughter of Zach- 
ariali Ownby. Tier grandmother relates this interesting incident: 
An IndiMU chief entered the house one day, and, looking at the 
baby (Mrs. Strawn's uncle) which was lying in the cradle, said: 
" Pretty pale-face, how swaji? Give pony to boot." This baby is 
now Thomas Ownby, of Eldara. Mr. and Mrs. Strawn have had 
2 children, both dead. 

L. B. Taylor^ farmer, sec 29, was born Feb. 10, 1840, in this 
county, the son of Amos Taylor, who was born near Hartford, Conn., 
and who died Oct. 31, 1866. Aug. 15, 1862, L. B. married 
Hannah, daughter of Jeremiah Walker, deceased, and their children 
are Alonzo, John H., Edward, Robert, Clara, Emma, Alva O. and 
Ira. Mr. Taylor served three years in the late war in Co. I, 99th 
I. V. I., and was in the battles of Magnolia Hill, Black River, siege 
of Vicksburg, etc., and was discharged July 30, 1865. 

William B. Thompson, who has resided in this State since 1817, 
was born in Borrulee Bottom, Mo., March 13, 1813. His father 
was James, deceased, a native ot Virginia, and a pioneer in Mis- 
souri Territory, who settled in Washington county. 111., in 1817. 
He was in the Indian war of 1791, and was at St. Clair's defeat, 
where he was wounded in the right leg, which rendered him a 
cripple for life. March 17, 1844, Wm. B. married Mary A. Brooks. 
Their children are Benjamin F., Sylvester W., Susan J., James S., 
Sarah E. and William D. Mr. T. is a farmer on sec. 32. 

Thomafi TF«<f^, farmer, sec. 16, A native of this county, was 
born April 7, 1842, and is the son of Henry B. Wade, who was a 
pioneer of Pike county, having been brought here by his parents 
when but 6 years old. There were but 13 families in the county 
when he settled there. Thomas Wade was raised on a farm three 
miles south of Griggsville. Sept. 25, 1857, he married Ellen, 
daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Ellis, a widow lady of Detroit township. 
They had 3 children, — Thomas, Albertie and James. In Sept., 
1875, Mrs. Wade died, and in April, 1876, he married Frances 
Lindville, and they have one little boy, Harvey. Mr. Wade owns 
a half interest in the Florence horse ferry. He served in the late 
war in Co. H., 73d Regiment, I. V. I., and participated in the battle 
of Stone river. 

Birrel Walk, farmer, sec. 35; P. O., Milton; was born Dec. 14, 
1832, near Lexington, ]N. C. ; was brought by his parents to this 
county in 1836, and settled near Milton. His father, Teter Walk, 
worked very hard and endured many privations in preparing for fu- 
ture prosperity. lie died in the winter of 1839-40. Our subject was 
raised on a farm and knows all about grubbing, picking bush, 
rolling logs, driving oxen, etc., etc. Jan. 3, 1861, he married 
Eliza J. Roland, and their children are Hardin W., Cordelia J., 





6lyr7X£^ 





PITTSFIELD TP 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 443 

Hulbnrt C, Sarah A., Cora B. and Lincoln Teter. In 1852 Mr. 
Walk went overland to California and returned in 1856. 

Jasper Walk, fanner, sec. 36, was born in this township Aug. 
17, 1839. His mother, Mahala "Walk, came to this county in 1836, 
and still resides with her son at the age of 70 years. She was born 
in Davidson county, N. C. Her father owned the Horshoe Neck on 
the Yadkin river. Oar subject lives in a house made of hewed 
logs 39 years ago, built by Thomas Clemons, the original settleron 
section 36. March 28, 1860, he married Rachel Anthony, and they 
have had 7 children, 5 of whom are living, namely, Ella Bell, 
Alice A., Harvey C, Charlotte A. and Jasper C. Mr. Walk was 
a soldier in the late war, in Co. I, 99th Reg. I. Y. I., and partici- 
pated in the battles of Port Gibson, siege of Yicksburg, Black 
River and others. At the siege of Yicksburg he was under fire for 
47 days; was wounded at the battle of Black River, and was dis- 
charged July 30, 1865, at Baton Rouge. 

Augustus F. White, tarmer, sec. 35, was born in Cornwall, Con- 
necticut, May 6, 1832, and is the son of Comfort White, deceased. 
He received a common-school education, and attended the great 
Barrington Academy, of Berkshire county, Mass.; he also attended 
the Stockbridge Academy of the same county. He taught school 
most of the time for 22 years. April 9, 1858, he married Harriet 
Watts, and they are the parents of 3 children— Charles A., Mary 
A. and John E., deceased. In 1852 Mr. W. went to California by 
ship, crossing the isthmus of Panama by way of Lake Nicaragua, 
and returned by the Panama route the next year. His ancestors 
came across the ocean in the Mayflower, and he is a descendant 
of the same family of which Perigrine White was a member, the 
first white child born in America. 

Elijah Williams was born in Clinton county, O., Aug 6, 1844, 
and is the son of Joseph Williams, deceased, also,a native of Ohio. 
He received a common-school education, and in 1867 came to Illi- 
nois and located in Sangamon Co., and in 1872 to Brown Co., 
where he engaged in various occupations for one year, and then 
became salesman in a wholesale tin and hardware store for F. H. 
Hudson, of Yersailles, 111. In December, 1877, he engaged with J. 
W. Wright & Co., of the same place, in retailing dry goods and 
notions through various parts of the country; in the spring of 1878, 
he was elected to the office of Assessor. The June following he 
opened a restaurant, and in March, 1879, he removed to Florence and 
went into the mercantile business, where he now has a thriving 
trade. In December, 1869, he married Ida Campbell. Their 4 
children are Charles H., Effie M., Joseph F. and an infant girl. 
Mr. W. served 3 years in the late war in Co. D, 79th Reg. O. Y. L, 
and was in the battles of Resaca, Peach-Tree Creek, Atlanta, Stone 
River, Savannah, Charleston and others. He was taken prisoner 
by a company of Hood's cavalry, while out foraging, and placed in 
Libby prison, but was released in 21 days. 

Harvey D. Williams, Principal of Detroit Schools, was born in 

27 



444 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Carroll Co., Va., Nov. 10, 1847, and is the son of Nicholas Wil- 
liams, who came to Hancock county about the year 1852. The 
Professor was educated in Quincy College, 111., and began his 
chosen profession in 1868, in Hancock county, and in 1870 came to 
Pike county, wliere he has since tauglit, and is now teaching his 
sixth year in Detroit. He gives general satisfaction as an instructor 
and disciplinarian. Aug. 22, 1872, he was married to Cammie, 
daughter of David Williams, of this township. 

Samuel M. Williams, lawyer, was born in Salisbury, N. C, Feb. 
9, 1829, and is tlie son of John A. Williams, a pioneer of this 
county, who brought his family here in 1834, and endured all the 
privations of pioneer life. He was Deacon in the Baptist Church 
in Detroit 25 years, and died March 26, 1876, in Pettis county, 
Mo., where he had resided four years. May 1, 1864, Samuel M. 
married Eunice, daughter of Ede Hatch, deceased, who resided in 
this township until within two years of his death, which occurred 
in Newburg township. May 15, 1842. He was a worthy citizen and 
a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have 
three children, viz: Frances, Claiborne and Samuel. Mrs. Wil- 
liams had previously been married and had three children, Henry, 
Henrietta and Harlow Hosford, deceased. Mr. Williams has prac- 
ticed law 25 years. 

Bula A. Wilson was born Jan. 13, 1828, and was brought to this 
county by her parents in 1833, and has seen many hardships and 
troubles; has done all kinds of heavy farm work, pulled, hackled, 
spun and wove flax, and hauled many a load of wood. She was 
unusually kind, benevolent and charitable, and whei-ever there was 
sickness and suffering Mrs. Wilson was found ; yet when she was 
left a widow, sick with rheumatism, and a little speechless boy, she 
was placed in a poor-house. Sept. 26, 1861, she married John Hol- 
iday, who was drowned in the Mississippi river at St. Louis, Sept. 
16, 1863. They had one son, John H. Jan. 13, 1876, she married 
Charles Wilson, a native of Sweden. 

Luke Yelliott, P. O. Detroit, was born in Doncaster, Yorkshire, 
Eng., about 1809, and is the son of Luke Yelliott, sr. In 1842 he 
came to Pike county and settled on the farm he now owns, and 
where he resides. He was married in Yorkshire, Eng., Feb. 10, 
1840 (just one week after the marriage of Queen Victoria), to 
Mary, daughter of John and Rebecca Burland, who came to this 
county in 1831, enduring many of the hardships of pioneer life. 
Mrs. I3urland used locust thorns for pins, such was the scarcity of 
household articles. They both died in the house of Mr. Yelliott, 
aged 87 and 77 years, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Yelliott have 
had nine children, of whom seven are liviiig, Pebecca and Sarah 
(twins), John and Annette (twins), Luke, Edward B., and Mary A. 



MONTEZUMA TOWNSHIP. 

This township borders on the Illinois river and lies between 
Detroit on the north and Pearl on the south. It was one of the 
first townships in this early settled county to receive the pioneer. 
A very complete and interesting historical sketch of this township 
was prepared by Mr. F. M. Grimes, editor of the Milton Beacon^ 
in 1876, and we make no apology for quoting much of this sketch. 
The people of Montezuma and neighboring townships had a grand 
centennial celebration at Milton, July 4, 1876, and Mr. Grimes was 
appointed to the pleasant yet arduous and difficult task of prepar- 
ing an historical sketch of this township as a Centennial History. 
After his introductory, he begins the sketch of the settlement as 
follows : 

SETTLEMENT, 

One hundred years ago the sound of the white man's ax had not 
been heard in our forests. The ringing of the anvil, the rattle of 
the reaper, the hum of the thresher, and whistle of the engine 
would have been strange music to the ear of the wild Indian, whose 
song and warhoop were the only sounds indicative of human exis- 
tence. The soul-stirring music of the band, the melodious tones of 
the organ and the still sweeter voices of the choir, would have been 
in strange contrast with the liowl of the wolf or the scream of the 
panther as they roamed fearlessly o'er the spot where we now 
stand. The bark canoe and the majestic steamer; the rude wig- 
wam and the stately mansion; the Indian pony and the iron horse; 
the slow footman and the lightning telegraph, — but faintly illustrate 
the vast ditference between the savage of then and the civilized of 
to-day. 

But little is known of the history of Montezuma township prior 
to the year 1819, at which time Ebenezer Franklin settled upon the 
lands now owned by his son Frederick F]-anklin, our townsman. 
Other settlements were afterwards made by Charles Adams, James 
Daniels, David Daniels, David Hoover, Daniel Hoover, Joel Meach- 
am, Thomas Davis (1826), Elijah Garrison (1826), Solomon Far- 
rington (1827), John F. Long (1828), Fielden Hanks (1829), William 
Morton, Frederic Franklin (came with his father), E. C. Clemmons, 
James Cheatham (1834), Josiah Hoover (came with his father in 
1826), George Hoover (came with his father), Daniel Hoover (182).6 
The last eight are still residents. Z. A. Garrison, John IBatter- 



446 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTT. 

shell (1832), now a resident of Spring Creek township, Ezekiel 
Cleniinons, Boone Allen, John Morton, George Morton, Peter 
Dillon, John Garrison, Joseph Garrison, John Loop, JNicholas 
Jones, John Jones, Wni. McBride, Smith Aiines, Joshua Davis, 

Josiah Sinims, William Kenney (1826), Solomon Seevers, Roark, 

James Grimes (1836), John Bacns, Joh Wilkirison, B. Greathouse, 
John Greathouse, Louis Allen, Elijah Garrison. 

Like all settlers of new countries they suffered many hardships 
and inconveniences. The nearest mill for the lirst few years was 
Edwardsville, 80 miles distant, Mr. Franklin informs us that there 
were then about 200 Indians in the neighborhood. * * * * 

In the year 1829 a horse-mill was built by Freeman Tucker on 
the lot now occupied by Mr. Franklin. The nearest trading points 
were at Atlas and Bridgeport, opposite Bedford, The first regularly 
laid out road ran from Montezuma to Atlas, and was among, if not 
the first, in the county, Houston was the physician. Polly Davis 
taught the first school in a small cabin on the land now owned by 
Josiah Ploover. In addition to her labors as teacher she had the 
care of eight children. 

The inhabitants were pre-eminently religious. Shouting was 
very common and the " jerks " had not ceased to afflict the religious 
fanatic. Preaching and prayer meetings were held at private 
houses until better accommodations could be had. The Christian 
Church prevailed at that time, and an organization was effected 
prior to 1828. There were five resident ministers; four of the 
Christian and one of the Baptist faith. The present Christian 
Church has been perpetuated since the year 1833. 

The call for volunteers for the Black Hawk war created no little 
consternation among the people. A meeting was called at Flor- 
ence and John Battershell, Joseph Gale, William Kenney, Joshua 
Davis, Smith Aimes, Josiah Simms and Edward Ii-ons enlisted. 
The first two are still living. There were others from the adjoin- 
ing towns or counties who afterwards became residents, as Jesse 
Lester, then a resident of Detroit, now residing here, James Grimes, 
resident of Greene county, and others whose names we cannot give. 

About the year 1830, by virtue of a law allowing slaveholders 
the privilege of ])assing through this State with slaves, slavery ex- 
isted in the township for a period limited by the law to 30 days. Jacob 
Rosel brought a negro woman here, and not wishing to remove 
for the time, kept her until the expiration of the 30 days and took 
her to Missouri for a few days, and brought her back again, and so 
continued to do, thus evading the law for nearly a year. 

The first marriage so far as we can learn was that of Joseph Gale 
and Elizabeth Garrison, about the year 1830. John F. Long is 
now the oldest resident voter in the township, having been a legal 
voter 47 yeai-s, and has not missed to exceed three general elections. 
The oldest native-born resident is Daniel G. Hoover, son of Daniel 
and Rebecca Hoover. Calvin Greathouse, son of John and Cathe- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 447 

rine Greathouse, was the first native-born. He is now a resident 
of Texas. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

Even in the earlier days the settlers regarded the education of 
their children as their first duty. In many instances the tuition 
was paid by the father's labor with the maul and wedge, or the 
mother's work at the wheel and loom. The first board of school 
trustees now on record was composed of the following names: 
T^athan Tucker, E. C. Robertson, Jacob Wagner, John F. Long and 
Solomon Fai-rington, who met at Milton July 15, 1840, and appor- 
tioned the funds then on hand, $83.06, upon the schedules of W. 
M. Porter and Charles Daniels. 

A subsequent meeting is recorded as follows: 

June 5th, 1841. 
Trustees of schools met at Milton and ordered : 

1st. That the debtors to the school fund be required punctually to pay the inter- 
est when due, and annually to pay ten per cent, of the principal. 

2d. That 65 days be considered one quarter of a year, and that each school 
teacher teach 8 hours in each day. 

3d. That the trustees receive for their services 50cts. per day, and the treasurer 
receive $1.00 per day. 

Mathew Baker, 
Waltek W. Tucker, 
James Grimes, 
Fielden Hanks, 
John S. Bacus, 

Trustees. 

At a meeting held at Thomas Davis' house in November of the 
same year, the township was laid off in districts, Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4. 
Lots No. 4, 14 and 15 of the 16th section were ordered to be sold on 
the 24th of December on 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years' time. From 1840 
to 1850 we find the name of B. Greathouse as Treasurer most of the 
time. Tlie names of a portion of the teachers are as follows: T. 
M. Johnson, Louisa Greene, W. W. Tucker, A. Meacham, A. D. 
Robertson, W. Porter, G. Lester, Joseph M. Jones (now resident 
of Oregon), N. W. Saxton, J. J. Meacham, A. Jones, H. D. Bennett, 
C. L. Easley, T. P. Hoit, Noble Shaw, Martha Greathouse, B. F. 
Turpin, Matthew Morton, Sidney Cofifey, James Brook, Nancy L. 
Reed, John Porter, Sherman Goss, Edwin Woolley, Joseph Colvin 
(now living in Time), "W. F. Anderson, Addison S. Smith, John W. 
Allen (now residing near Milton), R. R. Clark. James M, Grimes, 
Adam Acott, Mary A. Clemmons, Caroline E. Davis, Harmon J.Kim- 
ball, Wm. B.Grimes, Edwin P. Simmons, John S. Woolley, Emeline 
S})encer, Robert Owen and Samuel Heaton. From 1850 to the 
present we can only mention a few of the names: Hampton, Eag- 
lin. Hurley, Roberts, Walden. Underwood, Eakins, Harris, Ewing, 
N. C. Boren, P. A. Long, J. H. Long, W. M. Landess, N. J. Colvin, 
Fannie Allen, Jane Allen, A. F. White, W. N. Barney, Sarah B. 
Stuart, N. D. Mc. Evers, G. W. Manley, J. L, Harris, Lucinda K. 



448 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Smith, G. B. Garrison, W. Z. Garrison, Amanda Boren and J. M. 
Faris. The teachers during: the last year were John King, Miss 
Cromwell, Mrs. A. Binns, L. D. Riggs, Geo. A. Holcomb, 0. E. 
Thurraan, J, G. "Webster, J. L. Craven, W. F. Colvin, and the 
writer. Several of the above named persons have devoted the 
greater portion of their lives to the profession. During the past 20 
years Mr. F. M.Grimes taught 19 successive terms in this town- 
ship. 

Montezuma has always been proud of her schools, and according 
to her population she stands second to none in tlie county, ])erliap8 
in the State. Liberal wages have been paid, and there seems to be 
a determination on the part of the patrons to spare no pains in 
giving to their children the greatest of blessings, a liberal educa- 
tion. As evidence that our schools have been all that we claim for 
them, we point to the business and professional men who received 
their education in our schools, viz: J. F. Greathouse, who now 
ranks among the best lawyers of the county, F. M. Greathouse, his 
brother, now present State's Attorney of Calhoun, and stands at the 
head of the Bar in that county; W. B. Grimes, ex-Coucty Clerk, 
and V. A. Grimes, present Deputy; W. II. Thomas, attorney, now 
in California; J. H. Nicolay, who held a position in the U. S. 
Treasury at Washington; JolinG. Nicolay, present Marshal of the 
Supreme Court of the U. S., held his residence here for several 
years prior to entering upon his apprenticeship as a printer in 
Pittsfield, and what education he received in the common schools, 
was obtained in the schools in this township. 

AGRICULTURE. 

For many years the tillers of the soil were, of necessity, com- 
pelled to use such implements as came within their reach. The 
plow with wooden mold-board is within the recollection of many 
who were raised in our midst. The sickle and the scythe were suf- 
ficient tor the amount of small grain raised, but' as the acreage 
increased, the demand for something more expeditious was supplied 
by the introduction of the reaper. Mr. R. II. Robertson was the 
first to lead in this progressive movement, and in about the year 
1845, bought and cut his grain with a McCormick reaper. Next 
year Mr. E. C. Clemmons followed the example. A. Boren and 
John F. Long soon after introduced one in the south part of the 
township. Flailing and tramping with horses soon gave way to 
the " beater," which was run by Wm. Stults. This was quite a 
relief to the boys who rode the horses from day to day, and bare- 
back at that, on a tramping floor not more than 30 feet in diameter. 
Our recollections on this point are very vivid indeed. The " beater " 
soon gave way to the improved thresher and cleaner; the wooden 
fork was not adequate to the task of taking care of the straw; the 
wooden plows were laid in the shade and the Stebbins and Modie 
plows t()ok their ])laces; the wooden harrow was not in keeping 
with the times, and the material from which it was made served 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 449 

for other purposes. That the soil from which our crops is produced 
is of the best and most endurable quality', is demonstrated beyond 
a doubt by the manner in which it has from year to year been tilled. 
Until late years the clover crop was as rare as the flax crop is at 
the present. Year after year have our lands yielded bountiful 
crops, without rest or nourishment in return, and why should we 
wonder that it should show some signs of diminished productive- 
ness? The improved methods of culture, deep plowing, clovering 
and pasturing, have made much of our land better than it was when 
it was first turned t>y the plow-share. 

The introduction of improved and blooded stock was left to a 
few of our most enterprising farmers, who, in the past 25 years 
have made rapid strides in this particular, so much so that this for 
the past two or three years may be called the banner township, so 
far as the show of fine cattle is concerned, Isaac Brown & Sons, 
John O, Bolin, E, N. French, Geo, Hoover, R, C, Allen and others, 
have done a commendable work in the improvement of cattle, hogs 
and sheep. 

The majority of our farmers now have more or less of the im- 
proved breeds upon their farms. The original scrub hog is as 
scarce now as the imported was 20 years ago. In order that the 
progress of the next century may be readily estimated by the 
readers who at that time may chance to see this record, we give 
some of- the statistics furnished by Eli Grimes, present Assessor: 

Merchandise, value, $27,460; moneys and credits, $66,485; im- 
proved lands, 12,257 acres, $327,925; unimproved lands, 8,261 
acres, $43,660; wheat, 3,019 acres; corn, 4,148 acres; oats, 509 
acres; meadows and pasture, 3,085 acres; town lots, improved, 155; 
unimproved, 391; total value of town lots, $58,919; total value of 
personal property, $173,175; total value of real estate, $371,585. 
Grand total, $607,539. 

VILLAGES. 

There are three villages in this township, the largest and most 
important of which is Milton, situated on section 5, At the close 
of the Black Hawk war in 1832, and when the people of the South 
and East were assured that the settlers through this section of the 
State had no more to fear from the Indians, there was a most wonder- 
ful influx of settlers here. There has never been a period in the 
history of the settlement of the Mississippi valley or the Great 
West, when emigration was greater than it was to Central Illinois 
during the few years subsequent to the close of the war, say from 
1833 to 1837. The people poured in by thousands, and the beauti- 
ful groves and '' points " of Pike county received their portion. 
During this period we find unprecedented prosperity on every 
hand. Then, to add to the almost wild excitement incident to the 
prosperity and speculation then rife, the State inaugurated the most 
stupendous system ot internal improvements ever attempted by a 
government. The wildest imagination can scarcely conceive the mag- 



i50 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

nitude of this vast system. Suffice it to say that it proved an incentive 
to the settlers here to embark in speculations, especially in land. 
Towns were laid ont on every hand, j^nd a majority of the villages 
of Pike county were platted, christened and started upon their 
career during this eventful period. In this township the villages 
of Milton, Montezuma and Bedford were ushered into existence at 
this time. 

The beautiful little village of Milton was platted by Freeman 
Tucker, March 2, 1S35. As early as 1828 Wm. Kenney erected a 
log cabin here. Some little improvement was made in the neigh- 
borhood from that time until they laid off the town. There are 
several good store buildings, filled with a fine assortment of goods 
in their various lines, situated around a beautiful little square, 
which is set with trees, etc., and forms a pleasant summer park. 
The first store was kept by Tucker & Wethers, and the first school 
was taught by George Lester. The first church structure was situ- 
ated on the Public Square. Milton is situated upon a beautiful 
prairie, and enjoys a fine local trade. 

The village of Montezuma, which is located on the Illinois river, 
on section 12, and four miles from Milton, was laid out by an 
Alton Company for a river landing. In 1836 Joel Meacham, who 
ran a ferry across the river at this point for many years, laid out 
an addition, which comprises about one-half of the town. Monte- 
zuma had great promise of making a town of some importance, 
being an excellent landing for boats at all stages of water, but the 
introduction of railroads and the springing up of inland towns, 
have so crippled river transportation that at present it affords profit 
to scarcely any one. The village contains at present about 100 in- 
habitants. 

Bedford, which is situated on sections 13 and 24, and about one 
mile and a half below Montezuma on the river, was laid out by 
David Hoge, April 16, 1836. It has an excellent river landing, and 
for years a vast ainount of grain, pork and various kinds of pro- 
duce, were annually shipped from here. It no longer, however, 
claims any great prominence among the towns of the county. Its 
present population numbers about 100. 

^ : : SONAL SKETCHES, 

We refrain from dwelling longer on the history of the township, 
or any of its villages, choosing rather to devote the space to giving 
personal sketches of the more prominent citizens of the township, 
believing such sketches are of equal importance, and afford greater 
interest. 

Austin R. Alleyi^ ])hysician, is the son of John W. and Louisa 
Allen, who settled in this county in an early day. He was a 
farmer by occupation but taught school for many years ; was Jus- 
tice of the Peace in pioneer times, and in 1861 was elected County 
Judge; in 1865 he completed the canvas for the census, and is now 
travelinij: in Virginia. Austin 11. beijan his medical studies with' 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 451 

his brother, C. I. Allen, a practitioner in this section since 1866; 
attended medical lectnres at the St. Louis Medical College 1875-8, 
and March 5 of the latter year he was graduated, and estab- 
lished himself in Milton, where he now has a large practice. He 
was born in Detroit township in 1857. 

John Battershell^ sr., of the firm of Battershell & Mitchell, mer- 
chants, Milton, was born in Clark county, Ky., March 13, 1811, and 
is the son of John and Abigail (Rector) Battershell, natives of Mary- 
land and Kentucky. Mr. B. settled in Scott county, Illinois, in 
1829, where he engaged in farming; in 1859 he settled in Pike 
county, on a farm of 305 acres, in this township, valued at $50 per 
acre. In 1S29 he married Miss Betsey Richards, a native of 
Virginia, who died at Winchester, 111. They had S children, 
7 of whom are living, — Martha, Mitchell, Sarah, Hezekiah, 
Mary, Matilda, and John, jr. He then married Anna Smith, a 
native of Tennessee, by whom he has 3 children: Charles, Eva and 
Emma (twins). The present business partnership was formed in 
1878, which is the largest and controls the most extensive trade 
in Milton. 

A. W. BemiSy retired farmer and claim agent, was born in Wor- 
cester county, Mass., in 1814, and is the son of Aaron and Martha 
(Frost) Bemis, who settled in Summer Hill, this county, in 1835, 
where he purchased land and resided until his death, in 1874. The 
subject of this sketch married Mary P. Ford, a native ot Greene 
county, and they have 2 children, Albert and Laurie. He first set- 
tled at Atlas, then on the old homestead at Summer Hill, then in 
1851 he engaged in the lumber business in Montezuma, and in 
1853 he became extensively engaged in the mercantile trade at Time, 
where he resided until 1873; he then returned to his present place 
in Montezuma. He was Township Treasurer 13 years, Justice of 
the Peace many years, was the first Supervisor of Martinsburg tp., 
and in 1851-3 he was Postmaster at Montezuma. 

Joh)i O. JBolin, retired farmer; P. O. Milton; was born in Pick- 
away county, O., in 1824, and is the eldest son of Charles and 
Betsey (Griffin) Bolin, natives of Delaware, who came to this county 
in 1838 and settled in Pleasant Hill township; in 1848 they moved 
to Martinsburg township, where Mrs. B. died the next year; he 
then moved to Milton, where he married Miss Minerva Clemmons, 
and eng'ao'ed in the mercantile business. In 1851 John O, was 
admitted to the partnership, and for 10 years this firm carried on 
a large dry-goods ti'ade. Mr. Charles Bolin then retired, and in 
1868 died. He was a minister of the Gospel. John O. then dis- 
posed of the stock of goods in 1865, and built his present residence, 
where he has 60 acres of land, valued at $100 per acre. He also 
has a farm of 155 acres on sec. 16, valued at $50 an acre. In 1845 
he married Rebecca McCoy, a native of Missouri, who died in 1863. 
His present wife, Mary, is a daughter of Daniel Hoover. Mr. 
Bolin was Supervisor for a number of terms. He is a Democrat, 
and a member of the Christian Church. 



452 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Absalom £oren, jr., fanner, sec. 32, P. O. Milton ; is the son of 
Absalom and Catherine (Anderson) Baren, natives of Indiana, 
where, in Posey county, the snbject of this sketch was born in 1819; 
he came to this county in 1839, and settled in this tp. where he 
has since made his home. The same year he was married to 
Miss Lucinda, daughter of James Grimes, an early settler of this 
county. She was born in White county in 1823. The fruits of 
this union are 5 children, living, — Nancy K., John W., Uriel E., 
Angeline Q. E., and Sarah A. Mr. and Mrs, B. are members of 
the Christian Church. Mr. Boren has served as School Di- 
rector, and his name is linked with those who were the founders of 
Montezuma. 

Jo/i/i W. Boren, harness-maker, was born in this county, 
Aug. 2, 18-12, and is the son of Absalom and Lucinda (Grimes) 
Boren, who settled in Montezuma tp. in 1836, where they still 
reside. lie was married in 1872 to Miss Mary Smith, a native 
of this county. lie first established himself in business on 
the northwest corner of the Square, and in 1876 settled in his pres- 
ent location. He carries a stock of $1,500, and has a good trade. 
Is Justice of the Peace, having filled that office 4 years, and is a 
member of the Christian Church. 

John M. Brooking, farmer, sec. 32; P. O. Milton ; born on the 
Ohio river, in Ohio, in 1822, and is the son of Wm. and Sarah (Rubell) 
Brooking, natives of Ohio, where they both died. The subject of 
this sketch was married May 4, 1842, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter 
of John Colvin, who came to this county in 1852 and settled in this 
tp., where he has since jnade his home; moved to his present es- 
tate in 1858, consisting of 120 acres, valued at $40 per acre. Their 
children are Andrew F., Arnold D., John W., Amanda, Sarah J. 
and liebecca M. Mr. B. served as School Director one term, and 
is a selt-made man, who, by his energy and perseverance has secured 
for himself a good home. 

James Cheatham, retired farmer, residence Milton, was born in 
Cumberland Co., Ky.,in 1812; is the son of Richardson Cheatham, 
a native of Kentucky, where he died at an early day. The subject 
of this sketch came to this county in 1834, and settled in this tp. 
on sec. 4, where he built a log cabin and cultivated 80 acres of land; 
the saine year he married Miss Virginia Robertson, a native of 
South Carolina, who with her mother and brother came to this 
county the same year. The license for this pioneer couple was the 
3d one issued at Pittsfield. Three children have been born to them ; 
Samuel, who married Sarah Lyster, and resides on the homestead; 
Lucy Ann, wife of F. McFadden, residents of Magnolia ; and 
Walter, who was drowned when 19 years of age. Mr. C. settled 
on his present place in 1872, where he lives in retirement and en- 
joyment of past industry. They number among the living relics of 
Montezuma. 

J. P. Clemmons, farmer, sec. 3; P. O. Alilton ; is the son of 
Ezekiel and Phosbe (Reed) Clemmons, natives of Rouen Co., N, C, 



HI8TOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 453 

where the subject of this sketch was boru in 1814. The family 
emigrated to Illinois in 1823 and settled in Lawrence county. lu 
1825 they moved to this county and settled in Detroit tp., and 3 
. years afterward settled in this tp., where his parents both died. 
Mr. C. moved on his present farm in 1836, consisting of 196 acres, 
valued at $'60 per acre. The same year he was married to Miss 
Jane, daughter of Wm. Hayden, and they had 3 children, 2 of 
w^hom are living, Mary and Phoebe. His present wife, Polly, nee 
Grimes, is a native of White county. 111., and tliey have had 2 
children, — Henry and Sarah. Mr. C. had co opportunities for an 
early education, and at the age of 21 j^ears he was enabled to pur- 
chase 40 acres of land, which by his energy and perseverance he 
had accumulated. To liim belongs the honor of being the oldest 
living settler in Montezuma, a record which lie may value, and to 
which his posterity ever look with pride. He built the first school- 
house erected in Detroit tp., and has experienced all the hardships 
of ])ioneer life. 

George Crafty farmer, sec. 2; P. O. Milton; is the son of 
Mathew and Mary (Rumans) Croft, natives of York, England, where 
the subject of this sketch was born in 1806. He acquired his 
early education in the colleges of his native place, where he engaged 
as teacher in the academy. In 1831 he was selected by the Wes- 
ley an Missionary Society, of London, to preach the gospel in the 
West Indies. He reached the Islands in 1831, and preached through- 
out the different Islands for 13 years. While there he met and mar- 
ried (in 1834), Miss Ellen Stoner, a native of Leeds, England, where 
she was born in 1807. Mr. C. has crossed the Atlantic 9 times, and 
lived under most of the Hags of Europe. He spent the summer of 
1879 in his native home, but prefers to live under the flag of our 
common country. His farm of 440 acres is the fruits of his own 
industry, his first purchase being but 160 acres. It is valued at 
$50 per acre. Here he settled in 1856, living in a log housfe until 
he had erected his present commodious residence. He is the father 
of 6 children, 5 of whom are living; David S., Helen, George, Han- 
nah L. and Thomas. He is Local Elder in the M. E. Church, and 
a gentleman well known throughout the county. 

8. W. Daniels, of the firm of Merchant & Miller, and who re- 
sides at Bedford, was born in this county in 1829, and is the son of 
James and Olive Daniels, natives of N. Y., and Yt., who emigrated 
to Madison county, thence to this county in 1826, settling on the 
section where he entered 120 acres of land, where they both died. 
He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and an early pioneer of Pike 
county. The subject of this sketch was married in 1846, to Miss 
Prances E., daughter of John French. To them have been born 5 
children: Wesley P., George, Julia, Thomas, and Rozella. Mr. D. 
began milling in the early days. He is also engaged in the mer- 
cantile trade at Bedford and runs the ferry at that place; is con- 
ducting a good business. 

Joseph Dugdell, farmer, sec. 22; P. 0. Milton; was born in 



45-1 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Yorkshire, England, Dec. 25, 1810; was married Jan. 28, 1832, to 
Miss Elizabeth Farra, also a native of Yorkshire, Eng., where she 
was born Oct. 11, 1810. He emigrated to America in 1843 and 
spent one winter in Morgan county, thence he went to Scott county, 
and in 1817 to this county, setling in this tp,, where he has since 
made it his home. He moved to his present place in 1852, upon 
Mdiich was a log cabin, and w-liich has long since given place to his 
present commodious residence. Mr. D. has a farm of 280 acres, 
valued at $40 per acre. He is the father of 4 children: Charles, 
Joseph, jr., Wm. T., and Hanna E., all of whom are married, and 
grandchildren surround him in his declining years. 

Taylor B. Franklin^ farmer sec. 11 ; P. O. Milton; is the grand- 
son of Ebenezer Franklin, the earliest settler of Pike county, and 
eldest son of Frederick Franklin, who passed a life of usefulness in 
Montezuma tp., where he died in 1878. The subject of this sketch 
was married in April, 1869, to Miss Priscilla Stathen, a native of 
Ohio, and there have been born to them 4 children; Augustus, 
William, Fred E. and Cora H. Mr, F'. resides upon a portion of 
his father's estate, consisting of 141 acres, valued at $25 per acre. 
Sixty years have passed since Ebenezer Franklin set foot on tiie 
soil of Pike county, and to his posterity belong the honor of his 
name. 

David Foreman^ farmer and harpess- maker, sec. 31 ; P.O.Mil- 
ton ; was born in Highland county, O., in 1834, and is the son of 
Jacob and Margaret Briggs, natives of Kentucky and Ohio, who 
came to this county in 1850, and settled on sec. 1, Spring Creek 
township, where he resided until 1863, when he moved to his son's 
home, where he died Feb. 8, 1871 : she died ^ov, 30, 1857. The 
subject of this sketch purchased his present estate, consisting of 
80 acres, valued at $3,000 ; has been engaged at his trade since 
1852 at Pittslield and Milton, and has a good business. Was mar- 
ried Jan. 21, 1855, to Miss Nancy liussell, who a short time after- 
ward was accidentally burned to death. In 1859 he was united to 
Miss Phoebe N., daughter of Abner Long, a native of McDonough 
county. To them have been born 7 children, 4 of whom are liv- 
ing : Henry L., Sarah M., Margaret R. and Araminta J,; tlie 
deceased are Milton A,, Jacob N. and John H. Members of the 
Christian Church. 

Edward N. French, farmer, sec. 8 ; P. O. Milton ; born in Cal- 
edonia Co., Vt., in 1829, the fourth son of Isaac and Rebecca 
(Fully) French, natives of that State, where they botli died. The 
subject of this sketch emigrated to the West in 1849, and set- 
tled in Rock Co., Wis. Two years afterward he moved to this 
county and engaged as clerk with Geoi-ge Underwood in Milton. 
While in this capacity he purchased 40 acres of land on sec. 4, a 
portion of which is included in his present estate of 330 acres, val- 
ued at $100 per acre. He was married in 1852 to Miss Sarah, 
second daughter of Daniel Hoover, by whom he has 4 children: 
Noel E., Mary A., George II., now a student of engineering in the 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. - 455 

University at Champaign, 111., and William O. Mr. F. is a self- 
made man in every respect. His mother died when he was 7 
years of age, and he*was bound out until 14 years of age. With- 
out the advantages of education he has accumulated a handsome 
landed property, secured by his own industry and close application 
to business. Is a Republican. 

Harrison C. French, farmer, sec. 30 ; P. O. Milton ; was the 
youngest child of Isaac and Rebecca (Folly) French, natives of 
Vermont, where they both died. The subject of this sketch was 
born in Caledonia Co., Yt., in 1834 ; emigrated to this county 
in 1856, where he resided until 1861, when he enlisted as 2d Ser- 
geant in Co. E, I. Y. I., and served 9 months; was taken pris- 
oner at the battle of Shiloh and confined in prison at Tuscaloosa, 
Ala.; thence to Macon, Ga., and in Libby at Richmond, Ya., where 
he was exchanged April 6, and sent to Annapolis as paroled pris- 
oner. He was reduced to a mere skeleton by the effects of prison 
life. Returning, he was married in 1865 to Miss Emily, daughter 
of John Long. Their 7 children are all living, Augustus H., 
Orra J., Lefie A., Herbert, Nellie, Walter and Ruth. He settled 
on his present estate in 1872, consisting of 160 acres, valued at $40 
per acre. His wife is member of the Christian Church, and he is 
a Republican. 

Zachariah A. Garrison, farmer, sec. 36; P. O. Pearl; was born 
in Posey Co., Ind., March 29, 1815, and is the son of Elijah and 
Sally (Allen) Garrison, natives of Kentucky, and a lineal descend- 
ant of Daniel Boone. The subject of this sketch came to this 
county with his parents in Oct., 1826. His father entered a large 
tract of land near Milton, which he lost by unsuccessful specula- 
tions. He then moved upon the river bottom, where he died in 
1840. His devoted wife lived until 1846, when she too was called 
to join the settlements of a better home. The subject of this sketch 
was married in 1834, to Miss Louisiana, daughter of Thomas Davis, 
who died in 1839, leaving one child, Mary L., who resides in Ore- 
gon. He again married in 1842, Miss Cynthia Waters, who died 
in 1852. Of this marriage one child was born, Hannah J., Mnfe of 
Orsen Gilbert. His present wife, Lydia Wilson, is a native of 
Ohio. Mr. G. was engaged in running log rafts down the river as 
early as 1835, and afterwards followed the river as pilot until 1852, 
when he built a hotel, where he was engaged for 11 years. In 1861 
he enlisted as Captain of Co. E., I. Y. I., and two months afterward 
was appointed recruiting ofiicer. In this capacity he served until 
1864, when he moved to Oregon and spent some years. On his 
return he settled on his present place. 

W. V. Grimes, M. D., was born in this township in 1857. His 
parents were Milton and Mary (McClintock) Grimes, early settlers 
of Pike county. He began the study of medicine with Dr. A. G.Jones, 
of Milton, and spent 2 years in the drug business with W. M. Crary. 
Soon afterward he entered the Missouri Medical College at St, 
Louis, and was graduated at tliat institution in 1877. The following 



456 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

year he began the practice of his profession in this village and 
established himself in the drug business the same j^ear. Mr. G. 
has been local editor and correspondent of the Milton Beacon a 
greater part of the time since it started, and is deservedly popular 
with all classes. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of 
tlie Christian Church. 

S. V. Ilayden^ attorney at law, is the son of Elisha and Yir- 
ginia(Sweringen) Hayden, natives of Kentucky and Missouri, who 
came to this county in 1833 and settled in Detroit township. In 1852 
they moved to this tp., and in 1867 upon their present farm, where 
they still reside. To them have been born 5 children, 3 of whom 
are living, — Gabriella L., Samuel Y. and Mary B. His farm of 
132 acres is valued at $70 per acre. The subject of this sketch 
was born in this county in 1856, and entered upon the study of law 
at Hillsboro, 111. He then entered the Union Law College at Chi- 
cago and was graduated at that institution in 1879, when he began 
the practice of his profession in this village. The family number 
among early pioneers and are highly respected members of the 
Christian Church. 

Wni. Hess, farmer and stock-raiser, is the son of David and Ann 
(Wheeler) Hess, natives of Ohio, who emigrated to this State at an 
early day and settled in Pearl tp.. Pike Co., in 1836, where he still 
resides. Mrs. H. died in 1877. The subject of this sketch was 
born in Greene Co., 111., in 1830. He was married Oct. 18, 1855, 
to Miss Margaret C. Wagner, who died, leaving him one child, J. 
D. His present wife, Nancy C, ?iee Smith, is a native of Pike Co. 
To them have been born 6 children, — Sarah A., L. C, Wm. H., Eva 
R. B., Ada B., and Ruthy B. He settled on his present place in 
1862, the homestead land consisting of 240 acres, valued at $50 
per acre. He has also land on sees. 20, 21, 32 and 16, amounting 
to nearly 800 acres, making him the largest landholder in the tp. 

0. C. Holcomh, merchant, dealer in groceries and crockery, suc- 
ceeded Geo. Underwood in 1857. In 1863 he disposed of his stock 
and enlisted as Captain of Co. G., 137th I. Y. I., 100-day men, and 
served his time. He again entered upon a mercantile pursuit in 
the store now occupied as the postoffice, and moved to his present 
location in 1879. He was born in Portage Co., O., in 1833. His 
mother, Dafney Holcomb, settled in this township in 1842, where 
she died in 1879. He was married in 1854 to Miss Sarah E. Kin- 
man, by whom he has 3 children: Lillian, George A, and John H. 
Mr. H. is one of the oldest living merchants of Milton, and enjoys 
a good patronage. 

David G. Hoover, farmer, sec. 17; P. O. Milton; is the youngest 
son of Daniel Hoover, jr., who emigrated to Illinois in 1825 and 
settled in White county, where he remained until 1827, when 
he moved to this county and settled in this township on sec. 9. 
Here he pre-empted land and resided until his death. May 24, 1868. 
The subject of this sketch was born June 23, 1826; was married 
Oct. 16, 1856, to Miss Eunice A. Stults. Mr. II. left the home- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 457 

stead in 1869 and moved to Yernon Co., Mo., where he remained 2 
years. Again in the fall of 1879 to the same county, where he is 
residing on a farm of 320 acres. His eldest son, Charles, who lives 
on the homestead, was married Jan. 1, 1880, to Miss Mary E., 
daughter of Jackson Morton. Upon them and others of his children 
devolves the care of the farm, consisting of 240 acres, valued at 
$50 per acre. William L., Ruth A., Frank L., Fred A., Alva B. 
and Fayette, were the children of this industrious pioneer, and 
grandchildren of one of the first pilgrims to Pike county. 

David J. Hoover, farmer, sec. 8; P. O., Milton; was born in 
White Co., 111., in 1829; is the eldest son of John and Cynthia 
(Patton) Hoover, who settled in White Co. in 1825, and in this 
township in 1830, where they both died. The subject of this sketch 
was married in 1859 to Miss Amanda F. Smithers, a native of this 
State. To them have been born 7 children, all of whom are living: 
Edgar W., Willie H., Cordelia, Minnie V,, Orphy O., Ina E. and 
Arty E. He settled on his present estate in 1862, consisting of 
404|^ acres; the eastern section, 200 acres, is valued at $60 per acre: 
the remainder at $40. Mr. H. has been School Director for the 
past 6 years, and numbers among the earl}'^ settlers. Without the 
opportunities of educational advantages his devotion to his pro- 
fession has placed him among the independent farmers of this 
county. 

Eli Hoover, farmer, sees. 9 and 10; P. O. Milton; is the fourth 
son of John and Cynthia (Patton) Hoover, natives of Maryland 
and Kentucky, who came to this county in 1829 and settled in 
this township, on sec. 8, where he entered 60 acres of land and re- 
sided until his death in 1867. His wife preceded him to the spirit 
world in 1864. The subject of this sketch was born on the homestead 
in this township in 1836; was married in 1863 to Miss Mary Stewart, 
a native of Greene Co., 111., where she was born in 1841. The fruits 
of this marriage are 4 children: Delia A., Arthur V., Otis C. and 
Caddie G. The homestead upon which he resides consists of 236 
acres, valued at $60 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of 
the Christian Church, and number among the early pioneers. 

George Hoover, i'armer, sec. 11; P. O. Milton; is the second son 
of Daniel and America (Greathouse) Hoover, natives of Maryland 
and Kentucky, who emigrated to Illinois in 1825 and settled inWhite 
Co., and in 1827 moved to this county and settled on sec. 9, near 
Milton, where he made a claim which he afterward pre-empted. 
Here he lived until his death. May 24, 1S68. His respected wife 
followed him to the better land in September of the same year. 
The subject of this sketch was born in Posey Co., Ind., Oct. 23, 
1821, and came with his parents to this county, where he was married 
Jan. 24, 1844, to Miss Sophia A. Hatcher, a native of Franklin Co., 
Ya., and daughter of John and Charlotta (Thurman) Hatcher, who 
settled in this township in April, 1838, where they passed the re- 
mainder of their years on earth. Mr. H. settled upon his present 
estate in 1867, consisting of over 500 acres of land, the valuation 



458 HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

of which will range from $30 to $50 per acre. This tract of land 
includes the same farm he occupied in 1847. He is the father of 5 
living children, 3 daughters and 2 sons — Geneva A., Louisa F., 
Eddie A., Laura and Ulysses G. LLe is the oldest native-born 
settler of tliis townshi]), a life-long supporter of the Whig party, 
and a strong advocate of the llepublican form of government, 

John A. Hoover^ sec. IS; P. O. Milton; is the son of John 
Hoover, one of the pioneers of this county who settled in Monte- 
zuma tp. in 1829, where the suVjject of this sketch was born in 
1834. In 1859 he engaged as clerk in the mercantile trade at Mil- 
ton, in which capacity he was engaged until 1871. Since then he 
has been engaged in farming and speculation, and by tact and 
energy has secured a good property. Mr. H. is one of this ex- 
tensive family, unmarried, but his social qualities of mind and 
heart have won for him a host of friends. 

Josiah Hoover, farmer, sec. 9; P. (). Milton; the eldest living 
son of David and Mahala (Greathoiise) Hoover, natives of Mary- 
land and Kentucky, who settled in White Co., 111., in 1820, and 
were among the early pilgrims of that county, where the subject 
of this sketch w^as born in May, 1823. In 1827 the familj' came 
to this county, crossing the Illinois river on a pirogue, a large 
canoe. He erected his shanty south of Milton on sec. 9, where he 
died in March, 1876, in the 79th year of his age. She died Ang. 
7, 1873. The subject of this sketch w^as married in 1848 to Miss 
Caroline, daughter of Thomas Smith, an early settler of White Co. 
He is the father of 9 children, 7 of whom are living — Smith, Alice, 
Mary, Mattie F,, Sidney J., Ida M. and Lincoln. His opportuni- 
ties for an early education were limited, and his success in life is due 
to his indomitable will and perseverance. His homestead near Mil- 
ton consists of 246 acres, valued at $75 an acre. He is one of 
Montezuma's early pilgrims, and although in declining health, is 
made happy by the large circle of children and grandchildren that 
surround him. 

William Hutton, farmer, sec. 3; P. O. Milton; was born in Eng- 
land in 1833, and is the son of John and Betsey, (Watenworth,) 
natives of England, where they both died, Mr. H. emigrated to 
America in 1855, settling in this tp., where he has since made it 
his home. He was married in 1873 to Miss Sarah E. Clemmons, and 
they have 2 children, John and Mary. Mr. H. settled on his present 
estate in 1868, consisting of 84 acres, valued at $60 per acre. Mr. 
H. is a School Director, and one of Montezuma's best citizens. 

J. G. Johnson, proprietor of the Johnson House, Milton, is a son 
of Joseph and Esther (Jolly) Johnson, natives of South Carolina, 
who emigrated to Indiana in 1800, and settled in Posey Co., being 
among the pioneers of that State, where they both died. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was born in Posey Co., Ind., in 1821; was mar- 
ried in 1843 to Miss Mary E. Henderson, who died in Indiana in 
1847, leaving one child, Mary A. He then married Elizabeth 
Travers, a native of Indiana, who bore him one child, D. R., and she 



t^O 







•f 





MONTEZUMA TP 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 461 

too was called to a better home. His present wife is Judith C, 
daughter of Samuel Baker, au early settler of Detroit tp., where 
she was born in 1835. The fruits of this marriage are 2 children, 
Johanna H. and J. G. H. Mr. J. came to this county in 1856 and 
settled in Milton, where he engaged in merchandising, and in 1862 
received appointment as Captain, and raised Co. I, 99th I. V. I. , 
and served 2^ years, participating in the battles of Vicksburg, 
Port Gibson, Champion Hills and Mobile, and was mustered out in 
Jan., 1865, b^ reason of consolidation. Returning, he formed the 
partnership of Johnson & Goodin in the dry-goods trade. Two 
years afterward he sold out and engaged in farming, until 1875, 
when he disposed of hi^ farm and opened a private boarding-house. 
The following year he leased the Eagle, now Johnson House. Mr. 
J. has been prominently identified with the interests of the town in 
several offices. He is a radical Republican, a good citizen, and an 
excellent hotel keeper. 

Solomon T. Johnston^ farmer, sec. 19; P. O. Milton; is the son 
of Thomas and Catherine (Main) Johnston, natives of Pennsylvania, 
who emigrated to Pike Co., in 1850, settling in Hardin tp., where 
he died. His aged wife still survives. The subject of this sketch 
was born in Beaver Co., Pa., in 1832; was married in 1853 to Miss 
Susan, daughter of John Heavener; settled on his present farm of 
240 acres in 1856. In 1862 he enlisted as Corporal in Co. E, 99th 
I. Y. I., and served 15 months, participating in the battle at Port 
Gibson, where he was wounded by a minie ball that passed through 
the lungs and lodged in the back, where it still remains. He was 
confined in the hospital 6 months, when he was discharged. In con- 
sequence of this wound Mr. J. is disabled from physical labor. He 
served one term as Collector. Is politically a Democrat. His chil- 
dren are Melinda, Louisa, Ellen, Thomas, Andrew, Allen, Otis, Eva, 
Poe and Frank. 

Urban B. Kennedy^ principal of the high school at Milton, was 
born in Morgan Co., 111., in 1854, and is a grandson of John 
Wright, a native of Tennessee, who settled in that county in 1825, 
and son of William and Sarah (Wright) Kennedy, natives of Ken- 
tucky and Tennessee, living residents of Morgan county. Mr. 
Wright died in 1872, and Wright's Precinct still bears the honor 
of his name. The subject of this sketch entered upon the studies 
of his profession in the State Normal University at Bloomington, 
111., where he remained 3 years, and began teaching in 1872 in 
Scott county, where he remained 3 years, when he returned to 
his native county and officiated 2 years, where he was married in 
1877 to Miss Kate, daughter of John Stewart, of Scott county. 
They are the parents of 2 children, Walter I. and one not yet 
christened. Mr. K. has filled his present position 3 years, and 
he is highly esteemed by the community. 

Wm. M. Landess, merchant, dealer in hardware, stoves and tin- 
ware at Milton, succeeded Long & Riggs in this business in 1871, 
the copartnership being Landess & Colvin. Eighteen months 

28 



462 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

afterward Colviii retired, and the business has since been conducted 
by Mr. L., who carries a stock of $3,000, and has a lucrative trade. 
He was born in Highland county, O., March 11, 1S39 ; came to 
this county in 1863 and engaged in teaching school until he began 
his business career. lie was married Dec. 16, 1806, to Miss Jen- 
nie Van Pelt, daugliter of William Van Pelt, of Perrv. They are 
members of the Christian Church. 

John F. Long, farmer, sec. 32 ; P. O. Milton ; was born in Ten- 
nessee in 1805, son of Robert and jjetsy (Wasson) Long, natives of 
Nortli Carolina, both of whom liave died. The subject of this 
sketch came to this county in Oct., 1828, and settled west of Milton. 
A few years later he entered the land of his present estate, where 
be has since made it his home. He was married in Vanderburgh 
county, Ind., Feb. 23, 1826, to Miss Sally A. Patton, a native of 
that county, where siie was born in 1809. To them have been 
born 8 children, 7 of whom are living, Phoebe J., Robert N., 
William H., James H., Samuel A., Mary E. and Sarah M. Mary 
E. married F. Bowman and they reside on the homestead. Their 
children are William, Robert, John O., Leroy and Henry M. Mr. 
L was Justice of the Peace at one time, and has been otherwise 
identilied with the interests of the town. His farm consists of 200 
acres, valued at $5,500. Himself and wife are members of the 
Christian Church, and he is one of the few living pioneers of this 
township. In the 75tli year of his age he enjoys good health, and 
is liap])ily surrounded at his home by his children and grandchil- 
dren . 

Thomas G. Lytle^ farmer, sec. 23 ; P. O. Bedford ; was born on 
the Potomac, Washington Co., Md., in 1824. Is son of James 
and Eleanor (Burckhurtt) Lytle, natives of that State, where they 
died. Tiie subject of this sketch was married in 1846 to Miss Eliz- 
abeth Miller, a native of Maryland, who died leaving him 2 
cliildren, Josiah and Thomas. His present wife, Eliza Killbren, is 
a native of Scott county. They have had 4 children, — Elizabeth, 
William, John and Charles A. Mr. L. came to this county in 

1856, from Berkshire Co., Va.; moved on his present farm in 
1873, consisting of 80 acres, valued at $30 per acre. Has been 
Justice of the Peace 2 terms, and Commissioner of Highways. 
Politically he is a Democrat. 

Malinda Mahair, farmer, sec. 34; P. O. Bedford; widow of 
Michael Mahair, who was born in Ireland in 1829 and emigrated 
to America in 1849. He engaged in farming until his marriage in 

1857, to Miss Malinda, daughter of Benjamin Barringer, an early 
settler of this county. After marriage he settled on the Little 
Blue, where he lived until 1865, when he moved on tlie present 
estate of 170 acres, valued at $40 per acre. Their living children 
are William A., James B. and Lydia A.; they lost 3: Edward, 
John, and one in infancy. Mr. Mahair died in 1875. He was 
School Director many years. 

V. D. J/c^y(3r5, merchant, Montezuma, was born in this township 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 463 

in 1846: is the only living child of T. L. and Sarah (Aiken) McEvers, 
natives of Ohio, who emigrated to this county in 1829, traveling 
the entire distance in keel-boats. He settled on his present place 
at Montezuma and was for years engaged in boating. He is still a 
living relict of early times. The subject of this sketch received his 
early education at the Jacksonville Business College, at which in- 
stitution he was graduated in 1868. Returning home, his time was 
divided between teaching and advancing his education at the Nor- 
mal School at Bloomington. In 1874 he purchased the building 
and stock of goods of S. B. Clemraons, to which he has built an 
addition and increased the stock, now amounting to about $4,000, 
with an increasing trade. He is also extensively engaged in the 
grain and commission business. He has been Township Treasurer 
many years and Township Collector one year; is Supervisor at 
the present time, being the first Greenback Supervisor in the 
county; has also been Postmaster most of the time during his busi- 
ness career. In 1873 he was married to Miss Adelia, daughter of 
Franklin Morton, a native of this county. Theodore F. is their 
only living child. 

John C . MitoheU, firm of Mitchell & Battershell, merchants. The 
subject of this sketch was born in Monroe Co., O., in 1835. He was 
married in 1859 to Miss Abby McCurdy, a native of Pennsylvania, 
who died in Ohio. In 1865 he enlisted in the 194th O. V. I., Co. 
I, as private, and was promoted to 2d and 1st Lieutenant, which 
he filled at the close of the war. Same year he moved to this State 
and settled in Lawrence Co., where he engaged as clerk; subse- 
quently he removed to Clay Co. and followed the same calling for 
7 years, when he cast his lot in a large commercial house in St. 
Louis in the capacity of book-keeping. In 1875 he came to this 
count}^ and engaged as clerk with Butler & Adams, until the form- 
ation of the present partnership in 1878. His present wife, Maggie, 
nee Goshern, is a native of this State, by whom he has 2 children, 
James M. and Jennie. Mr. M. is a Democrat, a JN^otary Public, 
and a member of the Christian Church. 

Robert 0. Montis, proprietor Grange Company Warehouse, Mon- 
tezuma, is a native of Adair Co., Ky., w^here he was born Dec. 8, 
1850; came to this county in Sept., 1874, and for a time engaged in 
farming. Subsequently he purchased an interest in the store of 
"W. H. Hall at Milton. Nine months afterward he -sold out and 
took possession of the warehouse in Jan., 1880, where he is doing a 
large trade in lumber, grain, lime and cement, and is an active, 
energetic, thorough business man. 

Jackson Morton, farmer, sec. 19; P. O. Milton; son of William 
Morton, who settled in this township in 1830, where he is still a 
living representative of the pioneers. The subject of this sketch 
was born in Hawkins Co., Tenn., in 1827; was married in 1856 
to Miss Ann Main, a native of England; the same vear he settled 
upon his present estate, consisting of 120 acres, valued at $40 per 
acre. He is a lineal descendant of the pioneer family, and well 



464 HISTORY O^ PIKE COUNTY. 

known thronu^liont the town and county. Rosan A., Mary, Emma, 
and Carrie are his livinir children; 2 deceased, William, jr. , and Ida. 

William Morton, farmer, sec. 19; P. O. Milton; was born in 
Cheatham Co., N. Carolina, in 1800, and is a son of John and Annie 
(Poe) Morton, natives of N. C, who emigrated at an early day to 
Tennessee, thence to this county, and settled on sec. 14, in 1830. 
Both died in this township. The subject of this sketch left home 
when 16 years of age and went to Tennessee, where he remained 
until 1830, when he came to this township and settled upon his 
present farm, consisting of 120 acres of valuable land, at that time 
but a wilderness and resort for roving Indians. He was married in 
1824 in Tennessee, to Miss Cecil George, a native of that State. 
To them were born 11 children, 6 of whom are living, — Eliza, 
Jackson, Wilburn, Jeremiah, Wra. C, and Celia. His present 
wife, Lucinda, nee Castile, is a native of Tennessee. Mr. M. is one 
of the oldest living settlers of this township. He lived 6 weeks 
in a small brush hut that stood on the site of his present home. 
He is now almost totally blind, and though 80 years of age, his 
mind and memory are clear. He served 5 or 6 years as Constable, . 
and is one of Pike's oldest pioneers. He is the father of 2 children 
by his last marriage, Joseph C. and George F. 

Charles H. Renoud, farmer, sec. 32; P. O. Pearl; was born in 
Fairfield, Conn., in 1820. His parents were Stephen P. and Lydia 
(Donaldson) Renoud, natives of that State, who came to this county 
in 1837. purchased land and returned. Their final settlement was 
made in 1843, in Detroit township, where he lived until '55, when 
he sold out and went to Ohio. The following year he settled in 
in Henry Co., 111., and on the homestead in this county in 
1864, where he died in 1866. She is still living in the 86th year of 
lier age. The subject of this sketch was married in 1844 to Mary 
Wickam, a native of Kent, England, who died March 5, 1865, and 
9 children have been born to them : George F., Caroline, Mary, 
Eliza,Marsha, Robert E., Richard G., Charles H. and Stephen. His 
present wife, Kar}-, daughter of Hiram Duft', is a native of Kentucky, 
who settled near Milton in 1825. The family can be numbered 
among the early pilgrims of Montezuma tp. 

David Roberts, farmer, sec. 33; P. O. Bedford; was born in 
Delaware Co., Aug. 8, 1833, and is the son of David and Lovina 
(Pool) Roberts, natives of Vermont and New York, who came to 
this county in 1837, and entered land on sees. 29 and 36, and went 
to Ohio; returned in 1838 and settled on sec. 36; subsequently he 
moved to Hardin township and Spring Creek, thence to Pleasant 
Hill, and in 1850 he moved the family to Pittsiield and crossed 
the plains to California, returning in 1851. He died at his home in 
1856. He was a minister of the Christian denomination, to which 
he gave much of his time. His estimable wife died in 1872. The 
subject of this sketch was married in 1862 to Miss Susan, daughter 
of Asa Cooper, a native of this county. Lavinia E., Lizzie, John 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 465 

J., David, jr., and George, are their living children. Mr. and Mrs. 
R. are members of the Christian Church. 

William Boherts, fairmer, [see. 27; P. O.Milton; was born in 
England in 1853, and emigrated to America in 1857, stopping in 
Peoria county one year, when he came to this county, where he has 
since made it his home. He was married in 1875 to Miss Ellen 
Crane, a native of England. To them have been born 3 children, 
Frederick, Caroline and Mary Ellen. He settled on his present 
farm in 1865, consisting of 65 acres, valued at $2,000. He is a 
Deacon of the Christian Church, of which his family are members. 

William P. Sargent, proprietor of hotel, Bedford, was born in 
Worcester Co., Mass., in 1825, and is the son of William and 
Polly (Frost) Sargent, who emigrated from that State in 1839 and 
settled in Summer Hill. Some years later they moved to this 
township and settled south of Bedford, where they both died. The 
subject of [this sketch was married in 1853 to Miss Harriet E., 
daughter of Silas A. Chandler, a native of this county. In 1838 he 
moved to Bedford and engaged at milling some years, and opened 
public house in 1871. He owns the hotel and 37 acres of land, 
valued at $3,000. Mr. S. i& the father of 3 children, Wra. O., 
Hattie E. and Martha. Is School Director, and one of the oldest 
and most worthy citizens. 

Nolle Shaw, farmer, sec. 6; P. O. Milton; is the son of Aaron 
and Phoebe (I^ardike) Shaw, natives of North Carolina, where she 
died at an early day. The subject of this sketch was born in Guil- 
ford Co., N. "C, in 1819s and emigrated with his father to this 
county in tlie fall of 1829, stopping through the winter at Mon-" 
tezuma, and the following spring settling on Franklin Prairie, 
where he died in 1830. Bereft of parents while yet a youth, and 
left alone in the wilderness, he sought employment among the 
scattered settlers of Pike. By strict economy he was in a few years 
enabled to purchase 60 acres of his present estate, which he has 
since increased, to 120. He was married in 1815 to Miss Julia A. 
Frane, a native of Kentucky, where she was born in 1826. To 
them have been born 9 children, all of whom are living: Mary, 
William T., Ada A., James A., John, Louella, Frank M., Daniel B, 
and Yirgil. Mr. S. has served as Road Commissioner, School 
Trustee and Director several years, and numbers among those of 
the early settlers, an honored and respected citizen. 

W. S. Smith, of the firm of Butler & Smith, grocers, Milton, was 
born in Detroit tp., this county, in 1859, the son of Richard Smith, 
an early settler of this count3', where he died in 1863. This firm 
succeeded John T. Hall in this trade in 1879, and although young 
men, their energies and abilities call out a large and increasing 
trade. 

jL. J. Smitherman, retired farmer, was born in Rutherford Co., 
Tenn., Jan. 7, 1819; was married to Miss Miriel Brown, a native 
of Lawrence Co., Ala., where she was borrx March 22, 1821. Of 
this marriage 6 children have been born, one of whom is living, Wil- 
liam, who married Louisa Lester in 1863, and they have 3 children. 



466 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Otis, Mayo and Inez. Mr. S. settled in Morgan Co., near Jack- 
sonville, in 1827. Jesse and Jincy Brown, parents of Mrs S., 
were early pioneers in that connty. Three years afterward he 
moved to McDonoiigh county, thence to Geneva county, and back 
to liis native State; returning, he settled in Detroit tp., where he 
.still owns 200 acres, the original iiomestead. Mr. S. has been 
prominent in the county, having served as x\ssessor a number of 
years. Supervisor a number of terms arid elected County Treasurer 
in 1867; was re-elected in 1869, and is Village Trustee at the 
present time. Democrat. 

Elisha Sowers, farmer, sec. 26; P. O. Bedford; was born in 
Hamilton Co., N. J., in 1813; he is the son of Henry and Ann 
(Potter) Sowers, natives of that State, who emigrated to Ohio, where 
they both died. The subject of this sketch was married in 1836 to 
Miss Caroline Scoggin, a native of Hamilton connty, O., where she 
was born in 1816. Their children are Melissa, Henry, Mary, 
Thomas A., Olivier, William W., Benton, Edward and Amanda. 
Mr. Sowers came to this county in 1856 and settled on liis present 
estate, consisting of 730 acres. Mr. S. is the largest land-holder in 
the township, and is a well-known citizen. 

Oliver Soivers, farmer, sec. 34; P. O. Milton; was born in Ham- 
ilton Co., O., in 1849, and is the son of Elisha and Caroline (Scog- 
gin) Sowers, and came to this county with his parents in 1856; was 
married in 1869 to Miss Mary Nicolay, a native of this county; 
has a farm of 120 acres of well cultivated land. He is a School 
Director, and numbers among Montezuma's enterprising farmers. 
Gust}'; Francis, John H. and Archey are their cliildren. 

J(.nie Stewart, sec. 20; P. O. Milton; is the widow of Benja- 
min Stewart, who was born in Rock Castle Co., K}-., April 26, 1809. 
He came to this county at an early day and settled in this township, 
where he resided until his death, which occurred at Eldorado, Kan., 
July 22, 1874. He was married Dec. 6, 1838, to Miss Jane, daugh- 
ter of Thompson and Sarah A. (Smith) Williams, the subject of 
this sketch, who was born in Scott Co., Ky., April 8, 1820, a de- 
scendant of the Rains family, of Virginian origin. Mr. S. made 
his first settlement on the present farm of Josiah Hoover, and was 
among the early pioneers. He was a citizen highly esteemed, and 
left a large circle of friends. Of their several children 6 are living: 
Thompson W., Sarah B., Philadelphia G,, William L., Julia A. 
and Emma B. Wm. L. resides on the homestead, upon which his 
parents settled in 1851. Mr. and Mrs. S. were members of the 
Christian Church, 

Henry Tankersley, farmer, sec. 1, P. O. Montezuma; was born 
in Scott county in 1854, and is the son of Edward and Phoebe 
(Sweet) Tankersley, natives of Kentucky, who settled in Morgan 
county in 1821, then in Scott county in 1849. He surveyed both 
counties for early settlements, and was County Judge in both Mor- 
gan and Scott counties. In 1864 he came to this county, and 
settled on the farm now occupied by his son and widow, where he 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 467 

died in 1866. Mis life was marked with a degree of prominence 
thronii;hout. He was Magistrate many years, and an early pioneer 
of Morgan county. He left 3 children, all of whom are living: 
Lyman T., Thomas and Sarah. Mr. T. has a farm of 140 acres, 
valued at $40 per acre. 

David L. Thurman^ farmer, sec. 21; P. O. Milton; was born in 
Cumberland Co., Ky., in 1834, and is the son of James and 
Polly (Robinson) Thurman, natives of Kentucky and So. Carolina, 
who emigrated to this county in 1837, and settled on the present 
homestead, consisting of 140 acres, 100 of which is now under cul- 
tivation, valued at $40 per acre. He died Feb. 2, 1871, and she 
followed him Feb. 2, 1ST7. The subject of this sketch was mar- 
ried August, 1858, to Miss Martha A., daughter of William Smith, 
the first settler of Winchester, Scott county, where she was born 
in 1833. Priscilla and Amarilla are their living children. Mrs. 
T. has been a life-long invalid, but tenderly cared for by a fond 
husband and children. Mr. T. had no opportunities for education, 
but through his energy and indomitable will has accumulated con- 
siderable property. The family are members of the Christian 
Church, and number among the early settlers and highly respected 
citizens. 

Thomas L. Thurman^ farmer, sec. 21; P. O. Milton; was born 
in Franklin Co., Ya., in 1799, son of David and Susanna (Left- 
wich), natives of that. State, where they died. The subject of this 
sketch emigrated to Cumberland Co., Ky., where he was mar- 
ried to Miss Millie Black, who was born in Bedford Co., Ya., 
in 1801; she died in this county in 1871. To them were born 9 
children, 5 of whom are living: Sarah A., William H., James L., 
John T. (who married Mary Boren. By this marriage 3 grand- 
children surround him), Lolu, Unie, and Howard. Henrietta, 
the youngest daughter, resides on the homestead. Mr. T. came to 
this county in 1842, and settled on his present estate of 120 acres, 
valued at $40 per acre; he is a member of the Baptist denomi- 
nation, and politically belongs to the old-line Whigs. 

Benjamin F. Wheeler, retired farmer; resicfence, Milton; was 
born in Clermont Co., O., in 1818, the son of Benjamin and 
Mary (McCarty) Wheeler, natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, 
respectively, who emigrated to Illinois in 1834, and settled in Pearl 
township, where they both died. The subject of this sketch was 
married in Pearl in 1844 to Miss Almira, daughter of Peter Clem- 
mons, who settled in this county in 1829. Of their several chil- 
dren, but one is living: John A., who married Ainanta Morton. 
Two children have been born to them, Cora B. and Anna R. Mr. 
W. settled in this township in 1863, and on his present estate in 
1875, consisting of 80j acres, valued at $100 per acre. The home- 
stead occupied by his son has 173 aci'es, besides 12 acres of timber. 
Mr. W. is a self-made man; his opportunities for education were 
limited, and his success has been effected only through his untiring 
industry. Is one of the " City Fathers," and is a member of the 
Christian Church. 



PEARL TOWJN'SHIP. 

This is the most southeastern township of the county. It is 
mostly timbered land, with a small strip of ])rairie land near its 
centei*. It is bounded on the east by the Illinois river, and a greater 
part of the township is very rough, and is adapted principally to 
stock-raising. The first settlers to locate within its borders came 
about 1824 or 1825, and were A. Perkins, J. R. Ottwell, William 
Pruett and John Ottwell. The iirst improvements were made on 
sections 15 and 27. Among the more prominent early settlersof 
the township were Thomas S. Long, Thomas Lnmley and William 
Camerer. The first child born in the township was John Ottwell, 
and the first person to die was Thomas Murray. The first parties 
married were Williaui Ottwell and Miss Rachel Collins. They 
were united by Rev. Mr. Osborn, a Baptist minister, who also 
preached the first sermon in the township, in 1829, in the house of 
John Ottwell. The first school-house was erected in 183Y on sec- 
tion 28. The first church was built in 1867. The first Justice of 
the Peace was James McConnell. 

VILLAGES. 

Pearl. — The village of Pearl is quite an old town, and is situated 
on sections 16, 17 and 20, and contains about 50 inhabitants. 

Bee Greek village is situated on Bee creek, section 33, and is 
about the size of Pearl. It contains a postoffice, a small 
store, a saw, a flouring mill, a blacksmith shop and a ph3'siciaTi. 

Bee Creek Mills. — This establishment was first built in 1856 as a 
horse-mill, and in 1857 it was propelled by steam. In 1867 it was 
torn down and rebuilt by George Schutz. Mr. Wm. Wheeler pur- 
chased it the same year and is still its owner. It is now operated 
by G. W. Roberts, and be it to his credit to say that Mr. Roberts 
makes the best quality of flour and has a large run of custom. A 
few years ago people came a distance of 25 miles to this mill. 
There is also a saw-mill attached to it. 

Pearl Station. — This is the largest village in the township, con- 
taining about 150 inhabitants, and is situated upon the Louisiana 
branch of the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis railroad. It was sur- 
veyed by order of Thomas S. Long, guardian of the heirs of Samuel 
Fulcher, and is located on the southwest quarter of section 10. It 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 469 

was surveyed in September, 1872, by County Surveyor H. J. Harris. 
Chowrow is the name of a little settlement on section 33. 

CHURCHES. 

Trinity M. E. Church is located at Pearl Landing on the Illinois 
river. It was organized in 1856 by Rev. E. Elliott, with six mem- 
bers, at the house of T. H. Lincoln. It was known by the name 
of Pearl Landing M. E. Church, which name it continued to bear 
until 1871, when the present church structure was erected. The 
Society worshiped in Mr. Lincoln's house for two years, when they 
removed their place of worship to the Pearl Prairie school-house. 
While worshiping at this place the Society was more commonly 
known as the Pearl Prairie M. E. Church, but was really the same 
organization. In 1869 the Society moved to the new school-house 
at Pearl Landing, and in 1871 occupied the present church edifice. 
Pev. Charles McKown is Pastor. 

Pearl Prairie Christian Church was organized several years ago, 
and in 1867 erected a neat house of worship in Pearl on section 20. 
Below we give personal sketches of some of the more prominent 
citizens of the township. 

James H. Dawson, physician, was born ip Warren county, Ind., 
Aug. 3, 1836, and is a son of John W. and Eflie A. Dawson; was 
educated in the common schools, and at the age of 21: enlisted in 
the late war, Co. D, 1st Mo. Inft., where he served for 2 years. 
He is a graduate of the Keokuk Medical College, in Keokuk, Iowa ; 
began the practice of medicine in Pleasant Hill, this county, in 
1874, remaining there one year. He then located in Chowrow, 
this county, where he still resides and has built up a good practice. 
In Feb., 1858, he married Miss Sarah Hamner, daughter of Jesse 
Hamner, deceased, an early settler of this county, and they have 
3 children — Mollie, Anna and Flora. 

Enoch W. Garrison was born in Posey county, Ind., Dec. 22, 
1818. He is a son of Elijah Garrison, who landed his family in this 
county long before railroads were thought of and when the Indians 
and wild animals roamed at large, and the wolves made the night 
hideous by their constant howling. He located in Montezuma tp. 
Enoch W. hunted coons where Milton now stands, and on one oc- 
casion a panther chased their dogs from the hunting grounds. He 
was deprived of educational advantages, as there were no schools in 
the first settlement of this county. In a few years, however, came 
the days of subscription schools and teachers with ox gads in their 
hands; he attended school for a short time in a log cabin where 
Milton now stands. He has been married three times, and is the 
father of 8 children, of whom 4 are living; William, Lewis A., 
Hannah L. and Enoch W. Mr. G. is engaged in farming and stock- 
raising, and resides on sec. 2, this tp. ; has been a hunter all his life; 
hunting and trapping in winter and farming during the summei. 
Ransom Kessinger, a native of Scott county. 111., was born Sept. 
3, 1830, and is a son of Solomon Kessinger,deceased, well known in 



470 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

the pioneer daj'S of Scott count}'. lie was a native of Kentucky and 
came to Jacksonville in 1825, when there was but one house 
in that city; came to this county with his family in 1844 and set- 
tled in Pearl tp., where he resided until his death, which occurred 
Feb. 10, 1SG2. Our subject was raised on a farm and received a 
common-school education; served 3 years in the late war in Co. I, 
99th Reg. I. V. I., and was in the following battles: Hartsville, 
Mo., siege of Vicksburg, Cham})ion Hills, Black River iiridge, 
Matagorda. Fort Gaines, on Mobile Bay, and others; he was hon- 
orably discharged in 1865. June 11, 1863, he married Sarah J. 
Peacock, daughter of Henry Peacock, deceased, an early settler of 
Pike county; they have had 10 children, of whom S are living, — 
Henry, Nancy, Catharine, Jacob, Peter, Ransom, Martha and John. 
Mr. Kessinger is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and resides 
on sec. 20. He is Justice of the Peace. 

Thomas S. Long was born in Pucks county. Pa., Oct. 3, 1807: 
parents first moved to New Jersey; he moved from that State with 
his family in an early day and located in this then wild country. 
They are the oldest married immigrants living in Pearl tp. Mr. 
Long is a son of Moro^an and Rachel Lono-, deceased. Mrs. Lona: 
was born Nov. 7, 1810, and is a daugliter of Barney and Margaret 
Deemer, deceased; th^v have had children, of whom 5 are living 
— Thomas S., Morgan, Mary A., Elizabeth and Rachel. Mr. Long 
engaged in the mercantile business for 3 or 4 years after the close 
of the war, but now is retired from active business and resides in 
Pearl, on sec. 16. In early days he had to go a distance of IS or 20 
miles to mill; at one time he went in a wooden-wheeled wagon, 
was water bound while gone, and was unable to get to the mill; 
he stopped at a horse-mill and staid over'Sunday, when theygruund 
the corn the same day, and he returned on Monday. 

Thomas S. Lomj, jr., was burn June 21, 1833, in Bucks county, 
Pa., and is a son of Tiiomas S. Long, of Pearl Prairie; came to 
Illinois with his parents in 1835. Aug. 27, 1854, he married Mary 
C. Peacock, daughter of Heni"y Peacock, dec, an early settler of 
Calhoun eountv. 111., and thev have had 10 children, 8 of whom are 
liviiicf. — Henry T., Fannie L., Sarah M., Nancy A., Polly C, James 
W., Ettie C, and Ransom A. Mr. Long is a carpentej", and also a 
farmer, on sec. 16 this tp. 

A. J. Ottioell is the oldest settlerliving in Pearl tp.,and was born 
in Ross county, O., April 22, 1817; is a son of John and Zyj)oriah 
Otwell, dec, who were natives of Delaware. Mr. Ottwell was bri)ught 
here by his parents in 1828, was raised on a farm, received but 4 
months' schooling, and that in a subscription school. He is a self- 
made man, and has filled every oftice in the tp. except Justice of 
the Peace. The Black Hawk Indians camped on the same land 
Mr. Otwell now owns. At that time there were but 3 families in 
the tp., viz: Joshua and John Ottwell and Abraham Janes. He 
went 20 miles to mill. His father was the first blacksmith in the 
county and erected a shop near the mouth of Bee creek in Pearl tp., 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. • 471 

in Dec, 1S28. The next shop was erected in Atlas by Benjamin 
Barney in 1830. When people came from Atlas and the surround- 
ing coun'ry to Mr. Ottwell's shop, they would make a visit of several 
days, and tish and hunt while their work was being done in the shop. 
Feb. 29, 1844, he married Miss Mary A. Henry, daughter of Jacob 
Henry, dec, an early pioneer. They have had 12 children, 8 of 
whom are living, namely, Mary J.. Charles, George A., Elizabeth, 
Alex. J , Louise, Sarah and Emalissa C. Inearly life Mr. Otwell 
engaged in boating 8 years, but is now a farmer and stock-raiser, 
residing on sec 9. 

Joshua R. Ottwell, a native of this county, was born Oct. 6, 1845, 
and is a son of William Ottvvell; was raised on a tarm, and edu- 
cated in the common schools; was a soldier in the late war in Co. 
G, 137th Beg. I. V. I. In 1865 he married Miss Lucy Woods, 
daughter of James Woods, dec. They have had 6 children, of whom 
4 are living, namely, — Thomas J., Frances L., Jesse E. and Walter 
J. Mr. O. is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and resides on 
the old homestead, sec. 28. 

George W. Rohei'ts was born in Kinderhook Dec 25, 1841, and 
is a son of Ezekiel Roberts. In 1852, he, in company with his 
eldest sister, started for California; when about half way across the 
plains his sister sickened and died, leaving him, but a boy, alone in 
a dreary country. He returned and worked by the month in this 
county until he accumulated some capital, when lie engaged in the 
mercantile business on Bee creek; he sold out to Mr. Smith in 1876, 
and has since been operating the Bee Creek Mills. He has served 
8 terms as Supervisor, and has filled every other tp. office except 
Justice of the Peace. He married Lowena Albert, by whom he had 
7 children, viz: Josephine, George E., Ezekiel, Mary, Wm. J., 
James W. and Florence. 

Wdliarri Wheeler was born in Clermont county, O., March 7, 1823, 
and is a son of Benjamin Wheeler, dec. He came to this county 
in 1834, and is a farmer and stock-raiser, on sec 32. In 1843 he 
married Matilda Battershell, and they have had 12 children; 7 are 
living, 'HZ : Washington W., Xancy, Matilda W., Amanda M., 
Dora E , Sarah E. and T-ora M. Mr. W. went to California in 1849, 
and returned in 1852. He used to kill deer and turkeys ; helped 
raise a house in 1836 in a valley where sycamores have since grown 
12 inches in diameter. 

William T. Williams, physician, was born in Adams county. III., 
March 20, 1841, and is a son of G. W. Williams, of that county. 
He received a common-school education, and at the age of 16 years 
began to read medicine; he was graduated at the Iowa Medical 
College at Keokuk, and began practice in this tp. in April, 1869, 
where he still resides and has a large practice. July 16, 1863, he 
married Margaret A. Walker, daughter of Archibald Walker, dec, 
and they have had 5 children, 3 of whom are living, namely, George 
F., Hattie B. and Myra Grace. Few doctors have built up so large 
a practice in so short a time as has Dr. Williams. He was in the 
late war in Co. K., 53d Mo. 



PERRY TOWNSHIP. 

This township, which in many respects is second to none in the 
county, is in the northern part of the county, and is bounded upon 
the north by Brown county, on the east by Fairmount township, 
on the south by Griggsville, and on the west by Cliambei'sburg 
township. When it was first settled there was but little prairie 
land within its borders; almost the entire surface was covered with 
timber; much of it, however, was of small growth. We now behold 
highly improved and cultivated farms throughout the township, 
the result of the well-directed labor of the pioneers, their descend- 
ants, and those who came here in later years. Among the early 
pilgrims who located here prior and up to 1835, we mention James 
H, Chenoweth, Robert Gregory, William Browning, James Rit- 
chie, Matthew Dale, Gideon Bentley, Joseph King, David Johnson, 
B. L. Matthews, Nicholas James, David Call is, John Bond, Chas. 
Dorsey, Joseph Cavender, John Hume, Abel Slielley, John Mat- 
thews, Mr. Lovelady and John Gillaspie, The latter six geiitle- 
men came to the count}' as early as or even before 1829. James 
Wells came in 1825, and his son, Stephen Y. Wells, who was born 
the same year, was the first white child born in the township. 
George Bright, a veteran of the Revolutionary war, came in 1827. 
Only two or three of these pioneers are living in the township at 
the present time. Some have moved to other scenes of labor, but 
by far the greater number are dead. After 1835 settlers came in 
quite rapidly, and improvements were made throughout the 
township. 

The following very interesting historical article was furnished us 
by Mr. A. Hinman, and is given in his own language: 

"Go back with me 50 years and compare our condition then 
with what it is at present. Fifty years ago our inhabitants con- 
sisted of a few hundred hardy pioneers who settled along the river 
blufis and around the edges of groves of timber, and were living 
in little log cabins and subsisting on corn bread, wild game and 
honey, with such vegetables as they could raise on their new im- 
provements. We had very fevv roads then, only such as were 
naturally made by the settlers passing from one settlement to 
another. We had no bridges across streams, nor conveyance of 
any kind except by horseback or in an ox wagon; no railroads or 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 473 

steamboats in those days; what little transportation was done in 
those days was done with keel- boats. We had no schools nor free- 
school system, and wlien our little log school-houses began to 
spring up it was by the individual eifort of the poor settlers. 
Although these schools were of a very poor character, they were a 
great benefit to the children of pioneers, who were able to attend 
one or two winters. We had no churches, stores, shops or manu- 
facturing establishments; we had no railroads in the State, or tel- 
egraph lines; but many of us have lived to see the wonderful 
changes that have taken place in half a century. From a few hun- 
dred settlers we have multiplied to many thousands. The land 
that was bought by the early settler for $1.25 per acre has advanced 
in price until it is worth from $40 to $100 per acre. Public roads 
have been laid out, graded and bridged. The log school-house has 
given place to fine frame and brick structures, which are supplied 
with competent teachers, good books, etc. Instead of horseback 
and ox-wagon rides we have fine carriages, spring wagons, etc.; 
and instead of keel-boats we have magnificent steamers plying up 
and down our noble rivers. In the last few years over 100 miles 
of railroad have been built within our county, with two bridges 
spanning the Father of Waters, connecting us with our Western 
States and Territories. Fifty years ago our State had not a single 
rod of railroad: now she has 10,000 miles. The first of this grand 
system of railroads was commenced in 1837 or '38, at Naples, on 
the Illinois river, and was built to Jacksonville. A few days ago I 
was on this road at Naples and found still in use some of the old 
original ties upon which the road was first built. They are red 
cedar, and were brought from Tennessee. 

"We have seen the time when our grand old county's credit was 
so poor that she could not borrow $200 to buy the 160 acres of land 
upon which to locate our county-seat. I have seen the credit of 
our State so poor that the interest-bearing bonds could not be sold 
for 25 cents on the dollar; but now these things are all changed; 
and I feel thankful to the Giver of all Good that I have been per- 
mitted to live out so nearly the time allotted for fnan's existence 
here. Among all those improvements for the good of our people 
none has given me more satisfaction than our free-school system, 
where every child in the land has an equal chance to gain an edu- 
cation. I pay no tax more cheerfully than my school-tax, although 
individually I never had the benefit of one cent of the public money 
for my education, for the reason that I lived a little too early in a 
new country to get an education at all." 

The first school taught in the township was in 1830, in the south- 
eastern corner; John Cavender was the teacher. He was one of 
the strict "old masters " who have lived their day of usefulness and 
have given place to the more modern teacher. Our free-school 
system was not inaugurated until many years after this school was 
taught. So much per quarter was charged for each pupil. Evi- 



474 HISTORY OF pike county. 

dently Mr. Cavender carried on an excellent school, — at least in his 
own estimation, for his charges were high. Each pupil was re- 
quired to pay $3.50 ])er term. Mr. Cavender was remarkably strict 
as to the deportment of his pupils. He would " blaze " the trees be- 
tween the boys and girls, keeping them separate; and the one who 
dared overstej) the bounds suffered for it. He made it a rule to 
"flog" at least one-half the scholars each day. 

Perry Springs. — These springs are located in the ea^t part of 
the township, and are greatly valued for their curative properties. 
We quote the following descriptive and historical article concerning 
these springs, published in 1872: 

" Perry Springs have received a national celebrity, being the 
most noted resort in the West. They are situated most beautifully 
near a creek among the hills west of the Illinois river, and at the 
confluence of several deep ravines. The surrounding country is 
very broken, hills are steep, and covered with a beautiful forest 
growth. These springs have long been known by the Indians. 
What is now known as the Magnesia Spring gushes through a rock 
in great quantities, and was called by them "spring in the rock." 
Its medicinal qualities were well known to them, and they brought 
their sick to it from great distances to be healed. Little cabins 
were used by invalids until 1856, when Zack Wade, who was at- 
tracted there for his health, erected a very good hotel building. To 
B. A. Watson, Esq., of Springfield, 111., is due the credit of devel- 
oping not only this spring but also others in close proximity, 
erecting another very large hotel, with many extensive improvements; 
and to his indefatigable energy and determination through numer- 
ous unforeseen obstacles, is to be given the praise of furnishing the 
country the finest natural resort in America. The water is strongly 
impregnated with magnesia, lime, iron, potassa, soda, salt, etc., 
etc. There are three springs within a few steps of the hotel build- 
ing, called respectively Magnesia, Iron and Sulphur springs. Each 
not only tastes differently, but operates differently ; and what a wise 
provision of Providence is here illustrated, — three springs but a few 
rods apart, all strongly medicated and having each different medic- 
inal properties; and of all the diseases that afflict the human family 
but very few of them but what one of these springs wo-uld relieve, 
if not wholly cure. It is a singular fact that these springs are not 
affected in their flow of water by dry or wet weather, or their tem- 
perature by either hot or cold weather. In the summer the water 
ranges at 50°, and in the winter at 48° Fahr." 

The name of the township was derived from the town situated 
near its center, and the histories of the two are so closely identified 
that we pass from the history of the township to that of the 
town. 



PERRY. 



This beautiful little village is situated on sections 21 and 28 of 
Perry township. It was laid out by Joseph S. King, Feb. 16, 1836, 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 475 

and lirst christened " Booneville," in honor of the famous Kenucky 
hunter. It was settled largely by Kentuckians, and a great many 
of these people and their descendants still reside here; but a ma- 
jority of the population are Eastern people: the German predomi- 
nate above every other foreign class. There is not a negro in the 
town. When one occasionally '" strikes " the place the boys all 
gather around him, anxious to see this curious colored man, which 
annoys this dark-skinned gentleman not a little, and he consequently 
makes his stay brief. 

As above mentioned, the town was first named Booneville, but 
was subsequently changed to Perry, in honor of Com. Perry, of 
lake Erie fame, ' This name was given by David Callis, with whom 
the honor of naming the town was left. Mr. Callis was the father 
of Mrs. Reynolds, wife of Thos, Reynolds, now living near Perry, 

Joseph S, King, who came to Perry in 1832, was its first mer- 
chant. Dr. Sutphin, who came in 1835, was its first physician. 
The town has enjoyed its season of prosperity as well as adversity, 
and is now quite a business point. It contains several good stores, 
three of which are quite large establishments. They carry a gen- 
eral line of merchandise, and a large and well selected assortment. 
Among the business men and the business houses are the following: 
Shastid & Cockill, A. S. Whittaker, and J. F. Metz, all general 
dealers; Dunn & Brengelman and Dana Ayers, druggists; three 
restaurants; one hotel, kept by H. J. Chenoweth; two barber shops; 
one livery stable; four blacksmith shops, and one mill. It also 
contains one school-house, six churches, and one newspaper. 

The first school-house in the town was built in 1835. It was a 
log structure and school was taught here by Hannah French. The 
present school building was erected at a cost of $4,000. It con- 
tains four rooms. There are in attendance at present an average of 
200 pupils. Prominent among the teachers who have taught here 
are Mr. Freeman, Richard Noyes and Allen. C. Mason. Mr. Luce 
is the present teacher. 

The Perry Cornet Band was organized in 1876. They have 
fine instruments, and the band is one of the best in the county. 
Geo. W. Ham, B. Hume, C. Norris and Frank Bright are all that 
were members when it was organized. A. Gregory was the first 
leader, and A. A. Hinman is the present leader. 

CHURCHES. 

MetTiodist Church. — A nucleus of the present church at Perry 
was formed by a few people who met at the house of David Callis 
about the year 1832. At that time a class was formed consisting 
of David Callis and wife, Ira Andrews and wife, Mr. Gillaspie and 
wife, Margaret Matthews, G. W. Hinman and wife, Isaac Davis and 
wife, B. L. Matthews and wife, N . "W. Reynolds and wife, and Susan 
Beard. From that time regular meetings were held at private 
houses, but principally at the residences of David Callis and J. B. 
Matthews. These meetings were held ouly once in four weeks. 



476 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Wilson Pitner was tlie first regiilnr preacher employed bv this So- 
ciet}'. his circuit extending as far as Atlas and other points in the 
county . The tirst house of worship was built on sec. 28 in 1839. 
It was about 20 by 24 feet in size, made of hewn logs, and it had a 
seating capacity of about 100 persons. The first Trustees of this 
Church were Z. Wade, Isaac Davis, N. W. Reynolds, B. L. 
Matthews and John McFarland. The first Steward was Isaac 
Davis. The Society occupied this building for religious meetings 
until 1848, when anew house of worship was built. This structure 
was located in Chenow^etlrs addition, was 30 by 40 feet in size, and 
cost about $2,000. It has been remodeled at a cost of $1,000. Its 
present size is 30 by 50 feet, with sittings for 350 people. Among 
the early pastors were Revs, Wm. H. Taylor, Mr. Hunter, Mr. 
Piper, Isaac Kimber, James Matteson. Among others who served 
in that capacity in later years were Revs. W. F, Gilmer and J. C. 
H. Hobbs. The present Pastor is Wm. H. Wilson, and the pres-- 
ent membership about 200. After the building was repaired the 
Society bought a good organ, wdiich is still in use. The Trustees 
are. Dr. Harvey Dunn, Asahel Hinman, S. D. Fagin, Rufus Rey- 
nolds and Z. Wade. The Sunday-school has a regular attendance 
of about 100 scholars, and is superintended by Dr. R. F. Harris. 

Christian Church, . — The first meeting for the organization of 
this Church took place at the house of Nicholas Hobbs, on the 
southeast quarter of sec. 29, about the year 1837. Nicholas Hobbs 
and wife, Abraham Chenoweth and wife, Gideon Bentley and wife,. 
Samuel Yan Pelt, Wm. Van Pelt and wife, Wm. Chenoweth and 
wife and others, met at that time for the purpose of organizing a 
Church. Samuel Yan Pelt, Wm. Yan Pelt and Nicholas Hobbs 
were the officiating Elders on this occasion. Religious meetings 
were held at diff'erent private houses throughout the neighborhood 
until 1839, when the congregation erected a house of worship. 
This building was a frame IS by 24 feet in size, and was located on 
the southeast quarter of sec. 28, which was in the village of Perry. 
The congregation was supplied with traveling preachers for a 
number of years, among whom were Elders Wm. Strong and John 
Keari. The first Elders elected at the organization were Nicholas 
Hobbs. Wm. Yan Pelt and Wm. Chenoweth. The first Deacons 
were Abraham Chenoweth and Gideon Bentley. The principal 
preaching was done by the Elders for the first few years, when the 
congregation engaged Elder David Hobbs to ofiiciate as Pastor. 

In April, 1843, the great revivalist, Elder Wm. Brown, of Ken- 
tucky, held a protracted meeting in this church, lasting over two 
weeks. The religious fervor produced by his efforts was very sat- 
isfactory, and some 80 conversions were made. The old church 
building being too small to hold the immense crowds that were 
drawn to hear him, one side was removed and a large shed addition 
was built, which was capable of holding some 500 people. For the 
next few years meetings were held in the old building, at the school- 
house, and occasionally in the Baptist church. In 1851 a more 



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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 479 

commodious house of worship was built on lot 4, block 1, Thomp- 
son's addition. It was 34 by 50 feet, with seats for 400 people, 
and was erected at a cost of about $2,000. The building committee 
were James H. Chenoweth, David Johnson and Charles Dorsey. 
Elder Alpheus Brown for a while previous to this had been regular 
Pastor. Being a carpenter, he in company with John Reed took 
the contract for and erected this chm-ch. Elder Brown continued 
his services with the congregation. This building was occupied 
until 18Y9, during which time the congregation employed the 
regular services, as pastors, of Elders Uonan, Wm. Mclntyre, 
Samuel Johnson, A. G. Lucas, H. R. Walling, Clark Braden and 
others. During the labors of these worthy and able men, there 
was much good done, and many accessions were made to the ranks 
of the Churcli. 

In April, 18T9, the congregation commenced agitating the ques- 
tion of the necessity for and propriety of building a more modern 
and commodious house of worship. A building committee was 
appointed with full power to examine and adopt plans for the erec- 
tion of a suitable building. This committee consisted of Jon 
Shastid, Alex. Dorsey, John S. Dorsey, Bennett F. Dorsey, Mat- 
thias Gregory, Jasper M. Browning, Dr. W. D. C. Doane and 
James Walker. Jon Shastid was appointed Treasurer of the com- 
mittee, and Alex. Dorsey and James Walker executive officers. 
Plans were accepted, contracts made, the work vigorously prose- 
cuted, and the building completed by the first of January, 1880. 
It is built in the Gothic style, is 38 by 64 feet in size, wdth an 
auditorium finely frescoed and furnished, and with a seating capac- 
ity to accommodate 500 people. It cost about $4,000, and it is a credit 
to the society and an ornament to the town. The present member- 
ship of the congregation is about 330. The Pastor is Elder J. T. 
Smith, who took an active part in. and was one of the main workers 
in collecting money for, the erection of the new building. The 
Elders are Jasper M. Browning, Alex. Dorsey and Bennett F. 
Dorsey. The Deacons are Wm. Love, Wm. M. Browning, Henry 
Mays and Edward Wade. Clerk, J. E. Smith, and Treasurer D. S. 
Rickart. The Sunday-school is conducted by Superintendent J. 
B. Warton, and has an average attendance of over 100. 

Zion Church is located on sec. 4, and was erected in 1852. It 
is a substantial structure, and meetings have been held in it since 
its erection every two weeks, with few exceptions. The society had 
held meetings years previous to the erection of this edifice. Rev. 
Smith was the first minister. The congregation numbered but 10 
members when the house was built; at present the membership is 
50. Since the erection of the building they have not missed a 
month without holding Sunday-school in it. 

Lutheran Church. — This Church was organized in 1859, and was 
the first church of that denomination in Pike county. The congre- 
gation met for the first 10 years in the Christian church, but in 

29 



480 HISTORY OF PIKK COUNTY. 

1869 built a new church, at a cost of $2,200. The present member- 
sliip numbers SO. Rev. Recker is the present Pi-rur. 

FKRSONAL 8KKTCHES. 

As a portion of the history of Perry and Perry township we ^ive 
biograpliical sketches of pioneer and leading citizens, believing such 
personal mention forms the better part of local history. Those who 
have made and are making the history of Perry and the township 
deserve special mention in a work ot this nature. 

Dana Ayres was burn in Massacliusetts Dec. 7, 1809; is the 
son of Jason and Betsey (Holman) Ayres; was educated in the 
common schools of Massachusetts, and between the ages of 16 and 
26 manufactured salt from sea water. In 1836 he came to this 
county, and in 1838 settled in the town of Perry, since which time 
he has followed the drug business. In 1838 he married Alice 
Cleland, and they have 2 children, a son and daughter. In politics 
Mr. Ayres is a Republican. He voted the Free-Soil ticket in 1810, 
and in 1842 was elected County Magistrate. He has been School 
Trustee, Collector, and Trustee for the Corporation. 

George W. Baldwin was born in New York city in 1830; is the 
son of David and Ann (Desney) Baldwin. His early educational 
advantages were very limited. In 1858 he married Sarah Jane 
Mason, a native of New Hampshire. Of their 6 children 5 are 
living, 4 sons and. one daughter. One son is studying dentistry, 
and one of liis daughters is a teacher. By occupation Mr. Bald- 
win is a miller, but has at present retired from business. 

Stephen Banning^ son of Thomas and Keziah Banning, was born 
May 15, 1815. His father was from Virginia, and his mother from 
Maryland ; both are of German descent. He was educated in a sub- 
scription school, and came from Ohio to Illinois in 1837, settling 
near Chambersbnrg. December 10, 1839, he was married to Eliza- 
beth Rigg. Of their 8 children, only 3 girls are living, and are 
married. Mr. B. has been School Director and Road-master. He 
owns 160 acres of good land on sec. 26. In politics he is a Democrat. 

W. A. Beavers^ deceased, son of "Wm. Beavers, was born in Mis- 
souri Dec. 1, 1824; emigrated to Pike Co. in 1869, and followed 
merchandising for several years. In 1860 he married Mary Eliza- 
beth Smith, who was born in Pike Co. Aug. 26, 1838. Her parents, 
Aberland and Lucy A., were natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. 
.Beavers have 3 children: Herschel Y., born Aug. 26, 1861; Av- 
erill, born in 1863, and L. F. (a girl), born Sept. 29, 1870. Mr. B. 
owned 160 acres of land, and followed farming several years previ- 
ous to his death, which occurred Jan. 13, 1873. 

Williamson Bond was born July 12, 1837, and is the son of 
John (a native of Virginia) and Frances Ann (nee Aikins, a native 
of Tennessee) Bond. Both parents are of German descent. In 
1858 he was married to Jennie James. They have one daughter, 
Frances Ann, born in 1861. Mr. Bond has been School Director 
for 2 years ; is a Democrat. He owns 130 acres of land on sec. 36. 

Benj. F.Bradbury was born in Ohio in 1824, the son of Benjamin 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 481 

and Betsy (Davis) Bradbury, natives of Maine, and of English descent. 
He is by occupation a farmer; came to Pike county in 1853, where 
he now has 190 acres of land. Sept. 13, 1848, he married Elizabeth 
Carlisle. They have 3 sons and 4 daughters. He is a Baptist, and 
she a Presbyterian; he is also a Granger and a Democrat. 

H. H. Brengelman, druggist, Perry, 111. 

Robert Brim, deceased, was a farmer on sec. 7; was born in 
South Carolina in 1832, and emigrated to Pike county in 1846; he 
ran a restaurant 2 years in Perry, and 2 in Chambersburg. In 1856 
he married Catharine Taylor. Of their 6 children 2 are dead. Mrs. 
B. is a daughter of Simon H. Taylor, who came to Pike county 54 
years ago. At one time he owned 520 acres of land in Pike county, 
and other lands in other counties, entering his choice land at |1.25 
an acre. Mr. Taylor is still living, and Mrs. Taylor died in 18T6. 
Mr. Brim was a Democrat. 

Archibald Brooks, farmer, sec. 16; P. O. Chambersburg; was 
born in this county in 1850, and is the son of Archibald and Sophia 
(Sutlifi) Brooks, the father a native of Tennessee, and the mother 
a native of Indiana; educated in the common school; owns 120 acres 
of land. In 1872 he married Emily Remington, daughter of Orson 
R., of Perry. Their 3 children, boys, are all living. Mrs. B. is a 
member of the Christian Church in Chambersburg, Mr. B. has 
been 3 years a School Director, and is a Democrat. 

Jasper M. Browning ^ P. O. Perry; born in this township July 
1, 1834, is the son of Caleb and Penelope (Power) B., both of Eng- 
lish descent. His father is a farmer, who came to this county in 
1833, but at the present time is living in Kansas. Jasper M. is 
also a farmer on sec. 15, where he owns 140 acres of land. In 1865 
he married Rachel Allen, and they have 5 boys and 2 girls. Mem- 
bers of the Christiau Church. Republican, 

Lemuel Calhoun, farmer, sec. 11; P. O., Perry; was born in Ten- 
nessee May 30, 1829, the son of Hansel and Harriet (Carpenter) 
Calhoun; educated in the subscription school; emigrated to this 
county in 1835, and has lived on sec. 11 for 27 years. In 1852 he 
married Mary Elizabeth Thompson. Of their 6 children 4 are 
living, all girls. He has been School Director; is an Odd Fellow; 
owns 138 acres of land, and pays all his debts once a year; is a 
Democrat. Himself and wife are members of the Christian Church. 
Wm. H. H. Callis was born in Brunswick Co., Va., Nov. 
7, 1822, son to David and Sarah (Walpole) Callis, natives of Vir- 
ginia, and of English descent; went to school but one year in his 
life, and that was in the old-fashioned log school-house in this 
county, having emigrated here in 1829. He has seen every man, 
woman and child within 10 miles of his father's house all there at 
one time, and fed on old-fashioned corn hominy; he has killed 
many panthers in Pe^ry township. In 1844 he married Harriet 
Eliza Ingalls; of their 4 children 3 are living and married; one 
child died in 1845. Mr. C. has given his children a good education, 
at one time moving even into Iowa for the purpose of sending them 



482 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



to a good school. His son is a graduate of Simpson Centennial 
College. He is now living on liis farm on sec. 25. He drilled with 
Abraham Lincoln in the Black Hawk war. Mr. and Mrs. Callis 
are members of the M. E. Church. 

John Gampbell, undertaker, carpenter and builder, and dealer in 
coffins, caskets, shrouds, etc., Perry, was born Dec. 21, 1845, the 
son of A. and K. C. (Coffee) Campbell, both of Kentucky ; educa- 
ted in the high school at Griggsville ; commenced to learn his 
trade at 17 years of age, and has followed it ever since. In 1868 
he married Emma Smith : Katie, born July 8, 1870, is their only 
child. Mr. C. is a R,epul)lican, an Odd Fellow, and belongs to the 
United Workmen ; and lie and his wife are Methodists, 

Milton Cheek was born in Bedford Co., Ya., Nov. 16, 1804; 
parents both natives of Virginia, and of English descent ; went to 
school but two months in his life ; is a farmer ; came to Pike 
county in 1833, undergoing the usual hardships of pioneer life. 
He once walked 10 miles to Jeff Hume's mill, and offered to split 
200 rails for a bushel of meal ; but Jeff did not want rails ; he 
wanted money. Mr. Cheek was compelled to go home that long 
distance after sundown without any meal and even without any 
supper ; and his family had to subsist upon potatoes a while 
longer. At present he owns a farm of 79|- acres. In 1826 he 
married Martha Carroll, and they had 10 children. Mrs. Cheek 
died in 1860, and in 1863 he married Marinda Crystal, and they 
have had 3 children. He is School Director and Road Overseer : 
is a Democrat. ' . 

D. J. Chenoweth was born in this county Jan. 13, 1848, son of 
James H. and Artemisia C. (Burkhead) Chenoweth, natives of Ken- 
tucky, and of German descent. He owns a farm of 20 acres and 
runs a meat market in Perry. In 1867 he married Eleanor Dor- 
sey, and they have 4 children living. Both he and wife are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church. He is a Republican. 

H. J. Chenoweth was born in Kentucky Oct. 29, 1819 ; his pa- 
rents, Abraham and Rachel, were natives of that State and of Welsh 
descent ; emigrated to Pike county Nov. 16, 1836, settling one 
mile east of Perry, and in company with his father improved 160 
acres of land. He followed farming until 1851, when he started a 
saw-mill 3 miles northeast of Perry, and after running it 18 
months he sold it ; then farmed for 3 years, then was in Mis- 
souri 4 years, and then (1861) came back to this place and contin- 
ued farming and clearing land. In 1872 he started the first 
hotel in Perry. H. J. married in 1841, and is tlie father of 9 chil- 
dren, 6 of whom are living, 2 boys and 4 girls. Mr. C. has been 
School Director and member of the Town Board. Republican. 

Jacoh Y. Chenoweth was born in this township June 27, 1850, 
son of James .H. and Artemisia C. (Burkhead) Chenoweth ; is a 
farmer and dealer in live stock. May 13, 1875, he married Eliza- 
beth Parke, and they have 2 little girls. Mr. and Mrs. C. are 
members of the Christian Church. Mr. C. owns a farm of 81 acres 
in Pike county, and 80 acres in Kansas. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 483 

James H. Chenoweth, one of Pike county's oldest and most re- 
spected citizens, was born in Nelson Co., Ky., July 9, 1801. His 
father, Wm. Chenoweth, went to that State from Vii'ginia when a 
young man, and took part in many an Indian fight on " the dark 
and bloody ground," He married the widow of John Hinton, 
whose maiden name was Mary YanMeter; of this family were 10 
children, all of whom lived to be grown: William, Jacob, Abraham, 
Isaac, Miles, James, Hardin, Letitia, Ruth and James H. Jacob, 
Abraham and James all came to Pike county and were among its 
more worthy and substantial pioneer citizens. James H., the sub- 
ject of this sketch, first came to this State in 1832, stopping for a 
while in Scott Co., and came to Pike in the spring of 1833, locating 
on sees. 27 and 28, Perry tp., where he entered 240 acres of land. 
He at once erected a double log cabin, in which he lived for several 
years; he then built the frame house which still occupies the site ; 
30 acres of this farm Mr. C. laid off in town lots as " Chenoweth's 
Addition to the Town of Perry." Mr. C. is one of the oldest resi- 
dents of the county, and is a good example of what industry and 
economy will accomplish. He is now 78 years of age, and is the 
owner of between 500 and 600 acres of land in this county, as well 
as land in Missouri. 

Mr. C. was married in 1831 to Artemisia Burkhead, of Nelson 
Co., Ky. One child, Abraham, was born to them in Kentucky; 
James H., jr., Mary, Joseph K., deceased, Joseph S., Robert A., 
Ruth, David J., Jacob Y. and Susanna R., deceased, were all born 
in Pike county; the 8 children living are all married. Three, 
David, Jacob and Ruth ( the latter the wife of Chas. O. Turner ) are 
still living in this county. Mr. C.'s wife died Jan, 4, 1874, and Mr. 
C. is now living with his daughter, Mrs, Turner. Mr. C. was for- 
merly a Whig, but since the organization of the Republican party 
he has voted with that party. One of his sons, Robert A,, served 
two years during the Rebellion in the 33d 111. Inft. Mr. C, is a 
member of the Christian Church, as also was Mrs. C. ; and in the 
affairs of the Church he has always taken a prominent part. All of 
his children are also members of that Church. 

Mr. C. is familiarly known as "Uncle Jim," and no man in the 
township is better known, and has fewer enemies. He was always 
full of fnn, and liked to fish and hunt, and enjoy himself in such 
sport. His average weight is 212 pounds. One of his favorite 
games was tying men who boasted of their strength. He would 
take his rope and tell his man that he would tie him, giving him 
leave to fight or do anything but gouge and bite : that was all he 
asked of the strongest man, and he never yet failed in his object. 
He drank whisky with the " boys," and sometimes when alone, 
from the time he was 16 years old until he was 74. At present he 
only takes wine. He thinks he averaged a quart of liquor per day 
for 57 years ; and the other day he figured it up, counting only one 
pint per day, and it made over 72 barrels, of 44 gallons each! He 
is willing to throw off 2 barrels in the estimate, which would leave 



484 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

even 70 barrels, or 3,080 gallons. Now, if it cost $2 per gallon, it 
would amount to $6,160; and if the whisky he has drank were sold 
at 10 cents a drink, allowing 10 drinks to the])int, it would amount 
to $24,640; and he thinks he has drank twice that amount, or $49,- 
280 worth of whisky! Perhaps he has given away as much as he 
has drank, which would make a total expense of $98,560! And 
he is yet stout enough to round this number out to even $100,000, 
either by drinking the liquor or giving it away! Mr. Chenoweth's 
portrait appears in this volume. 

Job Clarke farmer, sec. 29, was born in Hamilton Co., O., Jan. 
6, 1825, and is the son of John and Christiana ( Reed ) Clark, the 
father a native of Greene Co., Pa., and his mother of Hamilton Co., 
O. He received his education in the common schools of Illinois; 
he came to Pike county in May, 1857; by occupation he was a 
millwright, but since he came here he has been farming, meeting 
with splendid success. His residence is as good as any in tlie town- 
ship, if indeed not the best. He is engaged in raising Poland- 
China hogs and thorough-bred cattle. He was married in 1853 to 
Miss H. E. Gil ham. Mr. C. has served his township in various 
offices, and politically is a Democrat. 

W. O. Cohh was born in Perry, Pike Co., July 19, 1855, and is 
the son of Chauncey and Elizabeth (Parks) Cobb. Mr. C. at the 
present time is keeping a barber shop in the town of Periy ; for- 
merl}' he was by occupation a carpenter. He is a natural genius, 
and capable of doing anything well that he undertakes. Politically 
he is a Republican. 

F. M. Cooper \v?i& born in Morgan Co., 111., Jan. 19, 1831, son 
of G. W. and Maiiala (Clayton) Cooper, his father a native of N. C. 
and his mother of Georgia; is a farmer and plasterer. He was mar- 
ried in 1858 lo Artemisia Hobbs, and they have 6 boys and 1 girl, 
and are members of the Christian Church. Mr. C. is a Democrat, 
in politics. 

Job Dlxon^ son of Thomas and Mary (Barker) Di.xon, was born 
in England in 1828, where he was educated ; he is a farmer and 
owns 280 acres of land, one of the best stock farms in Illinois. In 
1858 he emigrated to Pike county, and Oct. 4 of the same j'ear 
married Ann Stephenson, a native of England. They have had 6 
bo3'S and 3 girls. Mr. Dixon is a Democrat. 

Lather Dodge was born in Vermont in 1815; was educated in a 
subscription school, and is at present a farmer. He has been twice 
married, the second time to Margaret Crawford, m 1861. She is a 
native of Tennessee, and was born in 1822. She was the fourth child 
of a family of 14 children, 11 of whom are living, all married but 
one, who has taught school 14 years. Her name is Rachel Craw- 
ford. Mrs. Dodge's stepmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Crawford, lives 
with her, and is 81 years of age. Mr. Dodge is a Re})ublican. 

Deacon Alexander Dorsey, the son of Charles Dorsey, was born 
in Rutherford county, Tenn., Nov. 29, 1824; his father was born in 
North Carolina in 1795, and was the son of Wm. Dorsey, who served 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 485 

for several years in the Revolutionary war, Oct. 16, 1823, Charles 
Dorsey married Miss Eleanor Broiles, of his native county. She 
was born June 25, 1805. Dec. 31, 1828, Mr. Dorsey landed in 
Pike county and wintered in a board tent. During the following 
spring he cleared a piece of land on which a portion of Detroit now 
stands. In the spring of 1831 he moved to Perry township and 
settled on sec, 24, and was one of the leading farmers and stock- 
raisers of the county. Alexander Dorsey received his education in 
Pike county; in the winter of 1845-'6 he made a visit to his old 
home in Tennessee, where he married Miss Jane Fox, who was born 
in Rutherford county, Nov. 29, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey are 
both members of the Christian Church, and he has been Elder and 
Deacon for many years, and was a member of the executive com- 
mittee that erected the new church building, 

B. F. Dorsey was born near the celebrated Mineral Springs of 
Perry, Nov, 11, 1832; he is the fourth son of Charles and Eleanor 
Dorsey, the former a native of Raleigh, N. C, Our subject on arriv- 
ing at tlie age of 18, was married to Miss Matilda, daughter of Elder 
David Hobbs, who, as well as his wife, were natives of Kentucky, 
and came to Illinois in 1829, settling in Scott county; and Mrs, 
Dorsey was born Oct. 8, 1832, They have a family of two children: 
Edgar, the elder, was born May 9, 1859, and Asa L,, March 22, 
1861, Edgar married Anna, daughter of M. B, Chenoweth, Dec. 
31,1877; reside at the old homestead and have a little daughter, 
Dottie D. Dorsey, Asa married Carrie Clark, May 15, 1879,: she 
was a daughter of Job Clark, a native of Ohio, and she was born in 
this county. 

The sons are engaged with their father, under the Urm name of 
B. F. Dorse}' & Sons, in importing and breeding Berkshire and 
Poland hogs, and Spanish or American Merino sheep, sending stock 
of this kind to Colorado, Michigan, Mexico, Texas and Pennsyl- 
vania, They have a farm of 387 acres on sec. 22, known as the W<^If 
Grove stock farm. It is said that they have on this tine farm the 
champion herd of sheep in America. It consists of 500 thorough- 
bred Merino sheep, one buck in which herd cost Mr. Dorsey $600, 
and clipped the past season 28J pounds of wool; another cost $300. 
They also have a herd of 100 thorough-bred Berkshire and Poland- 
China hogs. One of these, "Knight of Gloucester, No. 201," was 
bought by the firm in England, and is worth $560. 

They exhibited at the first fair ever held in Pike county, which 
was in the year 1851, since which time they have exhibited their 
stock at some of the leading fairs in Illinois and Missouri, and 
always successful as competitors. They have taken over 600 
prizes within the last four years, never failing to carry oiF the 
sweepstakes at each and every fair. At the Illinois State Fair in 
1879 they took on their herd nine first and four second prizes, 
including the breeders and sweepstakes in each class. The breed- 
ers on which the prize was given consisted of one boar and four 
sows. They took it on Berkshires and Polands, which was never 



486 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

done at the Illinois State Fair, or indeed at any other State fair, so 
far as is known to us. 

Mr. D. is a member of the Christian Church, and has been for 
32 years. He has served 12 or 15 years as Elder. As a repre- 
sentative citizen of Pike county we give Mr. Dorsey's portrait in 
this volume. 

Charles Dorsey, son of Alexander and Jane (Fox) Dorsey, was 
born in Pike county in 1855; he had only the benefits of the com- 
mon school, and has engaged in farming and clerking. In 1877 
he was married to Ada Chenoweth, and they have one girl, Anna. 

John S. Dorsey; residence Perry; was born in April, 1830, in 
this county; he is the son of Charles and Eleanor (Broiles) Dor- 
sey, referred to above; by occupation he is a farmer and stock- 
raiser; he owns 370 acres of land near Perry, and is counted as one 
of the leading farmer:? of the county; he devotes considerable time 
and attention to breeding fine blooded stock, and makes the Poland- 
China hog and American Merino sheep a specialty; in this busi- 
ness he is connected with his brotlier, Alexander Dorsey. In 1857 
Mr, D. was married to Mary Hardy, and they have four children — 
two boys and two girls. Mr. D. is a member of the Christian 
Church, and Mrs. D, of the Methodist Church. He is a member 
of the Town Board of Perry, and has been for three terms. 

John W. Dorsey was born in Pike county, 111., in 1853, and is 
the son of Alexander and Jane Dorsey, nee Fox. Mr. D. owns 
ilO acres of land on sec. 21, in this township, and is engaged in 
raising fine stock. Oct. 27, 1872, he was married to Sarah Jane 
Ham, who was born in Chambersburg township in 1856. Their 
children are: Izzie Jane, Mary L. and Minnie Bell. Mr. D. is a 
member of the Christian Church, of Lodge No. 76, I. O. O. F., 
and Secretary of Perry Grange. Mrs. D. is also a member of the 
Christian Church. 

T. B. Dunn was born in the town of Chambersburg, Pike Co., 
in 181:2, and is the son of Harvey and Phadima (Winegar) Dunn; 
the former was born in Feb. 2, 1806, and his mother, June 29, 
1819. His father died Dec. 28, 1868, and his mother, June 11, 
1848. Mr. Dunn received his education in the common schools of 
this county; from 1864 to 1868 was engaged in the dry-goods 
business in Chambersburg, since which time he has been engaged 
in farming. April 5, 1864, he was married to Nancy Jane Ban- 
ning, daughter of Stephen Banning, one of the pioneers of the 
county. They have two boys and two girls. Both he and his wife 
are members of the Christian Church. Anions: the curiosities 
which he has in his possession is a mirror which came over in the 
Mayflower. 

S. D. Fagin^ farmer, P. O. Perry; was born in Ohio in 1843; 
his father, George Fao-in, was a native of .the Buckeye State; his 
mother was Julia Halin. Mr. F. received a common-school edu- 
cation; was married in 1866 to Mary, daughter of Capt. B, L.Mat- 



V 





:^ 




PERRY TP 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 489 

thews, and thej have 3 children, all boys, and living. They are 
members of the M. E. Church. 

John P. Gardner, farmer, sec. 7; was born in England, Nov. 
16, 1828, and is the son of John S. and Elizabeth (Powell) Gard- 
ner, both natives of England. John P. received his education in 
the high schools of England; he started to travel at an early age 
in life; when he was only 16 years old he went on a cruise to 
South Africa; when 21 he came to America. In 1852 he married 
Anna Parker. He is a successful farmer. P. O., Perry. 

Alpheus Glines was born in Perry Jan. 26, 1853, the son of L. 
D. and Ellen (Cruthers) G.; his father was a native of New York, 
and mother, of Ohio ; father came to Illinois in 1851. Alpheus 
received a common-school education and learned the trade of a stone 
mason, the occupation of his father. He and his brother have been 
engaged in bridge-building in this and adjoining counties. Alpheus 
is a member of tlie M. E. Church at Perry. 

Joseph A. Gould was born in the town of Perry Dec. 28, 1853 ; 
his parents were Josiah P. and Lucy C. (Watson) Gould. He 
received his education in the common schools of this county, and 
by occupation is a plasterer. At the early age of 16 he began to 
learn his trade, at which he has worked ever since. In 1875 he was 
united in marriage with Lydia Burnett : they have 2 children, both 
girls. He and his wife are both members of the Christian Church 
in Perry. At present he resides in Griggsville. 

Matthias Gregory, farmer, sec. 22. ilr. Gregory was brought 
to Pike county in 1829, and has seen the vast wilderness trans- 
formed into a garden, as it were. There was not a huuse in the 
town of Perrv or Griggsville at that time. Mr. G. was born in 
Coffee county, Tenn., Feb. 12, 1822, and is the son of Eobert ani 
Nancy (Broiles) Gregory, both natives of South Carolina, and of 
English descent. He received his education in the log school- 
houses of Pike county. In 1843 he was married to Mary Cheno- 
weth. They have 5 children, all boys, and 3 of them are married. 
Both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church at 
Perry. He is a Trustee of the Church, and a member of the build- 
ing committee. He has served 15 years as School Director. In 
1862 he enlisted in Co. B, 99th 111. Inf., under Capt. Matthews. 

Clayhorn Ham. The subject of this sketch was born in March, 
1827, in Bedford county, Tenn. He is the son of James and Mary 
(Broiles) Ham ; his father a native of North Carolina and his 
mother of South Carolina, and both of German descent. By occu- 
pation Mr. H. is a farmer, which business he has followed for 31 
years. He has been very successful, now owning 400 acres of land 
in this county. In 1836 he came to this county and settled on sec. 
36, Perry township, where he still lives. He has been twice mar- 
ried. In 1848 he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret 
Smith, by whom he had 3 children ; 2 are living. He married his 
second wife, America C. James, in 1857, and they have 8 children, 
3 boys and 5 girls, all living. His wife is a member of the M. E. 



490 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Church. He served as School Director for 8 years, and as Road 
Commissioner 3 _year8. His father, though illiterate in respect to 
school education, not being able to write his own name, was a very 
successful business man. When he came to the county in 1829 he 
was not worth $100, but when he made a division of his property 
among his children he owned 1,^00 acres of land, and personal 
property to the value of $14,000. 

George W. JTam, farmer, sec. 21 ; P. O. Perry. Mr. Ham is a 
son of William and Elizabeth Ann (Elliott) Ham, natives of the 
Eastern States, and of English descent ; he was born Sept. 5, 1859; 
he attended the common schools and entered the Illinois College 
at Jacksonville, where he graduated in 1876 ; he then entered the 
dry-goods store of Metz & Wilson, where he clerked for two years. 
In 1878 he was united in marriage with May Reed. A son was 
born to them Dec. 3, 1879. Mr. Ham is a prominent member of 
the Perry Cornet Band. 

James T. HaTn is the son of Clayborn and Margaret C, (Smith) 
Ham, natives of Tennessee and Missouri, respectively. James T. 
was born on sec. 36, Perry tp., Aug. 8, 1851. He owns a farm on sec. 
35, this tp., where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1871, 
March 31, he was united in the holy bond- of matrimony with 
Melissa C. James. Alma A., born Feb. 9, lb 73, and Lola Estella, 
born Dec. 23, 1877, are their 2 children. His grandfather, James 
Ham, was one of the early pioneers of, and one of the wealthiest 
men in Pike county. 

Elijah Hamilton, farmer, sec. 1; P.O. Chambersburg. Mr. 
H. is a native of Kentucky, where he was born in 1815 ; his parents 
were Allen and Salina Hamilton, who came to Illinois in 1820, set- 
tling in San2:amon county. In 1839 Elijah BLamilton came to Pike 
county, locating on sec. 1, where he has ever since resided, and 
owns 200 acres of land. In politics he is a Democrat, but has not 
voted for several years. He is a bachelor, and his widowed sister, 
Mrs. Jane Webb, lives with him. She was born July 26, 1805. 
Elijah is one of a family of 11 children, only 3 of whom are now 
living. 

John Hardy was born in Ohio Feb. 8, 1839, the son of John and 
Maria Hardy, both natives of Ohio and of English descent. Mr. 
Hardy came to Illinois in 1840 and to Pike county in 1846, and 
lives on sec. 19, where he owns a farm of 213 acres, which is said 
to be the best farm between the two rivers. He has refused to 
accept $100 per acre for it. In 1858 he was united in marriage 
with Rebecca Walker, the daughter of Robert Walker, an early 
settler of Pike county. In 1872 Mr. Hardy took a trip to Europe 
for his health, benefiting him greatly. He has also traveled over 
the Western States considerably. 

Martin Ilafriiujton was born in Worcester Co., Mass., Dec. 24, 
1797. His father, Samuel Harrington, was a native of Grafton, 
Mass., and was born Aug. 3, 1769. On arriving at the age of twenty- 
six, he was married to Miss Abigail Putnam, who was born Sept. 15, 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 491 

1TT5. She was a daughter of Zadock Putnam, who was closely 
related to the daring, l)rave and patriotic Gen. Israel Putnam, of 
Eevolutionarj fame. Mr. Putnam's father was Nathaniel Putnani, 
who built the first wagon set up in Worcester Co., Mass. It is 
related that over 200 came from long distances to see one pair of 
wheels following another. 

The subject of this sketch is connected by a long line of ancestry 
as far back as the original Puritans who came over in the " May 
Flower." Among that highly honored and respected band who 
landed on the cold, bleak shores of Plymouth, is made honorable 
mention of the Harringtons, whose names yet stand engraved on 
that ever memorable rock, around which clusters the purest and 
brightest thoughts of all true lovers of American liberty. The 
Harringtons are also connected, on the paternal side, with the Brig- 
hams, of early Massachusetts history, and on the maternal side, with 
the as yet revered name of the Elliots. Major Elliot, great-grand- 
father of the subject of this sketch, served with distinction during 
the Revolutionary struggle. 

Mr. Samuel Harrington had a family of 4 children, of whom 
Martin is the second. ' Three are yet living at quite an advanced 
age. Mr. Harrington died at his residence, O^ctober 5th, 1802. 
His wife survived" him until April, 1871. After being a widow 
seven years, she was married to Capt. David Trask, of Leicester, 
Worcester county, Mass. They had a family of 5 children. The 
subject of our sketch was early thrown upon his own resources by 
the death of his father, but with that true Yankee pluck and stick- 
to-it-iveness, he overcame all obstacles in his way, and succeeded 
in acquiring a good English education; but that served only a nu- 
cleus, around which he has been constantly adding to his store of 
knowledge, until now we find him possessed with conversational 
powers seldom surpassed by the most cultured men of the country 
— not only being informed in local matters, but his range of intellect 
grasps the broadest questions. In his conversation one can not long 
be a listener without being richly compensated by his large fund of 
information. Previous to his marriage, his vocation was that of a 
scythe manufacturer. 

On the 22d of June, 1822, he was married to Miss Myra, daughter 
of Josephus Willard, Esq., of Grafton, Mass. They had a family of 
3 children, of whom two are yet living. In the jear 1827 he moved 
with his family, to Amsterdam,]Srew York, at which place he was 
the first manufacturer of turned carriage axle-trees, with pipe-boxes, 
which business he continued for a period of 9 years, with other 
machine business. Mrs. Harrington died at her residence, New 
York, in "'832, and the following year (1833) Mr. Harrington mar- 
ried his second wife, Miss Catharine, daughter of Evert Hagaman. 
She departed this life April 27, 1875: her remains rest in the- new 
cemetery in Perry. A fine monument erected to her memory by 
her husband marks t^^e spot. They have had born to them a family 
of five children. His son, F. M. Harrington, is now practicing law 



492 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

in Kirksville, Mo., wliere he has grown into a large and lucrative 
practice. In 1836 Mr. Harrington left New York and came to 
Illinois, locating in Pike county. He says he was in the county 
when settlements and improvements were scarce. He is, therefore, 
justly classed among the old settlers. By industry and persever- 
ance Mr. Harrington has succeeded in getting toirether considerable 

111 o n o 

wealth, so that his old days can be passed in reaping the reward of 
a well spent life. His son-in-law in Missouri has been twice elected 
to the legislature of that State, and all his children are getting 
wealthy. The family is one of the oldest and most respected in the 
count3\ Mr. Harrington's brother, Hon. Charles Harrington, who 
was for some time Judge of the County Court of Pike county, in 
its early organization, was also one of the pioneer preachers of this 
section of the country. 

The subject of our sketch, now far past the meridian of life, 
enjoys excellent health, and his is another of the many instances of 
what can be accomplished by a well directed industry. By his 
generous and straightforward principles, he has won the confidence 
and esteem of his neighbors and fellow-citizens. During the war 
he was a strong supporter of the cause of the Union. He is a mem- 
ber of the Republican party. A few years since he retired from the 
active pursuits of life, and is now residing at his residence in Perry. 
We give the portrait of Mr. H. in this volume. 

Asahel Hinman. The ancestor in a direct line of the subject of 
this sketch and the founder of the Hinman family in America, was 
Sergt. Edward Hintnan, who emigrated from England, his native 
country, between 1650 and 1652, settling at Stratford, Conn. Soon 
afterward he was married to Hannah, daughter of Francis and 
Mary Stiles, of Windsor, Conn. Their first child was named Sarah, 
born at Stratford, in 1652. Sergt. Hinman was an extensive farmer, 
and was largely engaged in the buying and selling of land, owned 
and operated a mill, etc. Pie died at Stratford in 1681, leaving a 
family of 4 sons and 4 daughters. There has been a tradition in the 
family from the early settlement that Sergt. Hinman was Sergeant- 
at-Arms for King Charles I. He, like many others, became exiled 
to escape the vengeance of Oliver Cromwell, as it was well known 
that Cromwell was firm in condemning to death the supporters and 
defenders of Charles I. This proves him to have been a most 
trustworthy loyalist and honest man, for no other could have re- 
ceived the confidence of the crown at that critical period. It would 
also appear from the above that Sergt. Hinman was a respectable 
Englishman, and of a good family, as none other would have been 
selected to have constituted the body guard of the King. 

Edward Hinman, jr., youngest son of Sergt. Hinman, was born 
at Stratford in 16Y2. He was married to Hannah Jennings, and 
they had 12 children. Jonas Hinman, the eldest son of Edward, 
jr., was born at Stratford in the year 1700. When a young man 
he went to live at Newark, N. J., where he married Elizabeth 
Crane. Ten children were born of this union. Mary Hinman, his 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 4:9ii 

youugest child, married Asabel Hinman, a son of James Hinman, 
and was a grandson of Sergt. Edward Hinman. After the close of 
the Revolution Asahel Hinman and family became pioneers in the 
wilds of Kentucky, locating in Bullitt county. Next to the young- 
est child in this family was George W. Hinman, who was the father 
of the subject of this sketch, and the lirst of the family to settle in 
Pike county. 

George W. Hinman was born in Bullitt county, Ky., in April, 
1Y91. When he was 8 years old his father and family removed to 
Ohio county, Ky. He was married in the year 1815 to Miss Nancy 
Stewart, of that county. Here 2 children were born to them, — 
Maria and Asahel, the latter the subject of this sketch. In 1819 
he moved to Indiana, where 2, more children were born, — Eliza 
Ann, now deceased, and Phoebe. In 1829 he came to this county, 
locating on the S. W. J of sec. 11:, Griggsville tp. In his house on 
this land took place the first religious meeting in this part of the 
county. Geo. W. Hinman was a man of sterling worth and un- 
blemished honor. He was a man of deep thought, strong religious 
convictions, undeviating honesty, a fit and honorable representative 
of his worthy ancestors. Such qualities, together with the experi- 
ence in pioneer life in Kentucky and Indiana, fitted him to take a 
prominent part in the affairs of the county. In 1830 he was 
elected one of the three County Commissioners. He was appointed 
with two others, by the Legislature, to expend certain moneys ac- 
cruing under the internal-improvement act on the roads of the 
county, and in many other ways serve the public. "Hinman's 
Chapel " (Methodist) was principally built by him. He and his 
wife are both buried in the ground attached to the Chapel. He died 
Dec. 8, 1854. 

Asahel Hinman is the only child of Geo. W. Hinman, now living 
in Pike count3\ He was born in Ohio county, Ky., Jan. 19, 1817, 
and was brought to this county with his parents in 1829. On 
reaching his majority his father gave him $100, with which he 
entered 80 acres of land. Dec. 23, 1838, he was married to Sarah 
McLain, daughter of John and Mary McLain, of Adair county, Ky. 
In the spring of 1839 he built a hewed-log cabin 18 feet square on 
his land. It was a story-and-a-hali house, and contained two 
rooms. Here he lived for 28 years. His farm now consists af 600 
acres, and is one of the finest improved in the county. He is also 
the owner of the large flouring-mill at Perry, called "Hinman's 
Mill," and which is carried on by his sons, George "W. and Asahel 
A., in company with himself. He was one of the original stock- 
holders in organizing the 5th National Bank of Chicago ; also the 
Griggsville National Bank, of which he is a Director. He is also 
one of the organizers of the Farmers' Insurance Company of Griggs- 
ville, and was chosen its President. 

Mr. and Mrs. H. are now residing in Perry, surrounded by their 
family, consisting of three children, — George W., Sarah F. and 
Mary. Asahel, the youngest, is married and living at Perry. 



494 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Catharine, the eldest child, married the Rev. Thomas Bonnel, and 
resides in Christian c-unty, 111. John W. and Nancy J. are de- 
ceased. We give Mr. ILinman's portrait in this volume. 

A. A. Hinman was .)«>rn in Pike county in 1859, and is the son 
of Asahel and Sarah (McLain) Hinman. He attended the common 
schools of Pike county and also the Weslej'an University at Bloom- 
ington, 111. He was united in marriage in 1878 with Ella Oat, and 
they have one child, A. J. A. Hinman. Mr. Hinman is a miller, own- 
ingan interest in the Hinman Mills. Politically he is a Democrat. 

George W. Hinman, son of Asahel Hinman, whose sketch is 
given above, was educated in the high schools of Perry and Griggs- 
ville, and also attended the Chicago law school, where he grad- 
uated in 1871. He began the practice of his profession the same 
year in Missouri. Subsequently he moved to Perry, where he 
practiced 8 years, meeting with remarkable success, seldom losing 
a case. At present he is turning his attention to milling, being a 
partner of the iirm of Hinman & Sons. He is a member of the M. 
E. Church. 

James H'lggins^ jeweler, Perry, was born in Clinton, N. J., Oct. 
11, 1845; he is the son of Lewis and Anna Higgins; received his 
education in the common and select schools of New Jersey; he 
came to Perry in 1867, where he clerked for 5 or 6 years ; then 
engaged in the hardware business, and in 1876 started a jewelry 
store, and thus far in his business has met with success. In 1871 
he was married to Mary L. Cleveland, and they have 3 children, 2 
girls and a boy. His wife is a member of the M. E. Church. In 
1868 he enlisted in the 35th N. J. Zouaves and was in all the bat- 
tles that the coros was in from Chattanooga to Savannah. 

Henry Hippe^^w, farmer, sec. 8; P. O. Perry; Mr. Hippe was 
born in Germany in 1818, and is a son of Herman Hippe; was 
educated in the schools of Germany, and came to America in 1832, 
stopping at New Orleans, and the same year settling on sec. 8, this 
tp., where he owns 80 acres of land. His eldest son, Henry, is 
carrying on the farm at the present time. 

Hinson S. Hohhs was born in Kentucky in 1814, and is the 
eldest of a family of 9 children; his parents were Solomon and Mary 
L. (Young) Hobbs; his father was born in the fort where Cincinnati 
now stands, and is of English descent; his mother was born in Ken- 
tucky and is of German descent. Solomon Hobbs and wife with 6 
children, in company with Obadiah Mitchell and wife, 7 children 
and one negro, Benj. Morris and wife and 4 children, with one 
wagon and 8 pack-horses, came from Kentucky to Illinois. Our 
subject came to Pike county in 1834; since 1842 he has been farm- 
ing, meeting with success; he is the owner of 60*^ acres of land, 
nearly 400 of which are in Perry tp. He was married in 1842 to 
Mary M. Taylor, daughter of one of the pioneers of Pike county. 
They have had 7 children, 4 boys and 3 girls: two of the former 
and one of the latter are married. His wife is a member of the M. 
E, Church, and he is a Republican in politics. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 495 

Isom L. Ingram was born in Smith county, Tenn., June 12, 1822, 
and is a son of Joshua P. and Susanna (Lenix) Ingram, natives of 
Tennessee, and of English descent. Reengaged in the coopering 
business for 15 years, then followed the carpenter's trade, and for 
several years has been engaged in farming, and owns 172 acres of 
land on sec. 2, this township. He came to Pike county in 1833, 
and Oct. 26, 1843, he was united in marriage with Perlina Rusk; 
8 children have been born to them. His wife is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church. He has served as School Director for 15 years. 

A. J. Johnson, farmer, sec. 36, w;as born in Indiana, and is a son 
of Enos and Sarah (Caw) Johnson, the former a native of Pennsyl- 
vania and of English descent, and the latter of Virginia and of 
Dutch descent; in 1846 he came to Pike countv, where he is engaeced 
in farming. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. F, 99th 111. Inf., under Capt. 
Smith; he was discharged in 1865; he served in 13 hard-fought 
battles. In 1850 he was united in marriage with Amanda Bond; 
7 children have been born to them. His wife is a Missionary Bap- 
tist, and he is a Methodist. 

David Johnston, dec, one of the earliest and most respected citi- 
zens of this county, was born in Wythe county, Ya., July 13, 1797, 
and was a son of Larkin and Mary (Davis) Johnston ; he emigrated 
to Kentucky, where he married Miss Sarah Day, daughter of Joseph 
and Margaret Day, of Kentucky. In 1826 he came to Illinois, 
locating in Sangamon county; and in 1828 he located on a farm 
near Griggsville, Pike county, which he improved, and where he 
lived for two years; in 1830 he moved to Perry tp., where he resided 
until his death, which occurred in Sept., 1879, when he was at the ad- 
vanced age of 82 years, 2 months and 8 days. In 1835 he was 
elected County Surveyor, and served in that capacity for about 13 
years. He and his wife Sarah (Day) Johnston had a family of 9 
children, whose names were: Mary, now Mrs. David Winslow, of 
DeWitt Co., 111.; Margaret E., now Mrs. H. J. Chenoweth, of Perry; 
Sarah J., wife of Hinson Hobbs, of Kansas; Minerva A., wife of 
Wm. Taylor, Perry; Delilia, now Mrs. James Hughes, of Clay Co., 
Neb.; Harvey D., who married Maria Swakyer, and resides in Mo.; 
Thomas, who married Mary E. Chenoweth, and lives at Marysville, 
Mo.; Artemisia, now Mrs. James B. Chenoweth, of Clinton Co., Mo., 
and Ann Eliza, now Mrs. Thomas Seaborn, of McDonough Co., 111., 
Sept. 9, 1865, Mrs. Sarah J. Johnston died, and Sept. 14, 1871. 
Mr. J. married Mrs. Sarah E. Lucas. For some years previous to 
his death Mr. Johnston was engaged in the mercantile business at 
Perry. Mrs. Lucas was the widow of J. B. Lucas, her maiden name 
being Adams. She was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, in 183 L 
By her last marriage she has one son, David L., born Mar. 15, 1874. 
Mrs. J. lives with her two sons, David L. and James P. Lucas, a son 
by a former marriage. Mr. J. was a member of the Christian 
Church for 28 or 30 years, and led an exemplary life. Mrs. J. is 
also a member' of the Christian Church, and has been for 15 or 16 
years. 



i96 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Joseph Jones, farmer, sec. 16; P. O. Ferry; is a native of Penn- 
sylvania, where he was born Jan. 6, 1814; his parents, Joseph and 
Susanna Jones, were natives of the Keystone State, the former of 
Welsh and the latter of German ancestry ; Mr. J. was united in mar- 
riage with Miss Elizabeth Cheek in 1841; live children have been 
born to them, two boys and three girls, all of whom are living. Mr. 
J. came to this county in 1835. He never was inside of a court- 
room. 

Joseph Kirgan\ residence, Perry; was born in Clermont county, 
O., April 10, 1829; his father, Thomas Kirgan, was a native of Ire- 
land; his mother, Mary (Fred) Kirgan, was a native of Ohio; parents 
were farmers, in good circumstances; by occupation Joseph is a 
farmer and has had some experience in milling; at present he is 
engaged in business in Perry, and owns a substantial residence in 
town. He was married Jan. 1, 1863, to Sarah Wilkins, who is a 
member of the Christian Church. He is a member of the order of 
Odd Fellows. 

Fred Lipcaman, sr., is a native of Germany; came to America 
in 1836; lived one year in Kew York, and then came to Pike county, 
where he has ever since resided; he is a farmer, owning 160 acres 
of land on sec. 9. In 1840 he was united in marriage with Barbara 
Lutz, and to them have been born 10 children, 6 boys and 4 girls. 
Both he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. 

Fred Lipcaraan, jr., farmer, sec. 16, was born in Pike county, 
Jan. 14, 1847, and is a son of Fred and Barbara (Lutz) Lipcaman, 
natives of Germany; he was married in 1872 to Kate Hose; three 
children, one boy and two girls, have been born to them, all of whom 
are living. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. He 
is a diligent, successful farmer. 

George Lipcaman, sr., resides on sec. 9, P. O. Perry. 

George Lipcaman, jr., farmer, sec. 5; P. O. Perry; the subject 
of this sketch is a native of Pike county, where he was born in 
1841 ; he is the son of Fred and Barbara (Lutz) Lipcaman, spoken 
of above. He received his education in the common schools of 
this county. In 1862 he enlisted in the service to defend his coun- 
try and served until 1865; took part in the siege of Yicksburg, and 
participated in many of the important engagements of the war. 
He was married in 1867 to Anna Bradbury. 

Thomas J. Magee^ miller, Perry, is a native of this county, and 
was born Aug. 2, 1851; his parents, Thomas M. and Mary (Crosier) 
Magee, are of Irish descent; his father is one of the prominent 
citizens of Perry. Thomas received his education in the common 
schools of Adams county. Recently in company with his father, he, 
has started a first-class mill in Perry. Oct. 8, 1874, he was united 
in marriage with Martha H. Burton. They have one child, a girl. 

William Manton, farmer, sec. 26 ; P. O. Perry. The subject of 
this sketch was born in England in 1843 ; he is the son of James 
and Charlotte (Hammerton) Manton. He came to Illinois in 1854, 
and as a farmer has been quite successful. In 1866 he was married 



H'^ i- 




1< J- 




HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 49 '^ 

to Lucinda Jane Layton. Two boys and two girls have been born 
to them. Politically Mr. M. is a Democrat; has served as School 
Director 7 years, Assessor two years, and Road Commissioner 3 
years. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 76, and of 
Encampment No. 27. Both he and his wife are members of the 
M. E. Church. 

Capt. B. Z. Matthews, the son of John B. and Margaret (Leach) 
Matthews, was born Dec. 15, 1806, in Rouen county, N. C. His 
father was a native of Rockingham county, Ya., his mother of 
North Carolina. She was a daughter of Benj. Leach, who was of 
Welsh descent. Her ancestors emigrated to North Carolina lone: 
before the Revolution, in which they took an active part on the 
side of the Colonies. Their direct paternity also took part in the 
war of 1812. The father of John B. Matthews was a native of the 
county of Tyrone, Ireland, and came to North Carolina in a very 
early day, where he died. John B. Matthews was among the very 
earliest settlers in Pike county, having located here in 1825. 
Crossing Phillips' ferry over the Illinois river, he settled on land 
in Flint tp., where he engaged in farming. When he arrived many 
remnants of once powerful Indian tribes yet remained on their fa- 
vorite hunting-ground. He said that 500 Indians seen in one gang 
was not an uncommon sight. 

They brought with them a family of 6 children : Benj. L., who 
was born in N. C; Alvira and John, born in Ky. ; James, Nancy 
and Robert, born in White county, 111., where the elder Matthews 
emigrated about 1818; two more children, Austin and Albert, 
were born to them in this county. All of these are living except 
John and James. After one year's residence in Flint tp., Mr, JVI, 
moved to sec. 12, Griggsville tp., where he resided for several years; 
then to New Salem tp., where he lived two or three years; and then 
to Perry tp. His wife, Margaret (Leach) Matthews, died on sec. 
32, Perry tp., in 1851 or '52. John B. went to Missouri in 185^ 
and resided with his daughter, Mrs. Alvira Tucker, where he died 
in 1857. 

Capt. Matthews, the subject of this sketch, obtained his early edu- 
cation in the old-fashioned log school-houses of Kentucky and Illi- 
nois. Dec. 24, 1829, he was married to Minerva Carrington, a 
native of Kentucky, and a daughter of Asa Carrington. Mrs. M. 
died Oct. 15, 1841, leaving a family of 4 children, an infant some 
two years old dying 5 days previously. The names of the children 
were Martha, Asa C, Joseph H., Lucinda and Benjamin. Asa C, 
the well known Col. Matthews, of Pittsfield, andMartha, are the 
only two now living. Mr. Matthews was married a second time to 
Sarah Wattles, in 1842. She was a native of Connecticut, and died 
March 2, 1861, leaving 2 children, Harriet and Mary. He was 
married to his 3d and present wife, Mary Layton, in Dec, 1861. 
She is a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Joseph Layton. 
They have 1 child, Anna B. 

30 



500 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

At the age of 21 Capt. Matthews commenced active life with not 
so much as a dime, and with no expectation of anything being 
given to him. He first started for the Galena lead mines; for one 
year prospected, worked bj the month, etc., not being very success- 
ful; the second year he took job work, running a smelting furnace 
and cutting wood. He laid up about $300 this year, when he went 
near Naples, Morgan Co., now Scott Co., and invested a part of 
this in 80 acres of land, upon which he erected a log house, and in 
this he commenced housekeeping after he was married. He then 
bought land on sec. 33, Perry tp., upon which he moved in 1833. 
Up to 1856 Mr. M. turned his entire attention to farming and stock- 
raising. That year, in company witii Cephas Simmons, he built the 
first steam grist-mill that was built in Griggsville. This- mill is 
now run by Mr. Frye. Mr. M. since that time has occupied his 
time in farming mostly, and resides with his family on sec. 28, 
this tp. 

Capt. Matthews is a Republican in politics; was formerly a 
Whig. During the war of the Rebellion he took a prominent and 
active part in support of the administration of President Lincoln, 
and for the preservation of the Union. He raised Co. B of the 
99tli 111. Inft., and was unanimously chosen its Captain. He 
served for about six months, when he was severely attacked with 
chronic rheumatism, on account of which he was obliged to resign 
his office and return home, and suffered severely for three years af- 
terward. The Captain has been a member of the M. E. Church 
for the last 46 years. We give his portrait in this book, which 
was engraved from a photograph taken at the age of 69 years. 

J. C. Meredith was born in Missouri Feb. 2, 1849; is a son of 
William and Amelia (Beatty) Meredith, the former a Welshman, 
his mother a native of Connecticut. J. C. attended the common 
schools of this county, where he received his education; he has fol- 
lowed farming, but at present is engaged in keeping a restaurant 
in Perry. In 1879 he was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony 
with Melissa Bradbury: both of them are members of the Baptist 
Church. Mr. M. is a member of the Odd Fellows order and also 
of the Ancient Order of the United Workmen. 

Joseph F. Metz, merchant, was born in Harrison county, Ya., 
Jan. 31, 1824, and is the son of Isaac and Lucy (Hoskinson) Metz. 
His father was born in Berks county, Peun., June Y, 1799, and 
his mother in Monongahela county, Ya., June 19, 1800. His 
father was of German descent and his mother of Welsh. Has been 
engaged in the mercantile business for 20 years, since 1844 at 
Chambersburg. He came to Perry in November, 1875. He was 
united in marriage in 1852 with Elizabeth Akin. Three children, 
2 girls and a bo}^ have been born to them. 'Mrs. M. died June 13, 
1867. James A., the eldest son, is married and engaged in the 
store with his father. May 7, 1872, he was married to Elizabeth 
Elliott, who is a member of the M. E. Church at Perry. Mr. M. 
is a member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 501 

George 8. Mets^ farmer, sec. 13; P. O. Perry. Mr. Metz was 
"born in Pike county in 1841; he is the son of Isaac and Lucy 
(Hoskinson) Metz, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the 
latter of Virginia. Geo. S. owns 220 acres of land in this county. 
Aug. 23, 1862, he enlisted in Co. B, 99th 111. Inf., under Capt. J. 
W. Fee, and served until 1865. He was in the 40-day siege of 
Vicksburg under Gen. Grant, and was in every battle that the Reg- 
iment was in. He is a radical Republican, politically. 

Thomas Morgan was born^ in county Warwick, England, Feb. 
22, 1816. James and Letitia (Clark) Morgan, his parents, were 
natives of England. He was educated in the common and high 
schools of his native country. He came to America in 1842, and 
lived in St. Louis, then in Alton, Missouri, and Kansas, and then 
came to Pike county in 1862. By occupation he is a stone and 
brick mason, having learned his trade in England. He was mar- 
ried in 1839 to Anna Toltom, a native of England. They have 3 
children, all girls. Mr. M. is a Democrat and a Free Mason. 

A. J. Morris, farmer, sec. 35 ; P. O. Perry. Mr. Morris was 
born in Scott county. 111., Nov. 29, 1840; he received his education 
in the common schools of Missouri; he formerl}^ conducted a 
«aw-inill, and is now the owner of a farm in Perry tp. His parents 
were James and Prudy (Barrett) Morris. In 1868 he was married 
to Mary Hewey. Three children were born to them: James 
Walter, dec, Melissa Ellen and Edward Nathaniel. 

W. W. Morris was born in this county in 1837, and is the son of 
John and Emily (Henly) Morris, natives of Kentucky. He is a 
farmer, owning 190 acres of land in this township. In 1859 he 
married Mary F. Metz, and they have 7 sons and 2 daughters. He 
is a Democrat, has been School Director two terms, and he and his 
wife are Methodists. 

John E. Morton was born in Kentucky Sept. 9, 1833, the son 
of Charles M. and Mary L. (Hawkins) Morton, natives of Orange 
county, Ya., the former of Scottish descent, and the latter English; 
John E. obtained his school education in Adams county, 111., 
whither the family had emigrated when he was an infant. In 
October, 1861, he came into Pike countv. He followed farminer 
until 1860, kept store in Adams county two years, then continued 
the mercantile business at Perry Springs, in partnership with his 
father-in-law, two years: went to Perry in 1865, where he kept 
store two years, and then commenced the business of packing pork 
and dealing in grain and lumber. In 1871 his building was 
burned down, and he lost nearly $4,500. He is now farming. In 
1855 he married Emily J. Brown, and they have" had 3 children. 
He is a Master in Lodge No. 95 of the Masonic Order; his wife is 
a Presbyterian. 

Maj. W. K. Oat was born in Philadelphia, Pa., July 25, 1804, a 
son of Jesse and Charlotte (Happle) Oat, of German descent; for 
thirty years he followed farming in Hunterdon county, N. J., and 
in 1858 he emigrated West, settling in the town of Perry. Dec. 



502 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

4, 1845, he married Mary M. (Bensted), widow of J. W. Calvert. 
The major lias been married three times. He and his present wife 
are Presbyterians. He is a Repnblican, and has been School 
Director and member of the Town Board, 

Jesse Fierce was born in Adams county, 111., in 1844, and is 
the son of John and Nancy (Wilson) Pierce, natives of Kentucky. 
He is a farmer on sec. 7. In 1862 he enlisted in Company H., 
129th resjimeut, under Capt. Case, and was discharged June 8, 
1805. He went witli Sherman on his Grand March to the Sea. 
In 1867 he married Martha Green, and their children are 4 boys 
and 3 girls. Mr. Pierce is a Republican. 

Dr. J. G. Phillips was born in Lexington, Ky., in 1826. His 
parents, Joseph M. and Nancy (Miller) Phillips, were natives of 
Pennsylvania and Kentucky, respectively. He received his com- 
mon-school education in Illinois. In 1855 he graduated in med- 
icine at the Missouri University, and practiced in Iowa nine years; 
most of the time in Illinois he has been in Brown county. In 
1878 he came to Perry, where he has a successful practice. In 1850 
he married Mary Ann Thompson, and in 1869 he married a sec- 
ond wife, Minerva A. McClure. He has been a Scliool Director 
and Town Trustee in Mount Sterling. He served two terms in 
the Legislature as a representative of Brown county. Politics, 
Democrat. In 1847 he was in the Mexican war, and discharged 
in 1848 at Santa Fe. In 1862 he enlisted in the war of the 
Rebellion; was Captain of 36th 111., but so on resigned on account of 
ill health. 

W. A. Reed., wagon and carriage manufacturer, Perry, was born 
in Hamilton county, O., May 11, 1838, the son of Joseph and 
Mary (Ward) Reed, the former a native of Kentucky, and of Irish 
ancestry. He received his education in the common and select 
schools of Ohio, and Perry, 111.; he learned the blacksmith's trade, 
but at present is engaged in the manufacture of wagons, buggies, 
etc., at which he is very successful. In 1860 he was married to 
Lizzie Lynn, in Winchester, 111., and they have 2 children, both 
girls. Both Mr. and Mrs. R. are members of the M. E. Church, 
of which he has been Recording Steward. He has served as Town 
Clerk and Police Magistrate. 

O. Remington was born in Ohio in 1830; his father, Anthony, 
was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother, Wealthy Ann, nee 
Aldridge, was born in Ohio. Their ancestry was English. The 
subject of this sketch came to Pike county in 1835, and has lived 
in this county ever since. He followed farming until 1877; then 
he was in the hardware business a little over a year in Perry. In 
1854 he was married, but his wife died, and he married again in 
1872. He has had 3 children by each wife. He is a Democrat; 
has been Road Commissioner, School Trustee and Director. He 
was a partner in the Perry Woolen Mills two years. 

Norman Reynolds was born in Scott county. 111., in 1844, and 
is the son of Allen B. and Louisa (Bradbury) Reynolds. His 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 503 

father was born in Putnam county, N. Y., and his mother in 
Brown county, O., and both of Scotch-Irish ancestry. The subject 
of this sketch is a farmer by occupation. In 1861 he enlisted in 
the 33d 111. Voh Inf., and while serving as cook he lost his sight 
and became so blind that in 1863 he was discharged. He was in 
the battles of Cotton Plant and Boliver Bend, both in Arkansas. 
He is a man of more than ordinary energy. He says that he can 
do any kind of work now that he ever could do when he could see, 
and will walk all over and around the town of Perry, and even go 
into the country four or five miles. He superintends all his work. 
In 1877 he married Mattie A. Crawford. Thev are members of 
the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican. 

N. W. Reynolds was born in North Salem, West Chester Co., 
I^. Y., April 4, 1802; he is the son of Zadok M. and Polly Rey- 
nolds, natives of the Empire State, and of English descent; he 
emigrated West in an early day and Aug. 11, 1837, located in the 
town of Perry, where he has ever since lived. At the age of 16 
our subject commenced to learn the trade of manufacturing sad- 
dles, harness and trunks, which business he followed until 1864. 
In 1844 he started the first hotel in the town of Perry, called the 
Perry House, and conducted it with success until 1860. In 1824 
he married Eliza C. Crissey, who died Sept. 11, 1859. They had 
4 children, all now married and doing well. In 1860 Mr. R. mar- 
ried again. His present wife is a Baptist, while he is a member 
of the Methodist Church and has been Class-Leader, Steward and 
Trustee; in politics he is a Republican. He is a charter member 
of the Masonic Lodge at Perry, No. 95, and also of the Chapter. 

ThoTnas Reynolds, one of the early settlers and now one of the 
most prominent citizens of Perry tp., was born at Argyle, Wash- 
ington county, N. Y., Aug. 8, 1816; his father, William, was a 
native of Ireland and his mother, Nancy (?i«is Martin) Reynolds, a 
native of New York and of Scottish ancestry. His father came to 
America when 20 years of age, locating at Argyle, N. Y., where 
he married. ' In 1826 he moved to the western part of New York 
State. He and his \yife both died at Jamestown, N. Y., aged 64 
and 60 respectively. Thomas first settled in Pike county in the 
summer of 1842, when he bought a grain thresher and separator, 
the first in the county, and followed threshing with some kind of 
machine in connection with farming for 23 years. Feb. 4, 1844, 
he married Lucy Jane Callis, daughter of David and Sarah (Wal- 
pole) Callis, of Virginia, and earlj' settlers in this county. The 
ancestry of the Walpoles is traced in a direct line to Sir Edward 
Walpole, of England, a branch of the family having settled in 
Virginia previous to the Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds 
have 6 children: Nancy Malvina, who married Robert Buckthorp; 
Sarah Jane, who married Henry Cocking: these reside at Jackson- 
ville, 111.; David M., who married Ada Burrows and resides in 
Spring Creek township, this county; William T., John W. and 



504 HISTORY OF* PIKE COUNTT. 

Huorli Lee are with their parents. Mr, Reynolds and most of his 
family are Methodists. 

Although Perry tp. is largely Repuhlican and Mr. Reynolds is 
a Democrat, he has been elected to fill nearly every office in the 
gift of the township, besides having been County Treasurer two 
years. lie was Supervisor for 9 or 10 years, School Director 20 
years. Road Commissioner, etc., etc. He was elected County 
Treasurer in 1876, when he furnished security of $1,100, 035, 
which was far heavier than any ever before given in the county. He 
was expected to collect and pay oiF bonds for the Sny levee. 
During his term of office the county prosecuted a suit against the 
railroads to collect tax on their capital stock, and the decision was 
in favor of the county. Mr, R. took an active part in securing this 
result. While Treasurer he resided in Pittsfield. He is now on 
his farm, K. W. ^ sec, 26. In 1845 he bought 180 acres, but he 
now has 240 at his homestead, 216 on sees. 31 and 32, Chambers- 
burg tp., and 240 on sees. 10 and 11, Spring creek tp. Mr. Rey- 
nolds' portrait will be found in this volume. 

Joseph. B. Richart, carpenter and contractor, was born Aug, 5, 
1847, and is a son of David S. Rickart, who is a native of Ohio and 
a merchant in Perry, where Joseph also resides. His motlier is of 
German ancestry. By occupation Mr. R. is a carpenter, and is ac- 
counted one of the best mechanics in Perry. He began to learn 
his trade at the age of 20, and has continued to follow it with en- 
ergy and success. He does considerable contracting, and is a man 
who loves the association of books. 

Charles Schaffnit^ insurance agent and dealer in musical instru- 
ments and sewing-machines, Perry, was born in Pike county, Oct. 
24, 1848, and is a son of Martin and Mary (Lutz) Schaffnit, natives of 
Germany. He received his education partly in the common schools, 
and also attended the Central Wesleyan College of Missouri. He 
came to Perry in 1871, where he has met with eminent success in 
his business. He represents the German Insurance Company of 
Freeport, the Phoenix of Hartford, the American of Chicago, and 
the- Home Life of New York. His father came to Illinois in 1847; 
in 1872 the subject of this sketch was married to Louisa Yockey; 
to them have been born 3 children, — 2 boys and 1 girl, all living. 
He and liis wife are members of the M. E. Church, of which he 
has been Steward. Mr. L. is Justice of the Peace of Perry, and 
handles the Whitney & Holmes organ and all kinds of sewing 
machines. 

D. D. Schauh, carpenter, was born in Monroe, O., Feb. 23, 1838; 
his parents, David and Catharine B. (Bitz) Schaub, were both of Ger- 
man descent. He received his early education in the Baldwin 
University of Ohio. At the early age of 14 he began to learn the 
carpenter's trade, and most of his life since has been spent in this 
calling. He is a Trustee of the town of Perry, and a member of the 
Masonic order. In 1863 he was united in marriage with Caroline 
Feldner, Both of them are membersof the M, E, Church. 



5^6) W 






1^ ■■^' ^ .>W4i »c^-«a^:^ 







FIRST JAIL AT PITTSFIELD 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 507 

Jon Shastid was born in Tennessee, June 2, 1827, and is a son 
of John G. and Elizabeth (Edwards) Shastid, the former a native 
of Tennessee, and his mother of North Carolina. John came to 
Pike county in 1836, locating at Fittslield. In 1862 he moved 
to Perry. He received his education in the common schools and 
the Illinois Colleo^e at Jacksonville. He followed teaching from 
1844 to 1868. He taught three terms in the countrv and has 
taught in Pittsfield, Griggsville, Perry, Barry, Mt. Sterling and 
Lewistown. In 1869 he embarked in the commercial business with 
his father-in-law, under the firm name of Kockill & Shastid, and 
they have transacted a successful business. In 1864 Mr. Shastid was 
united in marriage with Esther Anna Kockill, and both are members 
of the Christian Church. 

benjamin Taylor Shoemaker, deceased, was born in New 
Jersey, Feb, 12, 1812, and was the son of Daniel Shoemaker. He 
was reared on a farm and received his education in the common 
schools of his native State. He was a natural genius and a me- 
chanic of superior ability. As a farmer he was very successful, and 
was considered one of the best farmers in the county where he lived 
in New Jersey. He came to Illinois in 1868, and died Oct. 26, 
1872. His wife, whom he married in 1863, bought 120 acres of 
land near Perry. She was a widow lady at the time they were mar- 
ried, having been the wife of Mr. Felmley: her maiden name was 
Ellen Yoorhees. Mr. Shoemaker had 5 children by a former wife, 
all of whom are living and married. Mrs. S. had 2 children by her 
former husband. The elder son, David, is teaching in Carrollton, 
Greene county. He has been attending college at Ann Arbor, 
Mich. 

John G. Smith, dec, was born in Illinois in 1833, and was the 
son of Absalom and Sarah (Tunnel) Smith. He was engaged in 
farming during his life, at which business he was successful, and 
owned a farm at the time of his death in 1875. He was united in 
marriage in 1868 with Miss Elizabeth T. Shelton ; two children, 
one boy and one girl, were born to them. Mrs. S. was born in Pike 
county, III., in 1845, and is the daughter of C. Shelton, one of the 
pioneers of Pike county. She is a member of the M. E. Church 
at Perry. 

W. W. Smith was born in "West Yirginia in 1833, the son of 
Gabriel and Elizabeth (Nair) Smith, natives of Yirginia ; father 
of German, and mother of Irish descent ; was educated in the com- 
mon schools of W. Ya.; is engaged in farming, owning 200 acres 
in this county. For 10 years he was engaged in threshing in Pike 
county. Aug. 16, 1860, he was joined in the holy bonds of matri- 
mony with Frances A. Brown. Ella Y., George M. and Harvey 
D. are their living children. Both Mr. and Mrs. S. are members 
of the M. E. Church. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd 
Fellows fraternities. Ancient Order of the- United Workmen, and 
of the society for protection against horse-thieves. He came to 



508 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

this county in 1857, settling at Perry, at which place he has since 
resided. 

John Jacob Snider, farmer, sec. 6 ; P. O. Perry. Henry and 
Catharine Snider are the parents of the subject of this sketch, and 
they emigrated to this county in 1850 ; John Jacob, who was born 
in Germany April 7, 1840, came to this county and located at Perry 
in 1853 ; he was educated in the common schools. He learned the 
trade of a tailor, at which business he was engaged 8 years. Sept. 
21, 1865, he was united in marriage with Maria Herche ; 4 chil- 
dren, 2 boys and 2 girls, were born to them. Both Mr. and Mrs. 
S. are members of the M. E. Church. 

George W. Steele, miller, Perry, was born in Pike Co., 111., Jan. 
29, 1840 ; his parents, L. J. and Sarah (Walker) Steele, were natives 
of Kentucky, his father of German, and his motber of English 
descent. Geo. W. received his education mostl}- in Adams Co., 
111. He has been engaged in Hinman Mills at Perry for the last 8 
years. In 1859 he was united in marriage with Catharine Mull : 
of the 7 children born to them 6 are living, — 5 boys and one girl. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the M. E. Church. 

James Stewart, farmer, sec. 2 ; P. O. Perry. The subject of 
this biography was born in the State of Kentucky March 17, 1818; 
he is the son of Peter Stewart, of Delaware, and Tamar Stewart, 
nee Hancock, of Maryland, and both of Scottish descent. Mr. 
Stewart did not have the advantages of school, never having attend- 
ed a day in his life. Until be was 18 years of age he did not live 
within 20 miles of a school-house. He came to Pike county in 
1825. He is the owner of 300 acres of land, and as a farmer is 
successful. In 1839 he was united in marriage with Miss K. 
Arnott. His third wife was Martha Jane Newton, who was bora 
in Brown Co., 0., May 29, 1810. When Mr. Stewart first came to 
Morgan county his nearest neighbor was 6 miles distant, and there 
was only one house in Jacksonville. 

Ransom Stowe, manufacturer. Perry, is a son of David and Sally 
(Palmer) Stowe, natives of Vermont ; he was born in 1815; 
received his education in the common schools of the Green Moun- 
tain State ; in 1850 came to Illinois, and in 1852 to Perry, where 
be has since resided. He had been engaged in farming, but since 
that date has been running a plow manufactory in Perry, and has 
been moderately successful. In 1835 he took unto himself a wife 
in the person of Ann Prindle ; by this union 2 children w^ere born. 
Mrs. S. died in 1871, and in 1873 Mr. Stowe was united in mar- 
riage with Sarah Stewart. Israel F., born in 1874, is their only 
child. Mrs. S. is a member of the M. E. Church. 

Richard Sweeting, farmer, sec. 33 ; P. O. Perry. Mr. S. is a 
native of England, and was born Sept. 10, 1819. His parents, 
Jonathan and Mary (Norfolk) Sweeting, were also natives of En- 
gland. Richard came to Americaat the age of 19, and to Pike 
county in 1850, where he has since resided. He was united in 
marriajje with Dorotha Marshall, and thev have had 11 children, 7 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 509 

of whom are living. Mr. S. learned the bakery and confectionery 
trade in England, but has been farming since he came to America. 
He arrived in his adopted country with $3.75. He now owns a 
good farm of 160 acres. His wife is a member of the Church of 
England. 

Sutjphin Taylor, farmer, sec. 18 ; P. O. Perry ; was born in Pike 
county in 1844, the son of Simon H. and JSTancy Taylor, Kentuck- 
iansj— his father of Welsh and mother of German descent. Mr. 
T. is the youngest of a family of 13 children. For several years 
he engaged in blacksmithing. In 1870 he was united in marriage 
with Lucinda Barnett. Mr. T. is a member of the Masonic lodge 
at Perry. Politically he is a Democrat. 

Wiliiam Taylor, the son of Wm. and Charlotte (Philpot) Taylor, 
was born in Connecticut in 1838; his parents were natives of Eng- 
land. He received his education mostly in Pike county, where he 
came in 1850, and went to Ottawa, La Salle Co., where in 1861 he 
enlisted in Co. E, 26th 111. Inf, and was discharged in 1863 on 
account of disability. He was in the battle of Corinth, luka, Par- 
ker's Cross Roads, Farmington, and several skirmishes while in 
Missouri. Has resided in Perry since his discharge from the army, 
where he has been elected township Collector for 7 years in succes- 
sion. In 1865 he was married to Elmira Francis. They have two 
children, both girls. He is a member of the Christian Church at 
Perry. 

^William Thompson, farmer, see. 15; P. O. Perry. Wm. Thomp- 
son was born in Boston, Mass., Oct. 31, 1828; his parents were 
Wm. and Hannah (Lowe) Thompson, the former of the Keystone, 
the latter of the Bay State. Mr. T. came to Pike county in 1835, 
and has resided on sec. 15, Perry tp., ever since, engaged in farm- 
ing, at which business he has been very successful, owning three 
farms in this county. His father died Sept. 11, 1871, and his 
mother is living with him. In his father's family were 8 children, 
2 boys and 6 girls, 5 of whom are living, and all in this county 
except one. His mother, Hannah (Lowe) Thompson, was born in 
1802, and his father was born June 3, 1795, and served in the war 
of 1812. 

Wm. M, Todd was born Oct. 12, 1840, in this county, and is the 
son of Wm. and Lucy (Morris) Todd, of Kentucky ; he received 
only a common-school education. He was united in marriage in 
1875 to Mrs. Elizabeth Davis, nee Remington. They have two 
children. By occupation Mr. T. is a farmer, but also has followed 
the business of a plasterer. Mr. T. is a member of the M. E. 
Church. Politically he is a Democrat, and has served as Constable. 

Charles Wade, farmer, sec. 7; P.O. Perry. On the 4th day of 
January, 1854, there was born to John and Yibiler (Taylor) Wade, 
a son, the subject of this sketch; he attended the common schools 
in this county. He was married April 8, 1877, to Fannie M. Hobbs. 
In politics he is a Republican. 



510 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Jolm Wade, deceased, was born in Kentucky in 1829, and early 
became a resident of Pike county, and engaged in fanning. He 
was married in 1850 to Vibiler Taylor, and of the 5 children born 
to thein — 3 boys and 2 girls — one son and one daughter are married. 
Mr. Wade died several years ago. Mrs. Wade is the daughter of 
Simon H. Taylor, who emigrated to Pike county in 1825, and has 
since resided here. Mrs. W. resides on sec. 8. 

Z. Wade was born in Kentucky June 4, 1823, and is the son of 
Josiah and Frances Wade, the father of Virginia and of English 
descent, and the mother of Kentucky and of AVelsh descent. Mr. 
Wade came to Pike county in 1830, and has seen a vast wilderness 
transformed into a fruitful Held. He is the first man who discov- 
ered the medical properties of the famous Perry Springs; he con- 
ducted them very successfully for 6 years. As a farmer he has 
been quite successful ; he now owns two farms. In politics he is a 
Kepublican; has served three terms as a Supervisor, and has been a 
School Trustee, Road Commissioner, etc. In 1819 he was married 
to Mary Morrison, and they have a family of one boy and two girls. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the M. E. Church, of which 
Mr. W. has ever been an active member. 

Leonard Wagner, farmer sec. 4; P. O. Peny; was born in Pike 
county in 1841, and is the son of John and Catharine (Lutz) Wag- 
ner, both natives of Germany. Mr. W. is engaged in farming on 
sec. 4, where he owns 80 acres. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. B, 99th 
111. Inf, under Capt. B. L, Matthews; he was in almost all the 
battles in which his regiment was engaged; he was discharged in 
1865. He was married in 1867 to Caroline Schwer. Both he and 
his wife are members of the M. E. Church. 

William Wagner, farmer sec. 6; P. (>. Perry. The parents of 
the subject of this sketch, John and Catharine Wagner, were na- 
tives of Germany; William was born in this county in 1842; 
attended the common schools and received a fair education; his 
father came to Pike county 43 years ago. William is engaged in 
farming, owning a farm of 135 acres. In 1867 he was ijnited in 
marriage with Miss Louisa Jane Rider, and they have a family of 
4 boys and 4 girls. Both Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the 
Zion M. E. Church. 

W. C. Waljpole was born in Tennessee, and is the son of William 
and Rebecca (James) Walpole, the former a native of Yirginia, and 
the latter of Tennessee; he came to Pike county in 1833 and has 
resided here ever since. In 1862 he enlisted in the 99th 111. Inf., 
Co. B, under Capt. Matthews, and served until 1865; was in the 
battles of Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River, siege of 
Yicksburg, Matagorda, Tex., and Spanish Fort, but was never 
wounded or taken prisoner. In 1854 he was united in marriage 
with Marina Piper, and they have a family of one boy and one girl, 
at home. All are members of the M. E. Church. His wife's father^ 
Abraham Piper, was one of the earliest settlers of Pike county. 



'HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 511 

Henry Warren was born in Ohio, Sept. 30, 1827, and is a son ot 
John and Sarah (Brantlingter) Warren, both natives of Ohio, 
mother of German, and father of English ancestry. Henry began 
to learn his trade when a boy, and has worked at it ever since, and 
has conducted a shop in Perry for several years. In 1854 he was 
married, and his wife died May 16, 1869. He has a family of 2 
boys and 2 girls. He has served as a' member of the Board of 
Trustees of Perry. 

B. A. Watson, proprietor of the Perry Mineral Springs, is a na- 
tive of Tennessee. Here he was born in 1818. His parents, W. W. 
and Maria (Cape) "Watson, were natives of New Jersey and Ken- 
tucky respectively. When our subject was 18 years of age he 
emigrated to Illinois, and from 1840 to 1865 he was engaged in the 
manufacture of confectioneries at Springfield, at which business 
he was quite successful. Thinking to better his condition he moved 
to the celebrated Perry Springs, where he expended the enormous 
sum of $100,000 in the erection of buildings and other improve- 
ments. These Springs are very largely attended by parties from 
all parts of the United States. We speak at length of them in our 
history of the township. Mr. W. was married to Miss Emma P. 
Planck, in 1845; by this union 7 children have been born. The 
eldest son and daughter are both married, the latter the wife of Dr. 
A. B. Carey, of Pittsfield. Mrs. W. died in 18T0. Mr. W. has 
served as Postmaster in Perry Springs for the last 10 years. 

Jacob Weber, born in Germany in 1829, is the son of John and 
Mary (Peadiner) Weber, natives of Germany, where they both died. 
He received his education in the common schools, and emigrated to 
America in 1852 ; is a blacksmith, and commenced to learn his trade 
at the age of 14, and worked at it 8 years in Germany; also 8 years 
in Philadelphia; the last 18 years he has followed farming, with 
success. He owns 150 acres of land on sec. 17. In 1854 he mar- 
ried Mary Klos, a member of the M, E. Church. They have 2 sons 
and 5 daughters. Mr. Weber is a Democrat. 

A. S. Wkitiaker was born Oct. 25, 1818, in Greene county, N. Y.; 
he is the son of William E. and Anna (Dubois) Whittaker, natives 
of New York, the former of English ancestry, and the latter of 
French. He commenced to learn the carpenter's trade at the age of 
14 and worked at it until 1853, since which time he has kept a 
general store. He has had 2 partners since starting in business 
here, but for the last 5 years he has been alone. In 1840 he married 
Lucinda Smith, and they have 5 daughters and one son. Mr. and 
Mrs. W. are Universalists, and he is a member of Lodge No. 95, 
A. F. and A. M. 

Smith Wilkins, wagon and carriage manufacturer, was born in 
Poss county, O., in 1851. His parents were Peter and Elizabeth 
(Bowen) Smith, natives of Ohio, and of German ancestry; he was 
educated in a common school. For several months he has been 
running the engine at Hinman's Mill. June 11, 1875, he married 



512 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Sarah Kellej, and they have 2 sons and one daughter. Politically, 
Mr. Wilkins is a Republican. 

W. If. Wilson was born Sept. 16, 1845, in Enejland, and is the 
son of Henry and Catharine S. (Stratton) Wilson, natives of Eng- 
land; received his school education in the common school in Brown 
county. 111.; six months lie attended Bryant & Stratton's Commer- 
cial College. He has lived in Pike county since 1856, except one 
year, 1864, he was in the army. He now lives half a mile from 
Perry, where he and his father own 400 acres of land and follow 
farming. In 1869 he married Miss C. E. Bradbury, and they have 
2 daughters, — Grace, 9 years old, and Bessie, 5. Mr. and Mrs. W. 
are Presbyterians. As to politics Mr. W. votes for the best man. 
Mr. Wilson pays as he goes, never contracting debts. 

Henry Winters was born in 1845, in Calhoun county. 111.; when 
young his parents brought him into Pike county, but he was educated 
at the Warren Institute at Warrenton,Mo. By occupation he is a bar- 
ber. During the war he enlisted in Co. B, 99th Reg. 111. Vol., and was 
in the battle of Hartsville, Mo., and the siege of Yicksburg. Seven 
holes were shot through his coat, but he received no wound. He 
was in Gen. Grant's command. 

Frank Wright, carriage blacksmith, was born in 1855, son of 
Robert and Harriet Wright, his father of Irish ancestry, and his 
mother a native of Pennsylvania. After traveling and working in 
several States he, in 1867, settled in Pike county. He has followed 
the trade of blacksmithing ever since he was 16 years of age. In 
1878 he married Flora Schaub, and Charley, born in 1879, is their 
only child. He is a Democrat, and she a Methodist. 

Fred Zimmerman^ farmer, sec. 7; P. O. Perry; was born in this 
county Sept. 19, 1843; his parents were George and Anna Maria 
(Lutz) Z., natives of Germany. He owns 124 acres of good land, 
and is a successful farmer. In 1866 he married Catharine Bemer, 
and they have 3 boys and 2 girls. They are both Methodists, and 
he is a Democrat and an Odd Fellow. 

George Zimmerman^ farmer, sec. 4; P. O. Perry; was born Oct. 
7, 1810, in Germany, and is an early settler of this county, having 
come to America in 1833, stopping 4 years in New York, and in 
1837 settling in Pike county, on the place where he still resides. 
In 1836 he married Anna Maria Lutz, and their 8 children are all 
living, 5 of them married. He and his wife are both members of 
the M. E. Church. He is an independent Democrat; has served as 
a School Director. He owns 160 acres of land. 



GRIGGSVILLE TOWNSHIP. 

Among the beautiful, productive and well-improved lands in the 
Military Tract — and there is no fairer section in this great State — 
Griggsville township stands foremost. It possessed many of the 
charms that were likely to attract the attention and receive the 
favor of the pioneer seeking a home in a new country, — the fine 
points of timber, high rolling land, running water, and the 
absence of all those things which were popularly supposed to pro- 
duce prevalent sickness in a new settlement. Accordingly, early 
in the history of Pike county we find the groves and " points " of 
this township settled; as early as 1825 came Henry Bateman, who 
located on sec. 14. He doubtless had traveled this region over, 
and had selected this spot because of the particular charms it pos- 
sessed for him. He was not molested by the encroachment of new 
settlers for some years. From 1829 to 1831 came several pioneers, 
■ among whom were George W. Hinman, Abel Shellej^ Uriah El- 
ledge, Abraham Goldman, Nimrod Phillips and others. The first 
birth in the township was the son of Mr. Bateman, and the first 
person to die was his wdfe. 

Ere man}' years had rolled by all the good points of timber had 
been taken. Many years, however, elapsed before any consider- 
able number of the pioneers pushed out upon the beautiful prairie 
land. It was formerly believed that these wild prairies never 
would be inhabited. They might do for cattle to rove over, as they 
do over the vast pampas of South America. As late as 1850 the 
argument used by Stephen A. Douglas in securing the passage, 
through Congress, of the act granting to the State the alternate 
sections of land for six miles on either side of the railroad (the Illi- 
nois Central) to be built, was that in no other way could these vast 
prairies ever be settled. A wonderful revolution has been made in 
this respect, however, as in many others. Now the timbered land 
is forsaken for the poorest of prairie. 

Elledge Canon. — This township is not without its natural fea- 
tures of interest as well as the works of nature's art. One is known 
as ''The Canon," which the writer has christened "Elledge Canon." 
This narrow, deep hollow, is situated on sec. 6, on the south branch 
of McGee's creek, and upon the land of Thomas P. Elledge; hence 
its name. As we wended our way through this narrow pass, 



514 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

observing with deepest interest the mossy clifFs on either side, we 
determined to name it a canon. On mentioning our intentions, 
however, to Mr. Elledge, we learned that it had been known as 
" The Canon " for several years. We therefore prefixed the word 
" Elledge," which we deem but just and proper. 

The Unfortunate Calf. — In the pioneer days of this county there 
occurred many laughable incidents. Among those which were related 
to us as happening in this township is the following, showing how 
great a trouble may arise from a little matter. On a certain occasion 
John Dix purchased a calf and tied it to his cart to lead home. On the 
way home his oxen took fright and ran away, dragging the poor 
calf over the rough roads by the neck. "We imagine it an interest- 
ing scene to observe Mr. Dix running at the top of his speed, and 
keeping barely close enough to reach the caudal appendage of the 
calf as it dangled among the brush. He finally overtook the oxen 
and rescued the choking calf by lifting it up and throwing it into 
the cart. A neighbor's dog subsequently bit the calf, from the ef- 
fects of which it died. Had this been the last of the calf it would 
have been better for all the parties concerned, but it still lives in 
the memories of many. Had it been forgotten, a vast amount of 
time, worry and expense would have been saved. Not being able 
to settle the case among themselves, Mr. Dix sued his neighbor. 
From the Justice's Court it was appealed to the Circuit Court, 
which then sat at Atlas. After a somewhat extended trial for so 
small a case, it was finally settled, as it was thought; but one day an 
oflicer of the Court came to Mr. Dix with a demand for the costs of 
the case, which surprised him not a little. The demand howev^er 
was upon Levi Dix, another individual. Mr. Dix refused to pay it, 
and another lawsuit occurred, which was finally settled by Mr. Dix 
proving that Levi Dix never owned a calf. 

EDUCATIONAL.* 

The settlers of Griggsville township, like all the setlers of 50 
years ago, had many ditiiculties to overcome before any perceptible 
progress could be made in establishing educational institutions. 
The first efforts at instruction of any kind were very simple lessons 
in rudimentary knowledge, given at the residences of the early set- 
tlers. The first school was taught by John Cavender in a small 
log cabin on the Judge Harrington farm, where now resides George 
Harrington. The first school-house was built before there were any 
regular schools. It was erected on sec. 14 in 1833. Since, the 
schools have multiplied, and at present they stand second to none 
in the county, great care being taken in the selection of teachers 
and the use of proper text-books. This locality has a system of 
schools that the patrons may well be proud of. There are now 
seven school-houses in the township, besides the city schools of 
Griggsville. 



HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 515 



OKGANIZATION. 



The township of Griggsville was organized nnder the township 
organization law in 1850. The first election was held in April of 
that year. At that election Amos Hill was chosen Supervisor, 
James A. Kenne\', Town Clerk; Porter Cotton, Assessor; Samuel 
Keynolds, Collector; Samuel Hill, Wm. Hinman and James Shinn, 
Commissioners of Highways; John Crow and B. F. Coifey, Jus- 
tices of the Peace; S. B. Elledge and Frank Hatch, Constables. 



GRIGGSVILLE. 



This city is pleasantly located upon the Wabash Kailway, about 
four miles from the Hlinois river. It is situated upon a beautiful 
eminence. In its immediate vicinity the land is sufficiently roll- 
ing, requiring no drainage, and makes what is apparently a healthy 
location. It was laid out in 1833, by Joshua Stanford, Nathan W. 
Jones and Richard Griggs, and was named Griggsville by Mr. 
Jones in honor of Richard Griggs. It consisted of eight blocks on 
the north side and eight upon the south side of Quincy Avenue. 
Each block contained eight lots of one-quarter of an acre each. The 
original plat made provisions for a public square, containing two 
acres. It was subsequently re-platted, however, and instead of a 
public square two lots in block 3, two lots in block 14, two lots in 
block 2 and two lots in block 15, were given for Church and school 
purposes. There has since been added to the original plat John- 
son's, Jones & Purkitt's, McConnell & Clark's, Parsons', Simmons' 
and Hatch's additions. The place was incorporated by a vote under 
an act of the General Assembly approved Sept. 10, 1849, on the 
16th of November, 1852; and on ttie 23d of the same month, Reu- 
ben Hatch, Porter Cotton, Jesse G. Crawford, Charles Kenney and 
Marshal Ayers were elected Trustees. On the 26th of November, 

1878, it was voted to organize as a city under an act of the General 
Assembly approved Sept. 10, 1872. At an election held April 15, 

1879, the following oliicers were elected : Mayor, Daniel Dean; 
Aldermen — James B. Morrison, H. L. Hurt, Wm. A. Wise, James 
Oliver, David Borrowman, John W. Stead; Clerk, E. A. F. Allen; 
Attorney, Edward Doocy; Treasurer, James A. Farrand, 

An Abolition Melee. — In the year 1838 there occurred an inci- 
dent in Griggsville which, although not commendable in itself, 
would be well to record in the annals of Griggsville's history. In 
those early days, as in more modern times, there were the pro- 
slavery and the anti-slavery parties. At the annual election that 
autumn each party brought forth a strong man for Constable. 
Marshall Key was theDemocratic candidate, and B. F. Cofifey the 
Whig candidate. A very hot contest ensued, which resulted in the 
election of CofPey. Some of the opposition seemed to take offense 
at the proceedings. Whether Coffey was fairly elected or not we 
are not prepared to say. Be that as it may, however, a Key man 
assaulted a Coffey man immediately after the election, striking him 



516 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

in the back. A general melee then followed, but no one was se- 
riously hurt. 

In a few weeks after the above occurrence a gentleman visited 
Griggsville, holding anti-slavery meetings and circulating a peti- 
tion to Congress asking that honorable body to abolish slavery in 
the District of Columbia, and the non-admission of Texas as a State. 
The petition was iirst presented for signers at a religious meeting 
at the Methodist Church. Previous to the close of the service the 
minister gave notice that the above petition was in the hands of a 
gentleman present, and that he would be pleased to have any one 
present who felt so disposed, sign it. Quite a number walked 
forward and signed their names. A few parties in the audience 
signified their disapproval of such proceedings, excitement running 
high among the more ignorant class. They met in a saloon, known 
then as a " grocery," where liquor was sold, and passed resolutions 
that the parties who had signed that obnoxious petition should be 
compelled to erase their signatures from it. To carry out this 
design, on the morning following the last anti-slavery meeting, 
they pursued the gentleman who held the petition, overtaking him 
on the farm of J. K. Moore, and compelled him to produce the 
document. They then returned and waited upon those parties 
whose names appeared upon the paper, and demanded of them that 
they should immediately erase them, under the penalty of violence 
if they should refuse. Some complied with this demand, but others 
did not. These disturbers of the peace then notified the obstinate 
ones that they must erase their names, and accordingly appointed 
an evening to " finish up the business, " They again met in the 
same grocery to more fully complete their organization, and " fire 
up," The good people of the countiy being afraid of their man ceu- 
vers, came pouring into town about twilight, well armed and equip- 
ped, to acton the defensive. They met with the peaceable people 
of Griggsville in the hotel and organized, appointing Mr, Blood as 
their Captain, A committee was also appointed to confer with a 
committee of the other party, in which conference the committee 
from the citizens informed the disturbers that they must imme- 
diately disband, or else they would be dealt with harshly, and that 
the first man who dared to intimidate another petitioner would 
receive a "fresh supply of ammunition," 

The disturbers then seeing the turn of affairs, decided to abide 
the decision of the citizens and immediately disbanded. Thus 
ended what might have assumed the form of a riot, had it not been 
for the timely aid and energy of the peaceful citizens of the neigh- 
borhood. 

War Record. — It is no wonder that this township, whose politi- 
cal education has consisted largely in means of bringing discomfort 
to the slaveholders and their hired slave-catchers, should take a 
deep interest in a war wliich, though not primarily waged in the 
interest of the colored race, must nevertheless result in their lib- 
eration. To that end Griggsville made a large and precious sacri- 



b'/li 





7T7^^>1^ 



GRJ6GSVJLLE 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 519 

fice. The alarm of war had scarcely sounded before the able-bodied 
citizens of the township were seen marching toward the nearest 
recruiting stations in squads, as it were. It is difficult to give the 
number that went from the township, but suffice it to say that 
more enlistments are recorded from Griggsville than from any other 
point in the county. 

Quite a number of those who went to defend their country from 
•Griggsville were killed in actual conflict. Some died in rebel 
prisons from starvation, and otliers of wounds or disease contracted 
in the army. Their bones lie mingled with the soil of the country 
which they went out to rescue from the hands of those who sought 
to destroy it. The sacrifice was a costly one, but their country 
■demanded it, and they gave it willingly. 

RELIGIOUS. 

The old pioneers, though they would not have hesitated much 
to engage in a rough-and-tumble fight, and did not hesitate to take 
a dram once in a while (though they say the whisky did not con- 
tain as much infernal fire as it does now), were yet almost uni- 
versally pious people, and enjoyed themselves religiously quite as 
■well as the more fastidious church-goers of to-day. The religious 
services were simple, the church buildings were simple, the meth- 
ods of conveyance to and from the church were simple, and the 
manners, dress and intercourse of the people who attended church 
■were primitive in the extreme. But some of the old pioneers 
assert that the natural organs of voice with which they praised 
God were to be preferred to the organ now pumped by a boy, and 
skillfully manipulated by a popular but not piousyoung lady or 
gentleman, dressed in silk or broad-cloth instead of the ancient 
linsey-woolsey or jeans. In a religious point of view, from the very 
earliest days this township has always taken a great interest in the 
establishment of Churches and missions. 

Baptist Church. — The first regular Baptist church at Griggs- 
ville was organized Aug. 4, 1834, by Kev. Alvin Bailey, with seven 
members. Henry Carmer was chosen Deacon and Clerk, which 
position he held until 1861, when he removed from the place. The 
first members were Amos Blood, two ladies by the name of Susan 
Blood, Joseph B. Cooper, Sarah Bradstreet, Henry Carmer and 
Mary B. Carmer. This church struggled hard in its infancy, but 
by the earnest labors of its faithful members has grown to a large 
and prosperous organization. For some time the church held reg- 
ular services in a house owned by Mr. Blood, and they had no pas- 
tor until in 1835, when Rev. Calvin Greenleaf took charge and 
held the position until 1838; then Thomas H. Ford to 1840; 
Chandler Curtis from 1840 to 1841; Ambler Edson from 1843 to 
1844; B. B. Carpenter from 1845 to 1870. Since that time the 
following-named pastors have served: L. C. Carr, H. L. Stetson, 
H. F. Gray, B. W. Morgan, and C. R. Lathrop, the present Pastor. 

In the year 1836 the congregation began the erection of a frame 

31 



520 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

building, 40 by 54 feet in size, which was finished in 1840. About 
the year 1853 they built an addition to this structure. In 1873 
the old building was torn down and a new brick edifice was 
erected, at a cost of about $20,000. Services are held each Sunday 
morning and evening by Rev. C. E.. Lathrop, Pastor, and Sunday- 
school at 12 o'clock. The present number of communicants is 213. 
When Mr. Carmer removed in 1801, Mr. John Petrie was elected 
his successor as Deacon, and Henry Lynde as Clerk, which 
positions they both hold at present. This Church has enjoyed 
various revival seasons, and over 650 different persons have at vari- 
ous times been members of the Church. 

Griggsville M. E. ChuvGh. — This Church was organized in 1835 
by Rev. William Hunter, with the following charter members: 
Dr. James M. Higgins, Mrs. Margaret Higgins, Jesse G. Craw- 
ford, Peleg Gardner, Mrs. Caroline Gardner, James Hutchinson, 
sr., and James Hutchinson, jr., and Samuel, Mary, Eliza and 
Sarah Hutchinson. Dr. Higgins was the first Class-Leader. 
Among the early pastors was the Rev. Wilson Pitner, a very earn- 
est worker, and a preacher well fitted for conducting revivals and 
camp-meetings. On one occasion during a camp-meeting here, 
while discoursing upon the day of judgment and upon the appear- 
ance of Gabriel with his trumpet on that great and awful day, the 
appearance of the saints robed in white, etc., the women became 
very happy and set up a shout which completely drowned the sten- 
torian voice of the enthusiastic minister. In order to quiet them 
he reached back and took the horn, which was used for calling the 
audience together, and began blowing it. This only intensified the . 
excitement of the almost fanatical persons who were engaged in 
shouting. They thought, without looking to see from whence the 
noise came, that Gabriel had indeed come, and was now in their 
very midst, blowing his trumpet. It was some time before the 
people could become quieted. 

There was a '' class " organized in the county about two miles 
east of Griggsville, previous to 1831, but the members of this soci- 
ety united with the Griggsville Church immediately after the erec- 
tion of a church edifice, which was in 1836 or 1837. In 1846 the 
societ}' erected another building, and so rapid was the growth of 
the congregation that they soon found it necessary to erect another 
structure, which was accomplished in 1852. This society now has 
a membership of about 250. Services are held each Sunday morn- 
ing and evening by Rev. H. Shaw, the Pastor. Sunday-school at 
2:30 p. M. 

Congregational Church. — On Feb. 1, 1837, 11 persons, residents 
of Griggsville, but members of different Congregational and Pres- 
byterian Churches elsewhere, met for the purpose of consulting 
respecting the organization of a Church. Resolutions were passed 
declaring that it was expedient to organize a Church, and the day 
previous to the organization was to be set apart as one of fasting 
and prayer. In accordance with the resolutions the 16th day of 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 521 

February, 1837, was observed as a day of fasting and prayer ; on 
tbe following day the Church was duly organized, with Rev. A. G. 
Norton as Pastor. Geo. T. Purkett was regularly appointed Dea- 
con Jan. 4, 1838. The Sunday school was organized May 12, 1837. 
Rev. A. G. Norton closed his labors with the Church in February, 
1838, and has been succeeded by the following Pastors, given in 
their order : Revs. Wm. Whittlesev. A. L. Pennover, J. Ballard, J. 
T. Holmes, G. B. Hubbard, W. H.^Starr, T. Lyman, Rollin Mears, 
W. Herrott, N. P. Coltrin, W. W. Whipple, G. H. McArthur, E. 
C. Barnard, G. H. Bailey and S. M. "Wilcox, the present Pastor. 
The whole number of members, from the organization to the pres- 
ent time, has been 563 ; the present membership is 169. 

Hinraan Chaj)el M. E. Church. — The church edifice of this 
society is on sec. 6, this township. The class worshiped in pri- 
vate and schoolhouses for several years. About the year 1844 
the}^ erected a house of worship. Services are held each alternate 
Sabbath by Rev. A. P. Stover, Pastor. Sunday-school each Sun- 
day. 

Maysville United Brethren Church was organized in 1842, in 
the house of Lewis Dunham. Caleb Boyer, now of Fulton county, 
was among the first ministers. This society erected a small house 
of worship about the year 1857, and in the year 1870 they erectee 
a new edifice, at a cost of $1,000 besides the labor. Services ard 
held each Sunday, and preaching each alternate Sunday by the Pas- 
tor, Rev. Wm. Pease. The number of communicants at present 
is 65. 

Griggsville Church of Christ was organized July 26, 1874, with 
the following 12 members : J. E. Alcorn, JVI. £. Alcorn, Jesse 
Fielding, Atlanta Fielding, Theodore Ball, Anna Crawford, Adelia 
Elledge, Phoebe Rickart, Rachel Mason, Eadie Jenkins, Amos Wil- 
liams and Ellen Williams. This was at the beginning of, or soon 
before, a protracted effort which closed Aug. 25, 1874, with a mem- 
bership of 141. The Trustees elected were J. E. Alcorn, I. L. Lewis 
and Peter Harshman. The congregation completed the erection of 
a house of worship in 1877, at a cost of $1,800. The present mem- 
bership numbers 72. 

MILLING. 

Mill interests in the early histoiy of the county were considered 
of much greater importance than at present. The easy communi- 
cation between neighborhoods, towns and cities by means of the 
railroad has revolutionized almost everything, but nothing more 
than that of transforming the grain into flour or meal. To the 
early settler one of the most important items in his calculations 
was the grinding of his grain. There were no steam mills then, 
and a site for a water mill was an important thing. The pioneers 
were all poor, and though mill sites might have been plenty, they 
could not improve them. Therefore numerous devices were invented 



522 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

to convert wheat and corn into bread. A few were possessed of 
hand-mills, not greatly unlike those in nse some 2,000 years ago, 
and to which allusion is made in the Bible, Matthew xxiv, 41: 
"Two women shall be grinding at the mill," etc. By and by some 
of the more forehanded farmers l)rouL''ht in a kind of horse-mill, 
which, though a very primitive affair, was considered a valuable 
accession to the industries of the neighborhood, and a wonderful 
convenience. These mills were mostly used for simply cracking 
corn, npon which the old pioneers lived. Corn was the staple feed 
for man and beast, and upon it they all tlirived and grew healthy 
and strong. 

The " Pike Mills " were erected in 1877, by the firm of McMa- 
han & Co., composed of L. W. McMahan, 1). JP. Baldwin and G. P. 
Baldwin. The latter has sold out his interest. The machinery is 
all of the latest improved style, adapted to the new-process system, 
and this was the first mill of the kind in this section of the State, 
It has proven a success to the owners, giving a larger yield and 
better quality of flour than the old system. The building is four 
stories high, with four run of burrs and a capacity of 200 barrels in 
24 hours" They have a large patronage in the New England 
States and in Chicago for their flour, 

L. W. McMahan has been a resident of the county for 24 years. 
For a number of years previous to going into the present business 
he was in the grain trade. His acquaintance with the valuable 
milling qualities of the wheat raised in this section induced him to 
invest in this enterprise. 

Frye's Flouring Mill. — This mill was erected about the year 
1855, by Mr. C. Simmons. After passing through different hands, 
Mr. Frye, in 1877, purchased it, and in 1878 he sold a half interest 
to Mr. McWilliaras, of Griggsville. The mill has been re-modeled 
by Mr. Frye, and is one of the best mills in the county. Its capac- 
ity is 80; barrels in 24 hours, and the flour is of excellent quality. 

BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 

In justice to the pioneers and prominent citizens of the city 
and township of Griggsville — those who have made and are now 
making the history of this section — we wish to speak personally, 
and short biographical sketches of them here follow: 

, Edward A. F. Allen was born in Beverly, Essex Co., Mass., July, 
13, 1823; he came to Quincy, III, in 1838, and to Griggsville in 
1841. He served three years in the late war in Co. I., 33d 111. Inf., 
and one year of this time was 2d Lieutenant. He was subsequently 
in the Quartermaster's department for three years. He was 
married July 13, 1844, to Sarah A. Lyon. They had 9 children, of 
whom 6 are living: Henrietta, now Mrs. Gilbert Brooks, of Clinton, 
111.; John J., M. E. preacher, of Monroe Cit}', Mo.; Martha E. 



HISTOET OF PIKE COUNTY. 523 

now Mrs. James Yannatta, of West Chicago; Darid E., Hattie M. 
and Ruth. David E. is a painter by profession. 

Robert Allen, sr., was born in Cumberland Co., Ky., May 31, 
1803. He was married to Miss Amanda Turk in 1824, and removed' 
to Henry Co., Tenn., thence to Naples, 111., 1834, where for three 
years he was extensively engaged in building flat-boats, trading in 
bve stock, and freighting to New Orleans and other Southern points. 
He left Naples in 1837, and took up his residence in Griggsville 
dealing in live stock and butchering. Mr. and Mrs. Allen ^^re the 
parents of 7 children, of whom 3 are living : A. S. and R P 
prominent citizens of Griggsville, and Mrs. Wm. Jones now of 
Chillicothe, Mo. Mrs. Allen died Jan. 16, 1841. In 1842 Mr 
Allen again was married, this time to Sarah Stanford, who now 
survives him. Mr. Allen gave liberally to the support of Churches 
and missions, and held positions of honor and trust ; one bein^ that 
of Postmaster during President Buchanan's administration" He 
was a member of the M. E. Church, and died Jan. 1, 1880, from a 
stroke of paralysis received some years before. In the death of Mr. 
Allen his wife lost a loving liusband, his children a kind father, 
and the community an honest and influential man. 

Wm. F. Anderson, deceased, was born in Baltimore, Md., in 
1801. He was the oldest of 4 brothers, whose father, Capt Wm 
Anderson, was lost at sea, in the year 1813. Mr. Anderson was 
one of the firm of Beecher & Anderson, of New Tork, for about 5 
years. He came West during the financial crisis of 1836, and 
traveled in diflTerent parts of the country until 1841, when he mar- 
ried Laura E. Gilpin. They settled in Springfield, 111., where he 
engaged iii farming for 2 years. In 1849 he engaged in bnsiness 
in St. Louis. In 1851 he came to Griggsville and' engaoed in the 
mercantile business with J. D. Philbrick for a short timet when the 
latter retired and Mr. Anderson carried on the business alone until 
his death, which occurred May 21, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson 
had 7 children, whose names 'are Eloise L. (now widow of Henry 
Cotton), Wm. F., M. Louise, deceased, A. G., Alexander C, Charles 
H. and Geo. S. 

Isaac Bailey was born in Cumberland Co., Me., in 1829; son of 
Josiah Bailey. He was raised on a farm, and at his majority began 
working on the railroad as a section hand, then as section boss; 
in 1854 he came to Illinois and was Roadmaster of the C, B. & Q. 
for some time; then section boss again for 3 years, then Roadmaster 
again on the H. & St. Joe R. R. 7 months;' 2 years on the Missis- 
sippi Central, and is at present Roadmaster on the Hannibal branch 
ot the Wabash R. R. Oct. 9, 1861, he married Miss Lizzie E. 
Pitney, and they have had 5 children, of whom Geo. W., Minnie 
and Frank are living. 

David Baldwin, deceased, was born in Newark, N. J., in 1793. 
He was a large contractor in New York citv for 25 or 30 years' 
He came to Pike county in 1835, located in Perry and purchased 



524 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

large tracts of land; also engaged in farming. In 1849 he erected 
tlie Perry Flouring Mill; was the father of 5 children, of whom 3 
are living: Alex., David P. and Geo. AV. Mr. Baldwin died in 
1854. 

T. K. Ball, son of G. O. and Delia (Kellogg) Ball, the father 
formerly of New York, was born in this county in 1848; was edu- 
cated in the common schools; has followed farming until the last 
three years. In 1867 he married Anna Cadwell, and their 6 
children are all living. He belongs to the Christian Church, and 
in politics is a Democrat. 

Levi Bartlett is a native of New Hampshire and came to Illinois 
about the year 1867; is engaged in all kinds of mechanical jobbing in 
light machinery, making sewing-machines a speciality: he also re- 
plates spoons, etc. Tie was married in 1861 to Harriet G. Crane, 
and they have 2 children, Albert J. and Gracie G. 

E. W. Baxter is a native of Hillsboro, N. H., and was born 
July 19, 1837; he is the son of M. E. Baxter, of Griggsville. Mr. 
Baxter came in September, 1857, to Griggsville, where he engaged 
in the meat business for 15 years, holding an interest in the 
same for four years afterward. In Jan., 1872, he associated him- 
self with Allen & Brj^ant, grain and live-stock dealers. This firm 
dissolved in Sept., 1873, Messrs. Baxter and Bryant continuing 
in the business for 6 years, for the most part in connection with 
merchandising. In 1877 Mr. Baxter purchased the entire interest 
in the mercantile business, and is now conducting the same. He 
also has a stock of groceries, queensware, and is doing a large 
business. He was married in April, 1857, to Helen M. Harvey, 
sister of Dr. Harvey, of this place. They have 6 cliildren: Mary 
E., Helen M., Emma F., Harvey E., Geo. E. and Arthur. 

John Bickerdike was born in Yorkshire, England, Aug. 18, 
1835, and is a son of John Bickerdike, deceased, who came to this 
count}' in 1842. He selected a location for his future home and 
returned to England, bringing his family here the following year. 
He was the father of 9 children, of whom our subject is the 5th. 
Mr. B. was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools 
of Pike county. His brother, George, was killed during the late war. 
Mr. Bickerdike has been married twice, and is the father of 7 
children, of M^hom five are living : Wm. A., George F., Charles E., 
Mary R. and Nancy E. His first wife was Rebecca J. Pearcy, and 
the second was Elizabeth Perry. He resides on sec. 36, Griggs- 
ville tp., and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. P. 0. 
Griggsville. 

Ephraim Biggs. The subject of this sketch was born in Preble 
county, O., June 30. 1822. He was raised on a farm, came to Defi- 
ance county, O., about tlie year 1854, where he remained until 1867. 
when he removed to Pike county. Ilk, where he still resides, and is 
engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married to Mary 
A. Mendenhall, by wliom he had 8 cliildren. of whom 4 are living, 



HISTOBY OF PIKE COUNTY. 525 

namely, Sarah M., Martha E., Kachel A. and Melissa. Mrs. Big^s 
diedin51848. Mr. Biggs was again married in 1860, this time to Mrs. 
Phoebe Grimes. They had one child, Wm., deceased. This second 
wife died ia 1862, and in 1864 Mr. Biggs married Mrs. Nancy 
Fribley. They had 2 children, Geo. W. and Fannie. The third 
Mrs. Biggs died in 1866, and in the year 1870 he married Mrs. 
Kosanna Moore. They had one child. Mr. Biggs' father served in 
the war of 1812. 

M. Blake & Sons. These enterprising farmers reside on sec. 8, 
Griggsville tp. Mr, Blake was born in Adams Co., O., Oct. 
22, 1822. He was married in 1849 to Melinda Thompson. They 
had 7 children, 6 of whom are living; John, Nicholas, and Henry, 
who are engaged in business with their father; Robert, Rebecca J. 
and Melinda A. Mr. Blake came West in 1851, and settled in Mis- 
souri, residing in Macon, Shelby and Marion counties, but in 1865 he 
removed with his family to Pike Co., 111., where they still reside. He 
was a soldier in the late war, in Co. G, 30th Regiment, Mo. Vol. Inf. 
For some time he was disabled by sickness, yet he served his time 
out, and was honorably discharged in 1865. 

John Blake was born in Adams Co., O., June 26, 1850; is a mem- 
ber of the Christian Church in Perry. He received a common- 
school education, and his vocation is farming and stock-raising. 

Nicholas is a member of the M. E. Church at Hinman Chapel, 
Griggsville tp.; was educated in the common schools of Ohio, and 
is also a farmer. He is a native of Missouri, and was born May 2, 
1852. 

Henry was born in Missouri, and is also a farmer. 

J. M. Bodine is chief miller in Pike Mills, Griggsville. 

David Borrowman was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1825. 
He came to St. Louis with his parents in 1838; is a marble and 
stone-cutter, and has carried on this business in Griggsville for 15 
years. He uses the celebrated Kinderhook limestone, which is a 
superior quality of stone. Mr. B. was married in 1854 to Jane 
Barker, of Nashville, Tenn. They had 5 children, of whom but 
two are living. Mr. B's father, John Borrowman, located in Cal- 
houn Co., 111., in 1841, where he engaged in farming and stock-rais- 
ing until his death from cholera, which occurred in 1849, during the 
prevalence of that fearful scourge in this country. 

Ellen Brakejleld, a native of this county, was born Jan. 19, 1835, 
and is the daughter of Abraham GoldmaTi, so well known in the 
early settlement of Pike county. Mr. Goldman helped to erect the 
first log house in Griggsville. Mrs. Brakefield was married June 28, 
1849, to Samuel Brakefield; they had 4 children; two only are liv- 
ing, — Olive and Llewella. Mr. B. was born Nov. 27, 1824, in 
Pennsylvania, was taken to New York by his parents when very 
small. He came to Pike county about the year 1848, where he en- 
gaged in farming and stock-raising. He had previously been 
engaged in the manufacture of brooms. On the morning of the 13th 
of June, 1874, Mr. Brakefield was killed while in the act of cross- 



626 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

ing the railroad track with a team in front of a train of cars. His 
body was carried several yards by the cars, and mutilated in a most 
shocking manner. He was a prominent citizen and a member of 
the M. E. Church. Few men possessed so many virtues, and few 
as well respected as he. It is no wonder that the entire community 
was thrown into consternation at the intelligence of his untimely 
death. 

James Brakefield was born in Kent, England, April 22, 1822, 
and wlien he was about one year old his parents, Charles and Mary 
Braketield, brought him to America, settling in Clinton county, 
Pa., whence they soon removed to Schenectady, N. Y. At the age 
of 22 years James located at Griggsville, 111"., where he followed 
farming and broom manufacture. In 1845 he married Elizabeth 
Carmer, a native of Paterson, N. J., and daughter of Henry and 
Mary (Hunt) Carmer, who were early settlers in this county, com- 
ing here in 1831-'2. Henry Carmer was a native of New York 
city, and his wife of Philadelphia, neither of whom is now living. 
Mr. C. was reared in the mercantile business, but in an early day he 
came to Pike county, where he followed farming until his death in 
December, 1862, at the age of 70 years, his wife having died the 
previous August. In March, 1857, Mr. Brakefield went into mer- 
cantile business with J. M. Crandall, but after 3 years' partnership 
he returned to his former vocation. In 1866 he entered partner- 
ship with L. W. Dix. In 1871 his health commenced to fail, con- 
sumption setting in, and he died April 26, 1873. During his life 
Mr. Brakefield was prominently identified with the interests of the 
county. 

Henry JR. Brown., a pioneer of Pike Co., was born in Brown 
Co., O., July 15, 1821, and is a son of the late William Brown, so 
well known in the pioneer history of this county. He came here 
with his parents in 1834 and settled on sec. 29, Griggsville tp.; 
has dropped corn on Griggsville prairie after a large breaking plow% 
the rows being one mile in length. This was for Nathan AV. Jones, 
who now resides in Griggsville. He also worked in a cotton gin in 
Morgan County for about 3 years. Like all other boys of those 
early days, Mr. Brown was deprived of educational advantages, and 
was compelled to undergo many hardships and privations. He 
saw the first steamboat that sailed on the Illinois river. He has 
seen over 20 deer in one drove, but never shot one. He was married 
Jan. 18, 1842, to Harriet Park, and had one son, Geo. W. Mrs. 
Brown died Jan. 18, 1844. Mr. Brown was again married Dec. 22, 
L847, this time to Jane Chapman, daughter of E. W. Chapman, 
deceased, so well known in the early history of this county. Mr. 
and ]\[rs. Brown have had 8 children, 6 of whom are living: John 
Q., Mary J., Sarah F., Alice, Amos W. and Willy H. They are 
all married exce})t the two youngest. 

J. Q. Brown was born in Griggsville township, Oct. 13, 1848, 
and is a son of H. R. Brown. He was reared on a farm and 




t*-,.^ 



%. 



-\ 



6RIGGSVILLE 

FOR BJOGRAPHICAI. SKCTCH SEE PAGE 526. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 529 

educated in tlie common and high schools of Griggsville. He was 
married Nov. 26, 1873, to Ella E. Eastman, daughter of Lycurgus 
Eastman, of Griggsville, whose biography also appears in this work. 
Mr. and Mrs. Brown have two children, Alice E. and Eichard E. 
Mr. Brown is engaged in farming and resides on sec. 8, Griggsville 
township. 

Ehen F. Bryant was born in East Cambridge, Mass., Feb. T, 
1832, and was brought to this county by his parents in the year 
1837 ; was raised on a ftirra until 18 years of age, when he went to 
Georgetown, Harrison Co., O., and there apprenticed himself to 
Heberling & Russell, machinists. He remained with them about 
18 months, then returned to Illinois, where he engaged in farming 
until he reached his majority ; then went to sea. He sailed first 
from New Bedford, Mass., on a whaling vessel, and at New Zealand 
changed to a merchant vessel, bound for Salem, Mass. They rounded 
Cape Horn, stopped at Rio Janeiro, and arrived in Salem in Octo- 
ber, J 854. This completed his voyage around the world, which 
was quite a rare thing for a Pike county boy. Mr. Bryant then 
returned to his old home in Pike county, following farming for 2 
years, then in 1856 he again sailed, but this time on the Illinois 
river. He remained here until 1868, except one trip to the Hud- 
son river, via New Orleans and Boston. He then again engaged 
in farming, which is his present occupation, and resides on sec. 25, 
Griggsville tp. Mr. Bryant is the son of Eben Bryant, who was 
born in South Reading "(now Wakefield), Mass., in June, 1806. He 
was a shoemaker by trade, but on removing to Illinois he became 
a farmer. He was a member of the Baptist Church for several 
years, and died in 1869. Our subject was the oldest son, and was 
married in May, 1863, to Edith Dean, daughter of Jonathan Dean, 
a boot and shoe merchant of Prairie City, 111. Mr. Dean spent 
several years of his life in Montana, where he engaged in mining 
and farming. 

J. B. Bryant was born in Pike county in 1848 ; was educated 
in the common schools, and in the year 1871 engaged in the jewelry 
business in Grio-crsville. His father, Eben Brvant, was a native of 
Wakefield, Mass., and came to this county in 1838, settling in 
Griggsville tp., where he engaged in farming until his death, which 
occurred May 3, 1869. 

Amos Btdterfield^ son of the late Leonard Butterfield, well 
known in this county, was born in Griggsville tp. May 17, 1849 ; 
was educated in the common schools of this township, and raised 
a farmer. He was married Aug. 16, 1872, to Mary Hensel, daugh- 
ter of Robert Hensel, of Griggsville tp. They have one little girl, 
Minnie, born Aug. 17, 1873. 

Leonard Butterfield^ deceased, was born Dec. 14, 1805, in 
Nashua, N. H.; was married to Susan Lamson in the city of Bos- 
ton Sept. 27, 1832. He spent the 5 following years in the State of 
North Carolina, as a missionary among the Cherokee Indians, and 
in 1837 came to Griggsville, where he resided until the death of 



530 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

his wife, which occurred Aug. 21, 1870 ; he tlien visited his broth- 
ers and sisters in the East. He returned to Griggsville in 1873, 
where he remained until May 27, 1874 ; June 2 of this year he 
was married to Rebecca Noyes, and resided in New Hampsliire 
until his death, wliich took place July 29, 1877. He was for many 
years a member of the Baptist Church. 

Henry Carmer, deceased, was a native of New York city, and 
was born July 25, 1793; was educated in New York, and was a 
hardware merchant for several years in Patterson, N. J. In 1831 
he removed with his family to Richmond, Ind., where he remained 
till 1833, when he came to Griggsville township. There were but 
three houses in Griggsville at that time. He engaged in farming 
for about 17 years, and was bookkeeper for Reuben Hatch, of 
Griggsville, for a few years, and afterward for Brakefield & Cran- 
dall. In the year 1861 he removed to Hancock Co., where he died 
Dec. 19, 1862. He was the father of 3 children,— Elizabeth W., 
now Mrs. James Brakelield; Mary W., now widow of Henry Gold- 
man; and Lydia, now Mrs. Thomas Brakefield. Elizabeth W. was 
married to James Brakefield, April 22, 1845. They had 7 chil- 
dren, of whom 3 are living, — Mary W., now Mrs. Simmons; 
Henrj' C, Lillie C. and Ettie J. Mr. B. was a prominent mer- 
chant of Griggsville for a number of years. He died April 
26, 1873. 

Rev. JB. B. Carpenter was born in Vermont, Dec. 3, 1810, and 
was taken by his parents to Schoharie Co., N. Y,, when but six 
months old, w^iere he remained until he was sixteen years of age, 
when he went to Washington Co., N. Y. He was apprenticed to 
John Hughes, a tailor, of Cambridge, N. Y., with whom he 
remained for three years. He pursued this occupation for three 
and a half years, when he began preparing for the ministry. He 
attended the Brandon Academy two and a half years, and then 
entered the Hamilton University. He completed only the Sopho- 
more year on account of ill health. He was married in 1841 to 
Mary Richards, and they had 4 children: 3 are now living, — James 
B., Chester L., and Charles D. The name of the deceased was 
Laura. Mr. Carpenter came to Illinois in 1839, and was ordained 
minister in the Baptist Church at Dixon in 1840, where he 
remained as Pastor of the Church until 1844, when he took charge 
of the Lamoille (111.) Baptist Church for one year; he then was 
Pastor of the Griggsville Baptist Church for twenty-five years, but 
is now retired on account of ill health. 

David F . Coffey., deceased, one of the pioneers, was born in 
Simpson county, Ky., May 18, 1817, and was a son of Nathan 
Coffey, deceased, well known in this county, who brought his fam- 
ily here in 1829 and settled on sec. 3, Griggsville township, at the 
summit of the hill which was afterward christened " Coffey Hill," 
and is still called by that name. He was the father of 13 children, 
of whom David F. was the 6th. The latter was married in 1842 
to Elizabeth Conner, daughter of Francis Conner, deceased, who 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 531 

came to Franklin Co., 111., in 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Coffey had 10 
children, of whom 9 are living, — Sarah E., Nathan F., J. Hardin, 
Delitha M., Daniel F., Burton B., Thomas M., Mary J. and Grace 
L. Mr. Coffey was Captain of Co. B, 68th Kegt. 111. Inf., in the 
Rebellion, but was detailed to hospital service during the second 
battle of Manassas. He died Sept. 22, 1867, at the age of 50 
years; had been a member of the Baptist Church for about 
twenty- seven years. 

John Craven^ sr., a native of Yorkshire, Eng., was born Jan. 7, 
1802; was married in 1831 to Esther Warton, and the same year 
came to America and settled in the wilds of Morgan Co., 111., 6 
miles west of Jacksonville, where he remained until 1850, engaged 
in farming. He then removed with his family to Pike county and 
settled on sec. 20, Griggsville tp., where he again engaged in farm- 
ing and stock-raising. He is now retired from active life and 
resides on a little farm adjoining Griggsville on the west. Mr. and 
Mrs. Craven have 2 children : Sarah A., now Mrs. E. T. Williams, 
and John, who resides at the old homestead in this township. 

John Craven was born in Morgan Co., 111., Feb. 13, 1835, and is 
a son of John Craven, sr., of Griggsville tp. He was raised on a 
farm and- educated in the common schools of Morgan Co. He came 
to this count}" with his parents in 1850, settling on sec. 20, Griggs- 
ville tp.. where he still resides, and is engaged in farming and 
stock-raising. He was married May 12, 1864, to Henrietta George, 
daughter of Samuel George, deceased, who came to Griggsville in 
1847. Mrs. Craven was born Oct. 17, 1837, in London,' England. 
Mr. and Mrs. Craven have had 6 children, of whom 5 are living: 
Mary E., Anna, Maud and Jennie (twins) and John. 

Jesse O. Crawford was born in Overton Co., Tenn., May 6, 1810. 
He received a common school education there and emigrated to Il- 
linois in 1829, settling in Macoupin Co.; in 1830 he came to Jack- 
sonville, where he remained three and a half years, then came to 
Griggsville in 1833. At that time there was no town there. A log 
house stood near where'the center of^Quincy Avenue now is. It still 
stands just back of the postoffice, but is weather-boarded, and is 
owned by J. R. Stanford's heirs. Mr. C- erected the first two-story 
frame house on the Griggsville prairie in 1833, for Amos Blood. 
He was married in the fall of 1833 to Jane Avery, daughter of 
[Nicholas Avery, an early settler in Pike Co. They had 4 children, 
— only one living, James. Mrs. Crawford died in 1847. Mr. Craw- 
ford again married, this time Maria J. Houts. They have 3 chil- 
dren, — ^Abbie M., now Mrs. A. H. Butler; Clara E., now Mrs. Henry 
Hatch; and George B. 

D. W. Cree was born in Griggsville tp. in 1844, and is the son of 
Walker Cree, of Griggsville. In the year 1863 Mr. Cree engaged 
in the sale of furniture, stoves, and tinware, wall paper, picture 
frames, etc., with a capital of $300. He now carries a stock of 
$4,000, and has a large trade. 



532 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

James M. Cree was born in Maysville, this county, Jan. 15, 1842. 
He came to Grigi^svdllc when 14 years old, where he still resides, 
and is proprietor of the Cree House in this place, one of the best 
hotels in the county. He was married March 31, 1865, to Lida A. 
Pond. 

Nathan H. Davis was born in Strafford Co., N. H., Aug. 4, 1812; 
was raised on a farm and educated in the public schools of Canada, 
his parents having moved there with their children in 1818. 
When he obtained his majority he went to Boston, Mass., where 
he learned the carpenter's trade. He worked on the bridges of the 
Boston & Lowell R. R. for three successive summers. In 1837 
Mr. Davis started for the then far West and arrived in Quincy, 111., 
Aug. 14 of the same year, and in a few days came to Barry, this 
county, where he pursued his profession for a number of years and 
then purchased a farm in Uerry township, on sec. 1. He then 
engaged in farming, working at his trade at intervals. July 18, 
1839, he was married to Sarah Lourimore, daughter of Robert S. 
and Mary Lourimore, deceased. Mrs. Davis was born in Butler 
Co., O., May 8, 1817, where she remained until 8 years of age, 
when her parents took her to Dark Co., 0., ii:id in 1837 they moved 
to Pike Co., 111., where she still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have 
had 7 children, of whom 4 are living, — Josepl'.ine, Frances, Louisa 
and David; all are married. Mr. Davis is a farmer, and has been 
extensively engaged in stock-raising. He is a son of l^athan 
Davis, who was born in N". H.< Nov. 22, 1772. His mother was 
Sally Boynton, who was born in 1777 in Old Salem, Mass. 

Aaron H. Dean was born in Litchfield, Conn., March 17, 1831, 
son of Hiram L., and nei)hew of Daniel Dean, Mayor of Grigg- 
ville, but he came to Pike Co. in an early day (1836),witli his parents; 
educated in the old-fashioned log school-house; learned the black- 
smith's trade; settled on sec. 36, whence he walked 3 miles every 
day to his shop in Griggsville, working for $1.25 a day. Wolves 
sometimes followed him on his trips. On his way to a Thanksgiv- 
ing dinner one day, in an ox cart, the oxen ran away with fam- 
ily and all, into the brush; but the family got to their dinner all 
right at last. With these oxen they did all their teaming for 5 or 
6 years. Hiram L. Dean died Sept. 7, 1876, aged 68 years. He 
was a member of the M. E. Church. In 1830 he married Wealthy 
M. Saunders, by whom he had 2 children, — Harriet M., now Mrs. 
David Stover, and Aaron H. Mrs. Dean was born in Litchfield, 
Conn., March 17, 1811. She is now residing at the old homestead 
with her son. Jan. 1, 1852, our subject married Delilah Seniff, by 
whom he has had 2 children, — Martha E. and Mary E. Mrs. Dean 
died in June, 1856, and in November, 1858, Mr. Dean married 
Nancy C. Dnnniway. Their only son, David F., is deceased. 

Daniel Dean was born Sept. 2, 1815, in Litchfield, Conn., and is 
the son of Amos Dean, an early settler of Pike Co., who came here 
in 1836 and settled in Griggsville tp. Daniel was educated in the 
free schools of Litchfield, and in the year 1837 he followed his pa- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 533 

rents to this county, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising 
until 1867, when lie retired, and is now residing in Griggsville and 
is the present Mayor of the city. He was married in 1836 to 
Lydia Scranton, by whom he had 3 children, — Jane, Mary A. and 
Wni. H. The latter has charge of the farm. Mrs. Dean died Nov. 
19, 1877. She had been a member of the M. E. Church for over 
40 years. 

Henry E. Dean^ deceased, was born in Litchfield, Conn., Oct. 
5, 1809, where at the age of 22 he united] with the Congregational 
Church. He removed with his parents to this county in the fall 
of 1836, and settled on sec. 34, Griggsville tp. Here he united with 
the M. E. Church. He died March 15, 1877, leaving a wife and 7 
children. He was married Jan. 13, 1842, to Mary L. Cohenour, 
daughter of John Cohenour, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Dean had 8 
children, of whom 7 are living, — Annie E., Harriet A. (now Mrs, 
John Hedges, of Christian Co., 111.,) John A., Geo. H., Mary J., 
Oliver R. and Charles D. Mrs. Dean was born in Huntingdon Co., 
Pa., Jan. 9, 1821, where she was raised until 15 years of age, when 
she came with her parents to this county, settling in Grio^gs- 
ville tp. 

Lucy M. Dickerison^ a native of England, was born Sept. 19, 
1842, and is the daughter of Wm. Hobson, who came to Illinois 
about the year 1847, and settled in Flint tp. He was a stone mason 
and was killed while the Griggsville high school building was 
under the process of erecton, by a runaway team Our subject was 
married in 1858 to James D. Dickerson. They have 5 children, — 
Orson J., Wm. I., Ella M., Stephen L. and Laura M. 

Theodore Dickerson was born in JSorthfield, Mass., Dec. 24, 
1796, and there received his education. In 1811 he was apprenticed 
to Gustus Lyman, a blacksmith, of Deerfield, Mass., where he served 
6 years. In 1818 he went to Salem, Mass., worked at his trade one 
year, went to Boston in 1819, and in 1820 began business in that 
place for himself. In 1831 he came to Pike county, and settled on 
sec. 1, Griggsville tp. In 1833 he removed to Griggsville, which 
then contained but three or four houses; kept boarding house in 
1833, when 3 families lodged in the same room. In 1822 Mr. D. 
was married in Boston, to Mary T. Beckford, a native of Salem, 
Mass. She was born Jan. 1, 1800. They have had 7 children, 4 
of whom are living, — Theodore F., Elijah, Emma A. and Horace P. 

J. E. Dix <& Son, boot and shoe dealers. This enterprising firm 
embarked in the boot and shoe trade in Griggsville in 1859, in which 
they are still engaged, enjoying a large trade. 

John Dix, while residing in his native place, Townsend, Mass., 
studied the books and reports concerning the West, from which he 
learned that " all the worthless land belonged to Uncle Sam, while 
the very best land belonged to the soldiers." He therefore pur- 
chased a soldier's claim in 1837, and started West to occupy the land, 
coming by .water around Florida and up the Mississippi, meeting 
with many exciting experiences. On arriving at the promised land 



634 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

in this Great West, he found it rough and bluffj, and not worth 
two cents an acre. Having been brought up in a city, Mr. Dix 
said lie was very "■ green '' when he came to the West; and after 
settling on his land he " started up the creek to hunt for a rock to 
make a grindstone, to grind his ax, to chop some logs, to build a 
cabin, to make some shingles in, to sell to buy pork with." He re- 
lates many other awkward experiences he had in his introduction 
to Western pioneer life. We give one more. Hearing of a mill at 
some distance he loaded some corn upon his ox-cart, and blazing the 
trees as he went to mark the way, he at last arrived at the mill, ' 

when lo! it was only a saw-mill! Night overtook him on his way *» 
home and he was obliged to get out of the cart and feel for the 5 
blazed trees in order to find his way home. In 1818 Mr. Dix 
married Mary Wilson, a native of Lynn, Mass. They had 7 chil- 
dren, of whom but 2 are living, Ellen M. and John E. 

Levi W. Dlx^ deceased, was a native of Maiden, Mass., and was 
born Feb. 15, 1821; was the son of John Dix, now of Griggsville. 
He came to Illinois with his father in 1837, and was married in 
1841 to Ruth E. Kiddle, a native of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and 
daughter of Arthur Kiddle, deceased. They had 5 children, 3 liv- 
ing, — Sarah F., RoUin M., and Margaret E. Mr. Dix engaged in 
merchandising with James Brakefield in Griggsville, and died 
April 30, 1874. 

John W. Doan was born Nov. 12, 1834, in Clermont Co., O., 
and is a son of Wm. and Susanna Doan, deceased. The former was 
a native of Connecticut and the latter of Massachusetts. Our sub- 
ject was educated in the common schools of Ohio, and was raised 
on a farm. He came to Pike county with his mother and family 
in 1859, where he has since resided. His father was the Hon. Wm, 
Doan, an ex-Member of Congress from Ohio, and also a surgeon of 
the 1st Reg't, 3d Brigade, and 8tli Division in the Ohio State 
Militia. Our subject resides on sec. 15, Griggsville tp., and is en- 
gaged in farming and stock-raising. 

Edward Doocy was born Oct. 24, 1851, in Griggsville, and is a 
graduate of Illinois College at Jacksonville, 111., of the class of 
1871. He read law about 3 years, was admitted to the bar in 1874, 
and is now practicing in Griggsville. He is now a successful prac- 
titioner, and bids fair to become one of Pike county's foremost attor- 
neys. He is President of the Pike County Christian Temperance 
Union. 

Ahel Dunham, a native of Harrison Co., O., was born July 16, 
1819, and is a son of Wm. and Mary (Chaney) Dunham, deceased; 
was raised on a farm and received a limited education in a subscrip- 
tion school.^ He was married Aug. 13, 1839, to Rachel Hardin, 
by whom he had 10 children, and of these 6 are living, Aman- 
da, Isabelle, Marj' E., Frances A., Joshua L. and Joseph M. 
His father was a soldier of the Revolution and was among the 
number who cut their shoes into pieces, broiling them in the fire 
and making cofiee of them. Our subject came to Illinois in 1845, 



• 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 536 

arriving at Griggsville Landing ISTov. 26, 1845, at 8 p. m. He fol- 
lowed farming and stock-raising until within a few years ; is now 
retired and resides in the village of Maysville. Mr. and Mrs. Dun- 
ham are both members of the United Brethren Church. 

Nathaniel Z^imAa/w- isanative of Maryland; was a son of Lewis 
Dunham, who brought his family to this county in 1844, and was 
born Sept. 12, 1802 ; was a cooper by trade, but for the most part 
followed farming after moving West. He died Sept. 14, 1866. 
Our subject was born in Warren Co., O., Feb. 14, 1834, and came 
with his parents to this county in 1844, where he has since resided. 
He was married Oct. 26, 1854, to Mary A. Kiser, daughter of Daniel 
Kiser, deceased, who also settled in Pike county in 1344. .Mr. and 
Mrs. Dunham have had 7 children, of whom 5 are living, — Daniel, 
Wm. H., Lewis O., Charles E. and Orpha J. Mrs. Dunham was 
born in Warren Co., Ind., May 3, 1838. Mr. D. resides on sec. 
18, engaged in farming and stock-raising. 

Wm. Dunhvia was born in Harrison Co., O., April 17, 1829, son 
of Lewis and Sarah A. D., who with the family emigrated to this 
county in 1844. Lewis died in Sept., 1865, and Sarah A. is now 
Mrs. Leander Filson, of Maysville, this Co. In 1850 Mr. D. went 
to California and followed mining and trading in stock ; on his 
return he was shipwrecked ]S"ov. 15, 1853, off the coast of the 
island Anicapa, 350 miles from San Francisco, and was not rescued 
for 5 days. The crew and passengers also had another narrow 
escape from death by explosion of a boiler, which was discovered 
red hot. He returned to this county Jan. 12, 1854, and for a time 
followed breaking prairie. Aug. 9, 1855, he married Miss Nancy, 
daughter of Thos. Carnes, now of Schuyler Co., 111. They have 
had 11 children, of whom 6 are living : Thomas, Elizabeth A., 
Julia B., William H., Nathaniel W. and Jason. Mrs. Dunham 
died May 28, 1877, and Mr. D. married the widow of Wm. Ervin, 
Oct. 4 following. Mrs. Dunham had 5 children by her first hus- 
band, of whom 4 are living, — George H., Sarah J., Martha D. S. 
and Harriet R. E. Mr. D. is a farmer on sec. 7. Mr. D. helped 
to construct the first railroad in Illinois, that from Naples to 
Jacksonville. 

Lycurgus Eastman. Roger Eastman, an ancestor of our sub- 
ject, was born in Wales in 1611, and came to Massachusetts in 
1640, locating at Salisbury : his wife's name was Sarah, who died 
Dec. 16, 1694, aged 83 ; had 10 children. Philip, the 3d child, 
moved to Haverhill, where his house was burned by the Indians 
and some of the family taken prisoners. Ebenezer, a son of his, 
was born Jan. 10, 1689,' and died July 28, 1748 ; his 3d child, Capt. 
Joseph, was born June 10, 1715, married Abigail Mellen, who died 
in March, 1801 ; of their 6 children the 3d was Moses, who was 
born March 3, 1743, and who married Lucretia Tyler in Pembroke, 
N. H.; he died in 1796, and his eldest son, Charles, was born Dec. 
11, 1774, and married Sally Bradley Nov. 29, 1798, at Concord, N. 
H.; she died De.c. 9, 1809,' and he "'Sept. 26, 1847 ; but by his sec- 



$ 



536 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

end marriage he had 6 children, of whom Lycurgus, the subject of 
this sketch, was the youngest ; he was born in Concord, N. H., 
July 4, 1807, where he resided until 17 years old, when he was 
apprenticed to learn the wheelwright's trade at Quincy, Mass. In 
1834 he emigrated West, locating on sec. 8, this tp., where he 
remained 33 years, and then sold his farm and moved to Griggs- 
ville, wiiere he now lives. In 1832 he married Elouisa B. Sim- 
mons, and their 4 children are : Maria B., now Mrs. E. O. Hills, 
of Chicago ; Susaa B., wife of Peter Northrop, of Turner, 111.; 
Harriet ]N.,a missionary teacher in Toungoo, Burmah; and Charles 
L., of Whiting, Kansas. Mrs. Eastman died Aug. 12, 1844, and 
Mr. E. again married, in May, 1845, this time Rebecca L. Hum- Zi 

pliris, by whom he had 7 children ; 4 are living, namely, Emeline " . 
H., now the wife of Dr. J. L. Love, of Whiting, Kan.; Lucy J., 
teacher of grade 4 in Griggsville Union School ; Ella E., now Mrs, • 

John Q. Brown, a farmer in this tp. ; and George E. , of Whiting, ^^ 
Kan. The names of the deceased were Elouisa R., Lucretia G, .^^ 
(Mrs. Henry C. Love) and Etta Adelaide. 

Thomas P. Elledge is a son of Boone Elledge, and great-grandson 
of Neddie Boone, a brother of Daniel Boone, the hero of pioneer days 
of Kentucky. The Elledges still keep up the name of Boone in the 
family. Thomas P. was born in Harrison Co., Ind., April 27, 1825; 
was educated in the common schools of Indiana and Illinois, and 
came with his parents to this county in 1836, settling on sec. 6, 
Griggsville tp., where he still resides, and is engaged in farming 
and stock-raising. He was married Feb. 11, 1847, to Margaret J. 
Simpson, daughter of the late Matthew Simpson, and they have had 
6 children, Rebecca J., James A., Hattie A., Matthew B., Mary C. 
and an infant. The three latter are deceased. 

Uriah Ell6Llge,s,on of Boone Elledge, deceased, was born in Clark 
Co., Ky., Xow 22, 1802. He came to Scott Co., 111., in 1823; had 
to go to Upper Alton on Wood river, a distance of 125 miles, to 
mill. In 1826 a Mr. John Pearson erected a horse-mill within 
about 2 miles of Mr. Elledge's house. While in Scott county Mr. 
E. worked for Alex. Bell 18 months. He was married March 26, 
1825, to Catharine Scott, daughter of John Scott, .for whom the 
county was named. They had 8 children, of whom 5 are living, — 
Rebecca E., Mary M., John H., Emily J. and Uriah D. Mr. and 
Mrs. Elledge removed to where Griggsville now stands, in 1825, 
but on account of sickness returned to Scott county, the following 
autumn. In 1830 he came back to Griggsville tp., where he resides 
on sec. 13. Mrs. Elledge died Jan. 9, 1855, and Dec. 12, 1858, Mr. 
Elledge married Mrs. Delia Ball, by whom he has had 4 children, — 
Anna B., Florence M., Charles H. and Frederick O. In the year 
1849 Mr. Elledge, accompanied by his son, Daniel B., went over- 
land to California, with the first emigrant train that went in search 
of gold. Daniel died there, and Mr. Elledge returned in December, 
1851. He served in the Winnebago war, and 3 of his sons, William, 
John and Uriah, were in the late war. William died while in the 



.f"'- 



^% 







% 





OC04 ^ ^i^^atyl Cy 



SRieSSVILLE 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 539 

service. His daughter Rebecca was the first female child born in 
Griggsville tp., which occurred Oct. 26, 1831. 

Moses Elliott was born in Wheeling, Va., March 18, 1819, and 
is the son of John and Esther Elliott, deceased; was raised on a 
farm in Koss county, O.; received a common-school education, and 
was the eldest of 10 children. He was married Oct. 2, 1853, to 
Jane Perry, daughter of Joseph Perry, deceased, and now resides 
on sec. 35, Griggsville tp., engaged in farming and stock-raising. 
Mrs. Elliott was born in Ireland Aug. 24, 1815, and came with her 
parents to Canada in 1834, and to Pike county in 1849. Mr. and 
Mrs. Elliott have had 2 sons, — Geo. P. and Richard W. 

E. G. Farrand was born in Bridgeport, Yt., Kov. 13, 1814; left 
his native State at the age of 18 and went to Michigan, where he 
remained until 1845, then removed to Morgan county. 111., and in 
1849 went to California, where he remained until 1852. He then 
returned to Illinois and settled in Griggsville. Since 1861 he has 
been successfully engaged in the lumber trade, and dealing in doors, 
sash, blinds, etc., carrying a stock of $12,000 to $15,000. In 
1852 he married Elizabeth J. McWilliams, of Griggsville, and 
they have 4 boys, — James A., M. K., Harvey L. and Frederick H. 

Joseph A. Fergusoriy&on of David and Margaret Ferguson, was 
born in Franklin Co., Pa., May 2, 1822; was raised a farmer; came 
to this county in 1847; bought a farm on sec. 16, Griggsville tp., 
where he still resides, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. 
He was married Dec. 17, 1845, to Jennie IST., daughter of James 
and Martha Stark, of Franklin Co., Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson 
have 5 children, — Wm. J., Margaret J., David A., Albert P. and 
Edward C. Wm. J. is married to Ella Hitch and resides in Griggs- 
ville ; Margaret J. is married to Wm. S. Murray, and resides in 
Murrayville, Morgan Co., 111. 

David Fielding^ deceased, was born in Miami Co., O., May 11,. 
1807. He was raised on a farm and educated in IS^ew Carlisle, O. 
He was married Dec. 1, 1835, to Mary (Moore) Smallcy, widow of 
Jesse Smalley, and daughter of Samuel Moore. She was born in 
Dayton, O., Oct 18, 1805, when there were but 6 buildings in that 
place. She had 3 children by her first husband, — -Ellen, Abigail, 
deceased, and Prudence R. Mr. and Mrs. Fielding had 6 children, 
— Charlotte, Mary, Jesse, Fannie, Clara and Albert. The two 
latter are deceased. Mr. Fielding was a worthy member of the 
Baptist Church for 31 years. He died March 9, 1867, loved and 
respected by all. His last words were, " I never thought it would 
be so easy when I came to die." He left messages for absent 
children, requesting them to meet him in Heaven. He partook of 
the Lord's §upper just before his death. Mr. Fielding had been 
married once before, to Charlotte Miller, by whom he had 4 children, 
— Maria, Jeremiah, Daniel and Henrietta. 

Nathan French was born in Merrimac Co., JN". H., in 1804, and 
was raised on a farm until 18 years old ; then went to sea and remained 
8 years. During this time he crossed the Atlantic 14 times and 



32 



540 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

visited the cities of Rochelle, St. Petersburg, Amsterdam, Stock- 
liolm and others. He sailed around Cape Horn on his way to Japan 
during liis whaling voyage, wherein 72 whales were caught, from 
which 2,500 barrels of oil were obtained. In 1831 he removed to 
New Orleans, where he resided for three years and followed carpen- 
tering. In 1835 he located at Alton, and came to Griggsville one 
year afterward. At that time Grigirsville contained 150 inhabitants. 
In 1840 Mr. F. was married to Harriet, daughter of the late David 
Hoyt, of pioneer history. They had 4 children, of whom 3 are 
living, — Wm. H., Lizzie E. (now Mrs. Barnhart) her husband 
being of the firm of Barnhart Bros. & Co., Chicago) and Mary W., 
teacher in the hi<>'h school at Decatur, 111. Wm, H. is asrent for 
the Western Associated Press, (Jhicago. 

Francis F rye was born in Detroit tp., Pike Co., in 1843, and 
is the son of the noted Jonathan Frye, the great pioneer miller of 
Big Blue river. Our subject was married in Aug., 1867, to Mary 
L., daughter of J. M. Griffin, of Kansas. They have 5 children, 
— Alta, Wm. E., Eva Lee, John W. and Lora E. Mr. Frye is one 
of the proprietors of Frye's Mill in Griggsville. 

Peleg Gardner was born in Hancock Co., Me., April 20, 1803, 
and is the son of Peleg Gardner, deceased. He went to Boston, 
Mass., in 1824, where he remained for 11 years, working at the 
carpenter's trade. He was married in Boston July 16, 1826, to 
Caroline Hutchinson, by whom he had 4 children, all of whom are 
dead. He came to Griggsville in 1835, where he pursued his pro- 
fession for several years. Mrs. Gardner died in 1850 and the year 
following Mr. Gardner married Maria J. Fielding, who died May 
14, 1853. Sept. 4th of the same year he was married to Elizabeth 
C. Bazin. After toiling many years in improving the town ot 
Griggsville Mr. Gardner had a stroke of paralysis which has 
rendered him a permanent invalid. 

Jacob Goldman is a native of Clark county, Ky., where he was 
born Oct. 15, 1816. When but 13 years of age he came to Pike 
county with his parents, who settled on sec. 23, Griggsville tp., 
where he has resided since that time. He has enjoyed man}' a deer 
and wolf hunt. Once he saw 36 deer in one herd, and at one time 
killed 9 wolves. He saw the first steam-boat that plied the Illinois 
river and knows all about grubbing and picking brush, rolling logs, 
etc.; and after working hard all day he would grind corn in a hand- 
mill until 9 or 10 o'clock at night, to procure bread for the follow- 
ing day. They used harness and single and double trees of their 
own manufacture, which were made of hickory bark, corn " shucks " 
and poles. Mr. Goldman helped to raise the first house in Pitts- 
field and hewed the first timber that was used for building purposes 
in Griggsville. He has been chased by w^olves when bringing 
home his game on old " Blaze," but his faithful dog " Tiger " was 
ever on the alert, and would invarial)ly drive them away. He has 
been married twice, the first time to Bethlehem Wade, and the 
second time to Otelia Jaritzs, who crossed the ocean in 1834. Mr. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 54:1 

Goldman is the father of 12 children, of whom 8 are living, — Josiah, 
Newton B., Ellen H., Hardin H., Emma J., Melvin, Elizabeth and 
Victoria. He is engaged in farming on sec. 34, Griggs ville tp. 

Alfred Gordon, a pioneer of Pike connty, was born in Hillsboro 
Co., N. H., Nov. 4, 1794; was raised on a farm and educated in 
the common schools. He came to this county in 1836 and settled 
in Griggsville tp. In 1843 he purchased a farm on sec. 16 of this 
tp., where he still resides. He was married in March, 1824, to 
Mary D. Jones, by whom he had 5 children, — Alfred A., Nathan- 
iel H., Moses, Mary A. and Geo. Washington, all of whom are 
dead except George, who resides with his father and attends to the 
farm. In 1857 George was married to Ellen Smith, daughter of 
John Smith, deceased, an early settler of Pike county. They have 
had 4 children, 3 of whom are living, — Charley, Willie and Nellie. 
The two latter are twins. Mrs. Alfred Gordon died April 24, 1867. 
Our subject was a soldier in the war of 1812, under Gen. Dear- 
born, and endured unusual hardships and privations. He has been 
a member of the Baptist Church for over 47 years and has held 
many offices of trust. In N. H. he was Overseer of the Poor and 
was a member of the State Legislature of that State for 4 successive 
terms. He has been Justice of the Peace and Treasurer of the school 
fund in Pike Co.; is also a surveyor, which business he has pur- 
sued more or less. In the year 1842 lie taught school in Griggs- 
ville. 

Daniel B. Griffin was born in Pike Co., Oct. 17, 1839, and is 
the son of Lorenzo D. Griffin, deceased. He was married in 1860 
to Mary E. Baker, and they had one child. Mrs. Griffin and child 
both died in 1862, of the small-pox, as also did Mr. G.'s father. 
In 1864 he again married, this time Sarah A. Fowler, and they had 
6 children, of whom 3 are living, — Lizzie, Riley and Noley, Mr. 
Griffin is an engineer by profession, but is now engaged in pack- 
ing and sliipping flour with McMahan & Co. 

M. Hainsfiirther, merchant, Griggsville, is a native of German}^; 
came to America in 1853 and located in Winchester, Scott Co., 111., 
and engaged in the dry goods business; also clothing, boots and 
shoes. He located in Griggsville in 1860, where he followed the 
same business. He carries a stock of about $18,000, and has a large 
trade. He commenced business by peddling over the country, 
carrying his goods on his back. He was married in 1863 to Re- 
becca Cohn, and they have had 6 children, 5 of whom are living, — 
Millie, Nathan, Bessie, Harry and Lusettie. 

Abel Harrington was born in Albany county, N. Y., Feb. 20, 
1824, and is a son of the late Judge Harrington, so well known in 
the pioneer history of this county. Our subject came to this county 
with his parents in 1835, where he has since resided. He was mar- 
ried Feb. 7, 1847, to Eliza J. Sheeley, daughter of Abel and Maiy 
A. Sheeley, well known in the history of this and Morgan counties. 
She was born in Naples, Scott Co., in 1825. Mr. H.'s mother-in- 
law, Mrs. Mary A. (Kenneyj Sheeley, was born in Lancaster, Pa,, 



542 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

May 16, 1801 ; she came to what is now Scott county in 1821, and 
to this county in 1829. She was married in Feb., 1819, to, John 
Hollins. They had two children. Mr. Hollins died in 1822, and 
in 1824 his widow married Abel Shelley. They had 9 children, 4 
of whom are living. Mr. Harrington resides on sec. 2; P. O., 
Griggs vi lie. 

Charles Harrington^ deceased. Judge Charles Harrington was 
born in that ])art of Grafton, Mass., known as New England vil- 
lage, in 1795; in 1811 he went to Rodman, N. Y., where he 
remained three years, engaging in the woojen business; his factory, 
with two others, was burned, it is supposed, by a jealous Canadian; 
he then taught school for a time and located in Guilderland, IST. Y., 
where he formed a partnership with Charles Mason in the manu- 
facture of woolen goods; he remained there until 1835, when he 
came to Griggsville and continued his residence in Pike county 
until his death, which occurred Aug. 15, 1873. He was a worth}^ 
member of the Baptist Church for 47 years, and an ordained min- 
ister for 29 years. He was called to the pastoral charge of the 
Perry Baptist Church, where he remained for several years. Upon 
the organization of the Quincy Baptist Association in 1843, he was 
elected Moderator, and held the position for 11 years. In 1850 he 
was elected County Judge for Pike county. He was ever a bold, 
fearless champion of the cause of temperance, truth ajid morality. 
His eiForts in the cause of temperance when a young man, as well 
as his activity and zeal in religious meetings after he made a pro- 
fession of religion, led the Church in Schenectady, of which he was 
first a member, to see his aptness to teach, and they granted him 
license to preach. He was a very forcible, convincing speaker, but 
never depended upon preaching for a support. He supplied many 
weak and destitute churches at different times. 

Charles W. Harrington was born in Griggsville tp. Dec. 14, 
1852, and is the son of the late Samuel Harrington, an early pio- 
neer. He was raised on a farm and educated in the common 
schools; was married in Aug., 1875, to Anna, daughter of Christian 
Hoss,''of Griggsville tp. They have had 3 children. — Mattie. Ellis 
and Freddie. Mr. H. is engaged in farming and owns 80 acres ot 
valuable land on sees. 11 and 12, Griggsville tp. In 1874 he 
took a tour through Kansas and Missouri, and returned the same 
year. 

Geo. P. Harrington., son of Judge Harrington, was born in 
Griggsville tp., sec. 1., on the farm where he now resides, July 17, 
1839. Judge Harrington, a native of Grafton, Mass., was born 
Nov. 17, 1795; was married Jan. 9, 1823, to Hannah Scranton, by 
whom he had 6 children,- — ^Abel, Samuel, Daniel, James, Abbie and 
George P., who is the youngest. Mrs. Harrington was born in 
Stephentown, Rensellaer Co., JST. Y., Oct., 1801, and died Oct. 25, 
1878. Our subject was married Jan. 26, 1867, to Louisa, daughter 
of Ebenezer C. Maddux, deceased. They had 6 children, of whom 

are living, — Bertha, Jennie, Hannah and Louisa. Mrs. Ilarring- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 543 

ton died Dec. 18, 1879, loved and respected by all. She was born 
in Hamilton Co., O., June 20, 1848. In 1868 the family removed 
to Kansas, where Mrs. H. was attacked with chills, from which she 
never recovered. The followino^ year they returned to Pike county. 
The Independent Press, of Griggsville, contained the following 
obituary notice Dec. 25, 1879: 

" Loving hearts are doomed to sorrow, 
Trusting souls to pine and die ; 
Beauteous flowers bloom and perish 
'Neath the hot and burning sky. 

" Then, if all in life is fleeting, 
If on earth no joy is given, 
Let us seek for rest unchanging. 
In the Christian's home in heaven." 

SctTnuel M. Harrington was born in Albany Co., J^T. Y., April 
19, 1827, and is a son of the late Judge Harrington. He came to 
this county with his parents in 1835. He was married in 1848 to 
Charity Elledge, daughter of William and Tabitha Elledge; they 
have had 4 children, of whom 3 are living, — Sarah A., Charles W. 
and Ada Belle. Mr. H. spent one year in Colorado during the 
gold excitement. His grandfather, Samuel Harrington, was born 
in Grafton, Mass., Aug. 13, 1769, and his grandmother was Abigail 
Putnam, a relative of Gen. Israel Putnam, renowned in the war of 
the Revolution. Mr. H. was a member of the U. B. Church, He 
died June 24, 1875. If we should attempt to enumerate bis many 
virtues we should fill pages of history. 

Perry Harshman was born in Preble Co., O., Oct. 13, 1842, and 
is the son of Peter Harshman, now of Griggsville tp. He came 
with his parents to this county in 1852, where he has since resided. 
He now lives near Griggsville, and is engaged in general farming 
and owns about 320 acres of land. 

Peter Harshman, son of Peter Harshman, sr,, deceased, was born 
in Preble Co., O., in 1813. He was raised on a farm and received 
a limited education in a subscription school. He was married in 
1836 to Susannah Sherer, daughter of Daniel and Catharine Sherer, 
deceased, and a sister of Dr. D. J. Sherer, of Grandview, Edgar 
Co., 111. Mr. and Mrs. Harshman have had 10 children, of whom 
5 are living, — Noah L., Perry, Eli, Rachel Ann and Daniel. They 
removed to this count}' in 1852 and settled in Pittsfield tp,, where 
they resided until the spring of 1869, when|they 'removed to Griggs- 
ville tp. and settled on sec. 11. Mr. H. and his son Noah are now 
traveling in AVashington Territory and the West. He has always 
been engaged in farming. Mrs. Harshman's father was in the 
war of 1812, and was one of the soldiers of Hull's army that sur- 
rendered at the siege of Detroit. 

Dr. L. J. Harvey was born in Warner, N. H., Oct. 6, 1851 ; 
had an academical education; came to Griggsville in 1872 and read 
medicine under the late Dr. Wilson; attended Bellevue Hospital 



544 HISTORY OF PIKK COUNTY. 

Medical College, of New York city, and also the St. Louis Medical 
College, where he graduated in 1875; after spending a few months 
in the city hospital there he located in Griggsville, where he has a 
large practice In May, 1876, he married Bella Kenney, daughter 
of Charles Kenney, of Griggsville, and they have one little boy, 
Ira K. 

Frank Hatch was born in Hillsboro Co., N. H., March 21, 
1825, and is a son of Reuben Hatch (deceased), who was also a 
native of New Hampshire. He was reared and educated for the 
most part, in Griggsville, having come to this place with his 
parents in 1836. He was married Nov. 30, 1852, to Rebecca Ben- 
nett, daughter of Simeon Bennett (deceased). They have 3 chil- 
dren, — Charles P., Celia J. and Marshall P. Mr. Hatch has seen 
the rougli places made smooth, and the vacant prairies of Pike 
count}^ made into valuable farms. He resides on sec. 16, Griggs- 
ville tp., where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising, 
making the latter a specialty. 

Isaac A. Hatch, banker, was born in Hillsboro, N. H., Sept. 13, 
1812; c^ime to Griggsville in 1835, where he still resides; has fol- 
lowed farming, milling, collecting revenue, merchandising and 
banking in this county; is now in the last named business. Oc- 
tober, 1840, he married Lydia B., sister of Moses E. Baxter, of 
Griggsville. Their 2 children are Abbie A. and John Franklin. 

Mason Hatch was born in this township April 26, 1846, son of 
Sylvanus Hatch, deceased; the latter was born in Hillsboro, N. H., 
in 1816; was a farmer by occupation, and died March 17,1868. 
Mason was educated in the State University at Bloomington, 111., 
and has taught school most of the time for 8 vears, but is now 
farming on the old home place, sec. 9. 

Jacob Hendricks was born in Harrison Co., O., March 22, 1831, 
and is a son of Andrew Hendricks, of Adams Co., 111. He was 
raised on a farm, and received a common-school education; was 
married Aug. 28, 1855, to Nancy M. Robison, daughter of William 
Robison, deceased, who brought his family to this county in 1847. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks have had 10 children, of whom 7 are liv- 
ing, — Leah J., William R., Mary E., Andrew G., Laura O., Estella 
. E., and Charles R. Mr. Hendricks is a farmer, but is now engaged 
in the grain and stock business at Maysville. 

George D. Hensell was born in Wheeling, W. Va., March 23, 
1854, son of Robert Hensell, now of Griggsville ; when our sub- 
ject was one year "old the family emigrated to Griggsville, where 
ne was educated. For 3 years he has been teaching, and is now 
teaching his second term in Middle Flint district, Flint tp., where 
the growing prosperity of his school sufficiently attests his qualifi- 
cations. June 12, 1878, he married Nellie Cover, daughter of 
Daniel Cover, sr., of Griggsville. 

John W. Hensell was born in Portland, Jefferson Co., O., Aug. 
8, 1848, son of Robert L., of Griggsville ; he has lived on a farm 
since 10 years old, and now resides on sec. 26, Griggsville tp. ; the 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 545 

emigration of his people to this county was in 1855. He was mar- 
ried Oct. 28, 1869, to Mary J. Wartoii, daughter of Wm. Warton, 
deceased, so well known in the early settlement of Pike county ; 
and they have 4 children, — Fred, Delia M., George O. and Estella. 

Dr. James Montgomery Hlgglns., youngest son of John and 
Elizabeth Higgins, was born in Montgomery Co., Md., July 30, 
1808 ; educated chiefly in Rockville, Md.; studied medicine in 
Washington, D. C; graauated in the medical department of Colum- 
bia College in that city March 11, 1829, and has followed the prac- 
tice of his profession ever since, — over half a century now. Jan. 
25, 1831, he married Margaret Davis in Bourbon Co., Ky., niece 
of Gov. Edward Tiffin, flrst Governor of Ohio ; in the following 
spring he emigrated to Jacksonville, 111., and in ISTov., 1834, he 
removed with his wife and infant child to Griggsville, this county, 
where physicians were scarcer than in Jacksonville ; in 1846 he 
was elected Representative to the State Legislature ; in 1848 he 
was elected Medical Superintendent of the Illinois State Hospital 
for the Insane at Jacksonville, where he superinteiided the building 
of the original hospital, at a cost surprisingly low, as attested by a 
Legislative commission ; he opened the institution in the fall of 
1851, and conducted it with great acceptability until the summer 
of 1854, when he returned to Griggsville, where he has practiced 
ever since except in 1862-3, when he was Surgeon of the 114th 
Eeg. 111. Vol. 

Besides an infant son that died in Jacksonville in 1832, riie Doc- 
tor and his wife have had 6 children, as follows : Isaac Newton, 
James M., Edward Tiffin, Mary E., Drusilla C. and Lizzie M., — all 
living except the eldest daughter, Mrs. Mary E. Jones. Isaac 1^. 
studied and graduated in medicine, but has followed journalism up 
to the present time. In company with his brother James M., he 
published the Pike County Union., the first newspaper in Griggs- 
ville, and which was afterward transferred to Pittsfield ; subse- 
quently he became editor-in-chief of the Illinois State Register 
at Springfield, and after several years he became managing editor 
of the Chicago Republican., and for 10 years past has occupied that 
relation to the San Francisco Morning Gall., a daily paper of 
45,000 circulation. James M., jr., a practical printer, has been 
connected with the Illinois State Register in various relations, a 
part of the time one of its editors. Edward T. holds an important 
position in the W. U. Telegraph office at Chicago. Mary E. mar- 
ried J. Howard Jones in 1861, and died Aug. 9, 1874, in Chicago, 
leaving 2 sons ajid an infant daughter. Drusilla C. became the 
second wife of Mr. Jones on the Christmas of 1878, and they 
reside in 'Chicago. Lizzie M. is a teacher in the public schools of 
Griggsville. 

JEd'ivin Hitch., deceased, was born Sept. 25, 1843, in Adams 
tounty. 111.; was educated in the schools of Perry, this county, and 
was raised on a farm. He engaged in buying and shi|)ping stock 
for several years; was married Jan. 22, 1867, to Mar}' Simpkin, 



546 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

dauo^liter of Thomas Simpkin, deceased. They had 4 bojs — Edwin 
L., Thomas S., Riifus and Roy M. Mr. Hitch was a worthy citi- 
zen and highly esteemed. He died Jan. 29, 1877, in Griggsville. 

Prof. R. M. Hitch is Principal of the High School at Griggs- 
ville. This department is in excellent running order; ever^-thing 
moves on with the system and regularity of clock-work, and the 
best of order prevails. Save one or two exceptions, the best series 
of text books is used. JVIiss Abbie Hatch, Assistant, Miss L. E. 
Campbell, Teacher of Grammar School. 

Cajpt. B. B. Hopkins was born in London, England, Jan. 2, 
1838, and is a son of Robert Hopkins, deceased; came to America 
when but 14 years old, arriving at Griggsville Landing, Dec. 9, 
1852; spent a year crossing and re-crossing the Western plains as 
assistant wagon-master in the service of the Government; enlisted 
Sept. 5, 1861, as a private in the late war in Co. G, 5th 111. Cav., 
under Capt. John A. Harvey, now of St. Louis, and brother of ex- 
Governor Harvey, of Kansas. Mr. Hopkins was promoted to the 
Captaincy of his Company in December, 1862; he resigned his com- 
mission in the army in July, 1864, on account of disability. He has 
been engaged in raising short-horned thorough-bred cattle and 
Cotswold shfeep since 1865. He was married Nov. 15, 1864, to 
Ann, second daughter of Thomas Simpkin, deceased, known as the 
"land king" of Pike county. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins have 5 
children. 

John Houston was born in 1817, in Ilillsboro, N. H., and is the 
son of John Houston, deceased. He came to Illinois in 1837, and set- 
tled in Griggsville tp.: his brother William preceded him 2 years. 
Mr. Houston returned to N. H. in 1840, and remained there until 
1843, whe'n he returned to Illinois. In 1847 he again went to N. IL, 
and was married to Mary Lane. They had 8 children, of whom 
4 are living— Lavica, Samuel, Frederick and Alice. Mr. H. has 
been a successful brick and stone mason, and is also an excellent 
plasterer, but does not follow this as a business. In 1858, he was 
electci Sheriff of Pike county, in which capacity he served for 2 
years. 

Edward S. Hoyt/ P. O., Griggsville; was born in this town 
Feb. 22, 1846; received a common-school education in Griggsville, 
and is also a graduate of the Jones Commercial College, of St. Louis, 
Mo. He followed boating on the Illinois river for seven years, and 
now lias charore of the warehouse at Grio^i^sville Landino^. In the 
winter season he engages with his father in the packing of pork in 
Griggsville. He was married in November, 1869, to Emily, 
daughter of the pojiular Capt. Samuel Rider, of this county. They 
have 3 children — Herbert, Clara and Mary A. 

Arnold Hughes, son of Elliott and Jane S. Hughes, was born in' 
Danville, Montgomery Co., Mo. He is a grandson of Col. Tho8« 
Hughes, of Paris, K}'.; his mother was the eldest daughter ot John 
R. McConnell, of Lexington, Ky. In 1838 his parents removed to 
Montgomery county, Mo., within a few miles of where Daniel 



J «-/ ^ 




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t^m 




SR1G6SVILLE Tf 



HISTOBT OF PIKE COUNTY. 549 

JBoone lived and died. Our subject served an apprenticeship at 
the printer's trade in Milwaukee, "Wis., and from there went on a 
"tour," working at St. Paul, Omaha, St. Joe, Kansas City, St. 
Louis, Jackson, etc. In Shelb}^ county, 111., he edited one 
of the best country papers in the State. He is editor of the " In- 
dependent Pressy published weekly at Griggsville, by Hughes & 
Nelson. These enterprising young men wield an influence that 
will make their paper a success. Mr. Hughes was married Sept. 26, 
1878, to Miss E. D. Hudson. 

Henry L. Hurt was born in Madison Co. , Ya., Aug. 21, 1825. 
His ancestry settled in King and Queen Co., Ya., about two centu- 
ries ago. Mr. H. came to Pike county in the fall of 1856, and 
settled in Gri^gsville, where he now resides, S. E. corner of Cory 
and Washington sts. He is a miller by occupation, but he retired 
from that business some years ago. In politics he lias always been 
independent, but since the formation of the Republican party he 
has generally voted with that party. In religion he is a Baptist, 
and has advocated the cause of temperance from boyhood, claiming 
to have had strictly temperance parents that set an example he has 
tried to follow. His first marriage was in Culpepper Co., Ya., Jan. 
5, 1854, with Elmira Smith, who died of consumption Jan. 9,1870. 
She was a member of the Baptist Church. His second marriage 
was in Griggsville, Feb. 15, 1871, with Elizabeth, daughter of the 
late John C. Shaw, who came to Pike county when there were only 
about 3 houses between G-riggsville and the Illinois river. Mr. 
and Mrs. Hurt have no children, but have adopted 2 nieces. Amy 
and Emma Copson, whom they are trying to educate. Mrs. H. is a 
member of the Baptist Church. John C. Shaw was born in Attle- 
boro, near Nun Eaton, Warwickshire, England, March 12, 1796. 
His father, Josiah Shaw, acquired considerable wealth and was for 
many years engaged in ribbon manufacture. His mother's maiden 
name was Ann Clark. In 1819 he was married to Elizabeth Towe, 
and after carrying on the brick-making and building business for a 
number of j-ears in his native place, he emigrated to America in 
1829, and settled in Washington Co., N. Y., following farming. 
After remaining there about 3 years he removed to Illinois, and 
settled on sec. 13, Griggsville tp., Sept., 1833, whei-e he resided 
until his deaths. In 1840 he built a flouring-mill, also a saw-mill, 
on Flint creek. A few years later he removed the mills to Griggs- 
ville Landing, on the Illinois river. After a few years he again 
commenced farming, which he followed until the infirmities of age 
caused him to retii-e from active life. He and his wife both united 
with the Baptist Church in Griggsville. They raised 9 children, 
3 sons and 6 daughters. 

Samuel Hutchinson, inventor and manufacturer of Hutchin- 
son's adjustable harrow, was born in Boston, Mass., in 1813; came 
to Pike Co. in 1834, landing here with less than $5.00 in his pocket. 
He is a mechanic, and has helped to erect a great many houses in 
Griggsville. He was married in 1838 to Laura Bachelor, and they 



550 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

had 5 cliildren, 3 of whom are living. He was again married in 
1855, this time to Jane A. Edwards. He was married a third time 
to Sarah E. Jones, and they had 4 children, 2 of whom are living. 

A. J. Ives W&& born in Canada, July 19, 1850; came to Illinois 
in 1869; was educated in the Wesleyan University at Bloom- 
ington; began teaching in 1873. His father was a farmer. Mr. 
Ives came to Pike Co. in 1876 ; was married to Rosella Kenedy, 
July 10, 1873. They have one child, Elmer K. 

JDavid Jenkins, a native of Clermont Co., O,, was born Dec. 15, 
1841; was educated in the common schools of Ohio, and came to 
Illinois with his parents in 1855, remaining in Altona, Knox Co., 
until the spring of 1857, when they removed to Pike Co., where 
they still reside. He was married July 26, 1872, to Ede A. Elder, 
daughter of AVilliam and Phoibe Elder, deceased. They have had 1 
little girl, Anna. Mr. Jenkins is engaged in farming, and resides 
on sec. 25, Griggsville township. He served in Co. I, 33d Reg't. 
111. Vol., in the Rebellion for 4 years and 3 months, partici- 
pating in several battles. His father, Joseph W. Jenkins, was born 
in Gloucester Co., N. J., March 9, 1800, and wa> raised on a farm; 
was brought to Clermont Co., O., by his parents in 1806; was mar- 
ried in 1841 to Susannah Fisliei-, by whom li-- had 3 cliildren, — 
Catharine, Mary A. and David. He is a saddler and harness- 
maker by trade, at which he has worked most of the time during 
his life. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins now reside with their son David. 

Nathan W. Jones, one of the founders of Griggsville, was born 
in Worcester Co., Mass., April 27, 1803; emigrated in 1830 to 
Jacksonville, 111., where he served as Steward of the Illinois Col- 
lege for one year; in the winter of 1831 he returned East, by way 
of New Orleans and New York, on account of high water, and in 
the spring he brought his family to Jacksonville; and in 1833 he 
came to this point, where he bought a piece of land and helped to 
lay out the town of Griggsville, and suggested the name of the 
town. He built the first frame house in Griggsville, which still 
stands. At first he was a farmer for a number of vears, and since 
has followed merchandising, etc. In company with Joshua R. 
Stanford he kept the first store in Griggsville, taking in trade 
the first year (1833) 9 bear-skins, from bears killed within 10 
miles of town. He owned the warehouses at Griggsville Landing 
forti number of years, and was an extensive grain merchant, being 
the first who paid cash for grain in this township. He and Mr. 
Winn cut the first harvest in this township without liquor. Mr. 
Jones' ancestry are of New England stock, and ot Euglish origin. 
They are referred to in Bancroft's History of the United States. 
In 1823 Mr. Jones married Hannah P. Glazier, and their 8 chil- 
dren are: Sarah, now widow of James H. Chase, Buftalo, N. Y. ; 
George W., Clerk of Appellate Court at Springfield, and formerly 
Circuit Clerk of Pike Co.; John W., deceased; William IL, who 
died in California in 1851, in his 20th year; John H., Confidential 
Clerk of the Grain Inspector of Chicago, formerly Assistant 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 551 

Treasurer of Illinois; Lucy T. and Henrietta H,, deceased; and 
Charles W., bookkeeper in Griggsville. Mr. Jones' portrait is given 
in this volume. 

S. M. Kennedy was born in Clermont Co., O., Sept. 12, 1845; 
moved to Pike county in 1858, where he has since resided; is chief 
engineer in the Pike Mills, of Griggs ville. He was married in 
1870 to Harriet Baldwin, by whom he has had 3 children, — Willy, 
Nellie and Mervyn Rhea. He served 4 months in Co. H, 137th I. 
Y. I., in the late war, and assisted in opposing Forest's raid on 
Memphis. 

Kenney & Clarh, the largest firm in Griggsville, established 
themselves in general merchandising in 1864, succeeding Mr. 
Charles Kenney. They carry a general stock of dry goods, cloth- 
ing, boots and shoes, groceries, queensware, hats and caps, carpets, 
etc., etc., amounting to a stock of over $20,000. Mr. Clark's father, 
John Clark, was an early settler in Ogle Co., 111., having located 
there about the year 1830, and came to this county in 1857, where 
he died in 1872. He was a farmer on sec. 15, Griggsville tp. 

W. E. Kneeland ia a native of GriggsvillCj and was educated in 
the union schools of this place. He engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness in March, 1879, and has a general stock of dry goods, gro- 
ceries, boots and shoes. His trade is increasing, and he carries a 
stock of $3,500. 

John Lasbury was born in Kensington, near London, Eng.,JSov. 
11, 1830, and was educated in the same place. He learned the 
butcher's trade when quite young, and came to America in 1852 in 
a sail-ship : was 10 weeks coming from Liverpool to New Orleans, 
and 3 weeks from New Orleans to St. Louis. From St. Louis he 
walked to Griggsville in a deep snow, a distance of about 110 miles; 
this he accomplished in 3 days' time. He worked for the late 
Robert Allen, of Griggsville, for about 2 years ; was the first butcher 
in Griggsville: supplied Griggsville and Pittstield both with meat 
from one beef, and sometimes would have some left, which he would 
take to Perry. He was married March 20, 1858, to Sarah Simpkin, 
daughter of Thos. Simpkin, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lasbury have 
5 children, — Mary, Ann, Elizabeth, John and Yincent. Mr. L. re- 
sides on sec. 28, Griggsville tp., and is engaged in farming and 
stock-raising. He has some fine cattle, and he brought the first 
long-wooled sheep to this part of the country. These sheep were 
brought from Canada. 

James B. Lewis is a native of Kentucky, and was born Nov. 10, 
1835. His parents brought him to Woodford Co., 111., in 1837, 
and to Adams Co. in 1842. He was educated in Quincy, and at 
the age of 15 was apprenticed to J. C. Bernard, a harness-maker of 
that place, with whom he remained 5|- 3'ears. He located in 
Griggsville in 1865, and remained here 17 months, and then removed 
to Alton, where he resided in 1858, when he returned to Griggs- 
ville. He was married in Alton, 111., June 18, 1862, to C. F. Fer- 
guson, and they have 3 children, — Mary H.,Louise E. and Maud W. 



552 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY, 

Robert M. Love was born in Trenton, N. J., June 14, 1S18, and 
is a son of Suniuel and Lydia (Morgan) Love. The former is de- 
ceased, the latter resides in Pittsfield, and is 83 years old. Mr. 
Love has cut, split and hauled wood 7 miles for 6 " bits " a cord, 
and paid $1.50 a yard for Kentucky jeans to make himself a pair of 
pants, lie was married Oct. 3, 1841, to Mary A., daughter of 
Charles Troy, deceased. She was born Jan. 5, 1824, in Morgan Co., 
111. The Troy family were burned out by the Indians and they 
suffered untold privations. Mr. and Mrs. Love had 10 children, — 
Henry C, deceased, Charles E., Lydia J., Jerome G., Georgia Ann, 
Eleanor, Julia, John E., Sarah E. and Robert F. Mr. Love first 
settled in Perry tp., but for 30 years has resided on sec. 17, Griggs- 
ville tp., where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and he 
owns 160 acres of land, 120 of which is well improved. He is a 
member of the M. E. Church, as also are Mrs. Love and 4 daughters. 

Wm. E. Lud.loio was born in Griggsville in 1858, and is the son 
of Robert McK. Ludlow, deceased. Mr. L. is a partner with Mr. 
Frye in Frj^e's flouring-mill. Tie was educated in the schools of 
Griggsville. His father was accidentally shot and killed while hunt- 
ing in Dec, 1859. 

Henry Lyiide, Esq., was born in West Brookfield, Mass., ISTov. 
11, 1815; was educated in Munson Academy, Hampden Co., Mass.; 
came to Alton, 111., Dec. 1, 1836, and the following spring engaged 
in the mercantile business in Griggsville, which he continued for 
4 years, when he engaged in farming, which occupation he followed 
for 25 years within 2 miles of East Griggsville. In 1868 he rented 
his farm and retired to Griggsville, where he still resides, and is 
engaged in insurance and real estate business. He has filled the 
office of Justice of the Peace since 1873, and is also a Notarv Public; 
has'been Township Trustee of Schools for 21 consecutive years and 
has filled other offices of trust. He was married Sept. 13, 1838, to 
Ann C. Shaw, daughter of John C. Shaw, deceased. They had 10 
children, of whom 6 are living, — Mary A. (now Mrs. Samuel Thack- 
wray), Sarah J. (now Mrs. H. T. Frits), Burton C, H. Lovell (Mrs. 
Samuel L. Fiester); the two latter reside at Whiting, Kansas; Nellie 
W. (now Mrs. T. A. Hill, of Griggsville), and Minnie L. Their eld- 
est son was killed during the Rebellion; their eldest daughter, Eliz- 
abeth, was married in Sept, 1863, to Dr. Wm. H. D. J^oyes, 
and died in July, 1873, while on a visit to her friends in Griggs- 
ville. Mr. and Mrs. Lynde are members of the Baptist Church, 
and he has been "Vice President of the S. S. County Convention for 
several vears. 

Wm. Marden, son of Frank Marden, of Chambersburg, was born 
in Perry, Pike Co., Nov. 19, 1855; was educated here and at the 
age of 21 engaged in the livery business in Perry, and is still pro- 
prietor of the Perry Livery Stable; is also proprietor of the Griggs- 
ville Liverv Stable, doino: a successful business in both places. His 
stock in Griggsville is about $2,300, and in Perry $2,000. He \Aas 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 553 

married Oct. 17, 1878, to Yenie, daughter of John E. Morton, of 
Perrj. 

Robert Marshall was born in Cadiz, Harrison Co., O., May 1, 
1848, and is the son of Win. Marshall, of Griggsville, who came 
here in 1851, where he still resides, and is a blacksmith. He is a 
first-class mechanic, and has built up a large trade, Mr. Marshall 
is the father of 9 children, of which our subject is the eldest. His 
son, Wm. Marshall, jr., is also a mechanic, and is working in the 
Griggsville Plow Manufactory. 

Wm. Mai'shall was born near Greenburg, AVestmoreland Co., 
Pa., March 1, 1822; is the father of 8 children, 4 of whom are now 
living. His eldest son, Robert, resides with his father ; his second 
son, William, follows blacksmithing and is a promising young man. 
Mr. Marshall came to Pike county in the spring of 1851 and settled 
in Griggsville, where he has ever since carried on blacksmithing suc- 
cessfully. 

Thomas Manton,^ a native of Lincolnshire, England, was born 
April 16, 1844, and is a son of James Manton, neai'Pittsfield, who 
brought his family to America in 1854, locating in Detroit tp., where 
he remained until 1857, and then came to ' Griggsville tp. Mr. 
Manton is at present a. bachelor and resides on sec" 5, Griggsville 
tp., where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising. His sisters, 
Mary and Lizzie, preside over his house. 

Wm. McBratney was born in Ireland in 1834, and is the son of 
John McBratney, deceased; was brought to America by his parents 
in 1836; remained in Pennsylvania one year; came to' Adams Co., 
111., where John McBratney resided until his death, which occuri-ed 
in 1871. Old Mrs. McBratney still resides in Adams Co., wiuh 
her daughter, and is 87 years old. Our .subject came to Griggs- 
ville in 1856, where he engaged in blacksmithing, which he still 
carries on. He worked 4 j'ears as a journeyman alter arriving in 
this town. He was married Oct. 5, 1865, to Lucinda McDonald, 
and they have 4 children,— Charles F., Frank, Jennie E. and Wm. 
Emmet. The latter was named for the noted Emmet, the first 
Representative in the British Parliament from Ireland, after the re- 
bellion in that country. Mr. McBratney also manufactures plows 
and wagons, and deals in agricultural implements. 

John McClain was born in Adair Co., Ky., in 1807; was educated 
there in a subscription school; came to Pike Co. in 1830 and settled 
in Griggsville tp. At that time there was not a fence between his 
farm and Atlas. In 1839 he married Abigail Shores. They had 
6 children, of whom 3 are living, — Thomas S., Ann Eliza and An- 
geline, all married. He has been a successful farmer all his life, 
nntil within the past 9 years, during which time he has resided in 
Griggsville. 

Levi W. McM'ahan was born in Marion Co., Ind., near Indian- 
apolis, March 31,1841; parents were Wm. and Maria (Thomas) 
McMahan. The former, a native of Clermont Co., O., was a farmer 
in Indiana, and came to Illinois in 1856 with his family, Levi W. 



554 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, 

beino; then 14 years ofa^e; has ever since been in the cabinet busi- 
ness in Griggsville; his wife was a native of Maine. At tlie ageot 
19 Levi opened a confectionery establishment in Griggsville for 
about one year, then followed farming 4 years, and then commenced 
general mercantile business at Griggsville; in 2 years he returned 
to farming again, and dealing in grain and stock ; he now carries 
on milling. Mr. McMahan is one of the most active, enterprising 
and public-spirited men of the county, and has done much toward 
the improvement of the town where he lives. The business enter- 
prise — the Pike Flouring Mills — of which he is at the head, is one 
of the most extensive in the count3\ April 28, 1861, he married 
Hattie, daughter of Cephas and Lucy Simmons; of their 3 children, 
Nellie and Alice are living. Mrs. McM. died May 6, 1876. 

The "Pike Mills," owned by Mi. McM and D. P. Baldwin, were 
built on modern principles, with the new process for grinding flour; 
also an elevator with a storage capacity of 20,000 bushels of grain. 
The mill is 33 by 80 feet, three stories and basement, the eaves 36 
feet from the ground, and the whole structure, built of brick, cost 
over $20,000. The mill and cooper-shop furnish a home market 
for 200,000 bushels of grain per annum. It has 4 run of stone, 
having a capacity of grinding 200 barrels of flour a day. The mill 
was planned by Mr. McMahan, and soon after work commenced on 
the building he took for partners two brothers, D. P. and George 
Baldwin, the former being his present partner. They give employ- 
ment the year round to about 20 men on an average, at times to 
nearly double that number, including the cooper shop. The mill 
stands near the railroad track, is a very fine structure, and an orna- 
ment to the city. It is calculated to give the travelers who pass 
through a good impression of the enterprise and energ}" of the town 
of Griggsville. "We give Mr. McMahan's portrait in this book. 

Hon. James Mo Williams. The first of this gentleman's ancestry 
in America were Alexander McWilliams and wife, Highland Scotch, 
who emigrated to America in 1776. On board the vessel for this 
country Alexander McWilliams, the father of the subject of this 
sketch, was born. On arriving in America they settled at Browns- 
ville, Pa.; they afterward moved to Ohio, Belmont county, where 
he died in 1824, aged 84 years. He and his wife were both mem- 
bers of the Union Presbyterian Church. Alex. McWilliams, jr., 
received his early education at Brownsville, where at the age of 22 
he married Mis« Jane Paxton, daughter of John Paxton, of Pro- 
testant Irish descent. In this family were born 3 children, the 
youngest of whom is James, the subject of this sketch. Mrs. McW. 
died about 1803. Her husband married a second wife a short time 
afterward, by whom he had 11 children. He died at the age of 65, 
at his residence in Union county, O. He always followed farming 
as an occupation. 

James received the most of his education in the schools of Ohio, 
and until 22 his time was largely employed on his father's farm. 
He then (1824)maiTied,in Belmont county. Miss Margaret, daugli- 



HISTORY OF PIKE CODNTY. 555 

ter of Alexander Latimer, formerly of Scotland. They had a family 
of 8 children, only one of whom is living. Mr. McW. first came to 
Illinois in the fall of 1834, landing at l^aples, where he spent the 
winter. The spring following he bought 320 acres of land oii sec. 
20, Griggsville tp., on which he immediately settled with his family. 
After having lived here about four years his wife died (Dec. 2S^ 
1838). In June, 1839, he married Miss Lucretia Prescott, a native 
of Groton, Mass. 

Since first settling in this county Mr. McW. has taken an active 
and prominent part in its affairs, socially, financially and politically. 
As early as 1838 he was elected on the Democratic ticket a Repre- 
sentative in the State T-egislature, where he served a term of two 
years, the first session being held at Yandalia, and the second at 
Springfield. Since then he has been County Commissioner, Super- 
visor of Griggsville Township, etc., etc., and has been continually 
in oflSce of some kind. Up to 1848 he followed farming; he then 
engaged in the lumber trade at Griggsville, which he conducted 
successfully until 4 or 5 years ago. He was one of the original 
stockholders and organizers of the Griggsville National Bank, which 
was put in motion principally through his exertions. The bank 
opened tor business Aug, 1, 1873, with a capital of $50,000, and has 
done a profitable business since that date. On its first organization 
Mr. McW. was elected its president, and he has acted in that capac- 
ity up to the present time. It was probably through his exertions 
more than any other man, that Griggsville enjoys its present railroad 
facilities, he having taken an active and prominent part in securing 
the road. Credit is also due him for the fact that the town is free 
from railroad debt, in the shape of bonds, he having taken a fore- 
most part in the financial plans for liquidating the debt. 

During the late war Mr. McWilliams was a firm supporter of 
President Lincoln's administration, using his means and exerting 
his influence at all times to encourage a bold and energetic prose- 
cution of the war. His son, Capt. John McWilliams, served for 90 
days in the 8th III. Inf., and immediately after returning home from 
service in that regiment he re-enlisted and participated in many an 
engagement during Gen. Sherman's campaign on his famous march 
to the sea. 

Mr. McWilliams has a family of four children living, all of whom 
are married. He is now living at Griggsville, and is 78 years of 
^ge, enjoying good health, prepared to live in comfort. He is one 
of three of the oldest residents in the township now living. He 
and his wife are both members of the Congregational Church. We 
give his portrait in this volume. It is from a picture taken at the 
age of 63. 

Jacoh K. Moore was born in Merrimac Co., I:^. H., Jan. 27, 1808, 
•son of Stephen and Phoebe (Kimball) Moore, deceased; reared on a 
farm and educated in the town of Canterbury, N. H, ; was an itin- 
erant seller of books at auction, and clocks and other articles for 7 
jears, then engaged in merchandising in Sanbornton, N. H., until 



556 HISTORY OF PTKE COUNTY. 

1S37, wlien he lost all by fire. In 1835 he married Cynthia A. 
Gerrish, and they have had 5 children, — Frances A. (Russell, dec.) 
Joseph D., Phoebe K., Geo. 11. and Albert. Mr. Moore came to 
Brown Co., 111., by wagon in 1838, and purchased 40 acres of land, 
and next year he brought his family in a wagon to his new home 
in the "West, a distance of 1,600 miles; they were 40 days on the 
road. They removed to Griggsville April 16, 1849. Mr. M. is an 
auctioneer, and has also followed farming. He now resides on sec. 
22. Although zealous in the late war he has never aspired to any 
office. lie is liberal toward all the Churches, although not a mem- 
ber of any particular one. AVhen he first came West he had but 
$10 and a span of old horses, but he now owns 243 acres of valuable 
land, besides giving 800 acres to his children. He has also g^iven 
his children a good education and interested himself in the estab- 
lishment of good schools. 

James B. Morrison^ of the firm of Morrison. & Kenney, grocery 
and hardware merchants in Griggsville, came here in 1854. This 
firm, established in 1865, carry a stock of about $5,000, and do the 
largest business in their line in Griggsville. 

George A. Mure was born in Fayette Co., Ky., in 1833; was 
educated in Winchester, Scott Co., 111., having come to that place 
in 1840 in emigration with his mother; learned the trade of saddle 
and harness- maker under Hale & Strawn, in Winchester; in 1855 
he began l)usiness for himself in Griggsville, where he still re- 
mains, with a large trade. He has taken premiums constantly at 
the Pike Co. fair on all of his work, and has earned a first-class 
reputation. In 1864 he married Julia, daugliter of Cephas Sim- 
mons, and they have had 4 children, of whom 3 are living, viz: 
Geo. W., Bertha and Helen. 

TFm. Newhouse was born in Delaware Co., O., in 1830, and was 
reared on a farm; at 23 he engaged in the cooper business; he 
came to Pike county in 3 852 and returned to Ohio the same year; 
in 1857 he came to LaHarpe, Hancock Co., 111., where he remained 
22 years; he then located in Griggsville, where he now carries on 
the coopering business; 30 years' practice has made him a fine 
workman. In 1856 he married Eliza J. Findley, and of their 3 
children, 2 are living, Samuel and Freddie, the former being now 
in partnership with his father, and the firm is known as New- 
house & Son. 

Samuel A. Oliver is a native of Maine; emigrated to Missouri 
in 1859, and in 1865 he became a merchant in Hannibal; in Nov., 
1878, he came to Griggsville and opened a general stock of grocer- 
ies, queensware, glassware, lime, salt and oil, keeping on hand 
about $3,500 worth. He has had much to contend with here, but 
by integrity and enterprise has won the confidence of the com- 
munity. In 1861 he married Frances M. Davis, and their only 
child is Willie. 

T. W. Parker is a native of Indiana, and a son of James Parker, 
now of Griggsville. He engaged in the drug business here in 1867 






SRIGGSVILLE 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 559 

and now carries a stock of $4,500, in dru2:s, medicines, stationery, 
fancy goods, books, etc.; keeping on hand a well selected variety of 
articles in all these branches of the trade, prosperity attends him. 

Otis Parsons was born in Gloucester, Mass., in 1812, the second 
of 9 children: was a merchant in Griggsville for several years, and 
farmer for a time. He came to Alton, III., in 1835, and to Griggs- 
ville the next year. His parents were also natives of Gloucester, 
Mass. His mother is still living (December, 1879) at the age of 97 
years. She remembers that at the time of George Washington's 
death, she saw the messenger proclaiming the sad news that " Wash- 
ington, the Great, is dead! " But 4 of her 9 children are living, — 
Solomon, Superintendent of Tremont Temple, Boston; Otis, Jacob 
and Samuel. Grandmother Parsons is the onh^ child of Capt. 
Robert Tomlinson, who was a voyager and was lost at sea; says 
she has always been a Democrat from birth, and a strong advocate 
of temperance; has been a member of the Baptist Church a great 
many years. This good old mother has always been kind and af- 
fectionate to her children, but very firm. Our subject, Otis,. is the 
father of 7 children, of whom 6 are living. 

Giles Penstone is a native of England, and came to America in 
1849, settling in Pike Co., 111., where he has since resided. Jle 
was married in 1837 and has had 7 children, of whom 5 are living. 
His 2 sons, Giles H. and Edward, served 3 years in the late war in 
Co. H, 73d I. Y. I. 

Flamiis J. PTiillijps^ son of Andrew Phillips, deceased, was born 
in Pike Co., 111., Aug. 21, 1831. He was educated mostly in 
Griggsville, and in the early part of his life he ran the ferry at 
Yalley City, known as Phillips' Ferry. His grandfather, Nimrod 
Phillips, purchased the ferry in 1822, which has since borne his 
name. Our subject was married Jan. 13, 1856, to Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of J^athan Jester, deceased, an early settler in Western Illinois. 
They have had 9 children, of whom 7 are living, — James R., John 
C, Ellen, George L., Salina, Howard M. and Mary A. Mr. Phil- 
lips is engaged in farming and stock-raising. His father was born 
in North Carolina in 1801, and came with his parents to Illinois 
in the year 1822 and located in Scott Co., where he remained until 
1826, when he came to Pike county. 

James M. Phillips^ son of Andrew Phillips, deceased, was born 
in Scott Co., 111., Nov. 27, 1826, and like other pioneers has suf- 
fered man}^ privations and hardships. He resided where Griggs- 
ville now stands before there was any town there, and was there 
during the deep snow of 1830-1; was educated in Griggsville, and 
in 1855 was married to Sarah J., daughter of Nathan Jester, de- 
ceased. They had 5 children, of whom 3 are living, — Ste- 
phen A. D ., Emily J. and David M. Mr. Phillips is engaged in 
farming and resides on sec. 35, Griggsville tp. He had many 
interesting experiences with wolves and Indians. At one time, 
when they had been committing depredations, such as killing stock, 
etc., he assisted in driving them awa3\ One Indian seemed deter- 

33 



560 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

mined to load his gun and fi^ht, but was caufj^ht by one of the 
wliites and sev^erely whipped with a brush. 

George Pratt^ a native of Massachusetts, was born Aug. 5, LSI 2; 
spent 6 years of the early part of his life on the sea ; was superin- 
tendent of the Valentine & Chamberlain ])ack.ing-house at Cam- 
bridgeport, Mass., for 2 years previous to coming West ; he came 
to Griggsville in 1837, where he has since resided ; was a cooper 
and pork packer for 25 years in this place, and then became broken 
down in health, and has since lived rather a retired life except to 
loan mone}' on real estate. He is now serving his 4tli term as 
Supervisor for Griggsville tp. Has been married 3 times and has 
had children, of whom 4 are living, — George E., with Kenney & 
Clark in Griggsville ; Albert J., in dry-goods business, and of the 
firm of Atwater & Pratt, Jacksonville, 111.; Franklin, farmer; and 
Elizabeth, now Mrs. Edwin Plummer, of McPherson, Kan. 

Samuel Ramsey was born in Gallia Co., O., Aug. 4, 1852, where 
he was raised and educated ; learned the blacksmith trade (which 
was his father's trade also); came to Pike county in 1ST5, and to 
Maysville in 1878, where he established a wagon and blacksmith 
shop, and is a first-class workman. He has pursued his occupation 
ever since grown, except for about 4 years, during which time he 
operated as engineer on the Ohio river. He was married Aug. 6, 
1878, to Julia M., daughter of Wm. Hill, deceased. 

James T. Reynolds, son of E.. D. Reynolds, of New Salem, was 
born in Clermont Co., O., Dec. 9, 1839, and came to Pike county 
with his parents in 1851. He was married March 2, 1862, to Eliza 
J., daughter of James Rankin, of Antrim county, Ireland ; they 
have 4 children, — John J., James W., Thomas M. and Isaac N. 
Mr. R. enlisted in the late war in Co. E, 16th I. Y. I., where he 
served for one year, and was then promoted to the position of Cap- 
tain of Co. I, istli I. V. I. He participated in the battles of New 
Madrid and Sliiloh, and was wounded in the latter engagement, on 
account of which he was discharged. He is now engaged in farm- 
ing, and resides on sec. 10, Griggsville tp. 

A. Rollins, a native of Maine, was born March 5, 1812. His 
father, John Rollins, was a musician in the Revolutionary war. He 
removed with his family to Clermont Co., O., in 1815, when the 
subject of this sketch was but three years old. They settled in the 
timber with wild animals for neighbors; had no guns, hence the 
animals were unmolested, but they caught many turkeys in a kind 
of trap or pen made for that purpose. Mr. Rollins' early educa- 
tional advantages were very limited, not having enjoyed the free 
schools, as do the boys of the present day. He is well versed in 
rolling logs, raising cabins, pulling dog- wood and other hard work. 
He was married March 17, 1835, to Hannah Tedrow, daughter of 
David Tedrow, deceased. They have had eight children, of whom 
4 are living, Augustus "W., Melissa, Amelia and Lecter. Mr. Rol- 
lins removed to Pike Co. in 1839, having been here in the fall of 
1838 and bought a farm near the Pine Settlement. He however did 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 561 

not take possession of the farm, as he lost over $500 in cash while 
en route for his new home. He went to work with a will, after 
losing the $'200 he had paid on the farm, so that in a few years he 
laid up enough to start again. He bought a farm near New Salem, 
where he resided about 15 years. He has been very successful, and 
now resides on sec. 4, Griggsville tp., engaged in farming and stock 
raising. 

Lemuel Rounds was born June 7, 1806, in Brown Co., O., and 
is the son of Lemuel Kounds, deceased, a native of Maine. The 
latter emigrated to Ohio in 1800, settling in Brown Co. The sub- 
ject of this biography came to Pike Co. in 1842, locating on sec. 
15, Fairmount tp., where he followed farming and stock-raising 
until 1875; he then sold his farm and removed to Griggsville, 
where he now resides. He was married in 1825 to Elizabeth Jack- 
son, by whom he had 6 children. Of these onlv John and Richard 
are living. Mrs. R. died Oct. 5, 1869; and Mr. R. Oct. 25, 1879, 
married Mrs. Martha Hagar, daughter of Charles F. Frye, a well- 
known early settler. Mr. Rounds' only daugliter, Mrs. Amanda 
Martin, died Nov. 22, 1879. His son, Cephas S., was killed on the 
railroad at East St. Louis March 2, 1879. 

Robert Seaborn^ being an early pioneer of Pike county, should 
liave more than a passing notice in the pages of this history. He 
was born in Frankfort, now part of the city of Philadelphia, Pa., Oct. 
11, 1814, and is the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Rodgers) Seaborn. 
The former was a native of England and came to America during 
the latter part of the last century . He was then a single man, but 
soon after married. He was a merchant tailor at that place for 
several years, and died March 4, 1805, leaving a widow and 3 chil- 
dren, of whom our subject was the youngest. Robert passed his 
early years in the city of Philadelphia, where his mother went to 
live, and where he received his education. There, at the age of 15 
or 16, he was apprenticed to Jacob Young to learn the carriage- 
smith's trade; at the age of 21, at the expiration of his term of 
apprenticeship, he went to New York city, and after a year or two 
went to New Haven, Conn ., then to Boston, where he found em- 
ployment with Theodore Dickinson, at present an old settler in this 
county; he remained there some three years, during which time he 
was married to Caroline Beckford, a sister of Mrs. Dickinson; he 
was married in the Hanover Street Congregational church, of which 
he was a member, by Rev. Lyman Beecher, father of Henry Ward 
Beecher. He then went to the British territories, looking for a 
location; but not finding a suitable place, returned to Boston; he 
then moved to Preble county, O., where he bought a small farm. 
In the summer of 1831 he came to Pike county for the first time, 
to look up a location, and bought 160 acres of land on sec. 11, 
Griggsville tp., and 160 acres in the creek bottom, both of which 
places were slightly improved. He made the return to Ohio for 
his family, which then consisted of a wife and two sons, — Robert, 
who was born in Boston, and George, who was born in Ohio. While 



562 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

living on sec. 11 he had the misfortune to have his house and every- 
thing in it destroyed by tire. Mr. S. met with another accident by 
fire previous to this, losing all earthly possessions. When he made 
his trip from Boston to Ohio he sent his household goods, books, 
etc., around by sea to New Orleans, tlicn via the Mississippi and 
Illinois rivers; the boat on which they were sent, however, was 
destro3'ed by fire. AVhen the last fire occurred they were obliged 
to live in a smoke-liouse for the season. This structure was an old log 
house, without any floor, and but poorly chinked and daubed. Dur- 
ing the year his friends and neighbors assisted him to build a frame 
dwelling. This was made of one and a iialf-inch plank stood on 
end, and two stories high; in this he lived several years. During 
this time every misfortune seemed to attend him, when he sold his 
farm and moved to Griggsville. There he lived for a year, when 
he bouglit a farm on sec. 9, of Jacob Bradbury; since that time he 
has prospered financially in all his business undertakings. 

Mr. Seaborn's wife died on the 25th of March, 1842, leaving a 
family of 5 children, — Kobert, George, Henry C, Elizabeth, who 
resided in McLean county, 111., but is now deceased, and Ann Car- 
oline. April 20, 1842, Mr. S. was married to Mrs. Mary Ann 
Bryant, formerly Mar}^ Ann Hovey, daughter of John and Mary 
G. Hovey, who were natives of Massachusetts, and lived for many 
years in this county. There were 4 children born of this union: 
David R., William'H., Charles C. and Howard M. The two lat- 
ter died at the age of 18 and 21, respectively. David R. and Wil- 
liam H. are both living in New Salem township. William and 
Charles both enlisted in the Union arm}' during the Rebellion, and 
served until the close of the war. Mk. and Mrs. Seaborn are both 
firm believers in the Christian religion, and have done their part 
in supporting and building churches, promoting educational inter- 
ests, etc. They are now living at their home about one mile west 
of Griggsville. Mr, Seaborn's portrait will be found in this 
volume. 

A. P. Sharpe came to Pike Co. in 1834, when he was 25 years 
of age, and entered 200 acres of land on sees. 19 and 20, Griggs- 
ville tp., where he still resides. He also entered 80 acres on sec. 
30, this tp., and 80 acres of timber land on sec. 24, Salem tp. To 
enter this land he went to Quincy alone on horseback, a distance 
of 50 miles, when there were but 2 cabins on the route, and Mr. 
S. shared all the hardships of pioneer life. He had to go to Mor- 
gan (now Scott) county to mill, and if successful in getting his 
grist ground imniediatel}', he could make the trip in 3 days. He 
has actually sold wheat in Griggsville for two " bits " a bushel, 
taking his pay in trade, not being allowed to have any groceries at 
that. At one time he took 30 bushels of wheat to that town and 
gave half of it for a pair of cow-hide boots, and the other half for 
a small roll of cotton cloth. At another time he sold his crop of 
beans for 30 cents a bushel, taking his pay in sacks and a few little 
trinkets. Mr. Sharpe was born in Pomfret, Windham Co., Conn., 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 563 

Jan. 15, 1809; the first 2 years upon his lonely farm in Pike Co. 
he kept "bach," and Sept. 1, '37, in Connecticut, he married Miss 
F. L, Hutchins, who was born in the town of Thompson, Wind- 
ham Co., Conn., Dec. 9, 1816. Mr. S. has been a very successful 
farmer and stock-raiser, owning now 283 acres of land, Mr. S. 
paid promptly for all his land by selling beef at $1.25 per cwt., 
pork at $1.50, and corn from 8 to 10 cents, and other things in 
proportion. Mr. and Mrs. S. are the parents of 11 children, of 
whom 8 are living, namely, Edwin H., Ellen (now Mrs. Fisher), 
Joseph K., Frederick L., Mary H., Anna T., Charles F. Mary H. 
and Mrs. Fisher are very fine artists. Many of their pictures dec- 
orate the State institutions of this State. 

WilUaTn Shaw, son of John Shaw, deceased, was born in War- 
wickshire, Eng., in 1826, and was brought to America by his 
parents in 1827, stopping in New York 4 years; then came to Pike 
Co. He has pursued various occupations, and now owns 200 acres 
of land, and is engaged in general farming on sec. 13, Griggsville 
tp. He was married in 1860 to Mary Alexander, daughter of 'reo. 
Alexander, deceased. The building now used by Mr. Shaw as a 
barn was erected by his father in an early day on Flint creek, as a 
flouring mill. 

James Shinn^ sr., was born July 10, 1806, in Salem Co., JST. J.; 
moved to Hamilton Co., O., in 1824, where he engaged in farming 
on the ground where a portion of Cincinnati now stands; came 
to Pike county in 1831, settling in Derry tp. ; and after one year 
he removed to Griggsville tp., where he still resides. In 1827 he 
married Mary Smith, of Clermont Co., 0.: they have had 10 chil- 
dren, of whom 6 are living, namely, Horace B., John B., Hannah 
A., Charles W., Kate and Victoria P. Hannah (now Mrs. Elder), 
lives in Washington Territory, and Kate (now Mrs. Stephens, is 
in Santa Rosa, Cal. Charles W. is an architect in Springfield, HI. 

James Shinn, son of S. L. Sliinn, was born in Griggsville, Aug. 
31, 1841; his father was born in Camden, N. J., in 1811. James 
served two years in the late war in Co. G, 8th I. Y. I., participated 
in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, siege of Corinth, and the 
campaigns of Yicksburg and Red River, the latter including the 
defeat of Gen. Banks at Pleasant Hill; he was then transferred to 
the Signal Service under Gen. Meyer, where he served one year. In 
1864 he married Kate Glenn, daughter of Wm. Glenn, and they 
have 3 children, — Herbert S., Delia M. and Augusta. 

John B. Shinn, son of James Shinn, of Griggsville, was born in 
Hamilton Co., 0., Oct. 28, 1830, where Cincinnati now stands; 
came to this county with his parents in 1831 and settled near Atlas, 
where they remained one year; then removed to Griggsville tp., 
locating on sec. 24, where John was brought up ; he attended Mc- 
Kendree College, at Lebanon, 111., one year, and then married 
Charlotte E. Fielding, Sept. 6, 1853. Of their 8 children 7 are liv- 
ing, namely, Charles B., Grace L., Edwin F., John F., Annie M., 



564 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Mary B. and an infant. Mr. S. is a farmer, and has taught school 
several years. 

Pai'vin Shinn, son of John S. Shinn, of Griggsville, was born 
Oct. 10, 1838, in this tp.; married Oct. 20, 1863, Louise, daughter 
of Wm. Thackwray, deceased. Mrs. Shinn's mother, Hannah (Sweet- 
ing) Tliackwray, is living in Flint tp., at the age of 80 ^^ears; and 
her grandfather, Richard Sweeting, came to Pike county in 1834. 
Mr. and Mrs. S. have four children, viz: Louise R., Eugenie, Eva 
L. and Ross. Mr. S. is a farmer on sec. 22, and has been prosperous. 

Samuel L. Shinn was born in Salem Co.. N. J., in 1811; came 
to Pike county in 1831, settling in Griggsville tp. His father, John 
Shinn, also came the same year and procured land for all his sons. 
So numerous were the Shinns that the locality was called " Shinn- 
town." The subject of this sketch in 1834 married Sarah Evans, 
and they had 16 children, of whom only 7 are living: Clement, 
Joseph. James, John, Jane, Mary and Ellen. Mr. S. has been a 
Local Preacher in the M. E. Church for 25 years. He went with 
his father when he went to pray for the man who was frightened at 
the falling stars in 1833. Until 1879 he was a farmer; he then re- 
tired from farming, and went to Griggsville. 

Wm. M. Shinn, deceased, was born in Hamilton Co., O., Dec. 1, 
1830, and was a son of the Rev. John Shinn, so well known in the 
pioneer daj^s of Pike county. At the age of two years he emigrated 
to this county with his parents, and was reared on a farm. He was 
educated in the common schools of Pike county, and at the age of 
21, in company with others, went the overland route to California, 
with a train of wagons drawn by ox teams. He remained there for 8 
years, traveling through Oregon and Wasliingtojt Territory a por- 
tion of the time. He then returned to Pike county to live with his 
father, who was then very infirm. Lie was married Feb. 5, 1861, 
to Mary A. Jenkins, daughter of Joseph Jenkins, of Griggsville 
tp. Mr. and Mrs. Shinn had 4 children, of whom but one, Eva, is 
living, a bright little girl of 10 years. Mr. Shinn died Jan. 11, 
1879, a worthy member of the Bethel M. E. Church, of Newburg tp. 

Cephas Simmons was born in Bullitt Co., Ky., Sept. 3, 1809, 
the eldest son and 3d child of Richard and Sophia Simmons, early 
pioneers in that State. The country being new, they had to un- 
dergo untold suffering. The State at that early period of its his- 
tory was sparsely settled, and they had none of the conveniences 
of modern times, while the native savages and ferocious animals 
were numerous. They could raise but little produce, and even 
then could find but poor markets. A patch of corn and a little 
patch of wheat comprised almost the sum total of their farming. 
When Cephas was only 3 years old his father died. He was there- 
fore thrown upon his own resources at a very tender age, with no 
capital but his hands and will to begin with. Lie came to Illinois 
in 1827 and resided with his uncle, Enos Simmons, in Morgan Co., 
for 2 years, and there he married Lucy, daughter of Jacob and Pa- 
tience Bradbury, who was born in Clermont Co., O., in 1810. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 565 

When first married Mr. Simmons' wealtli consisted of a colt and 
two calves, but by energy and perseverance he has brought to him- 
self better days. He now has a family of 7 children, all married. 
He sent two of his sons into the late war. D. C. volunteered for 3 
years, and was wounded at the battle of Perryville, Ky., and still 
carries the ball in his body. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons are both 
prominent members of the Baptist Church, as also are most of 
their children. Among our portraits of prominent citizens of Pike 
Co., appears Mr. Simmons.' 

Matthew jSh)ipso7i, deceased, was born in Harrison Co., O., Nov. 
13, 1807; settled here in 1837, enduring many of the hardships of 
pioneer life. He was a Methodist, and died Jan. 4, 1877, loved 
and respected by all. He was first married April 19, 1827, to Su- 
sannah Orr, by whom he had 7 children, — Margaret J., Mary, Isa- 
bella. Thomas, John, James and Alexander, twins, and deceased. 
He married afterward Mrs. Susan Pryor, and they had 2 children, 
— Edward, deceased, and Llewella M. Mrs. Simpson was born 
in Knox Co., O., April 22, 1828, daughter of Samuel Ward, de- 
ceased, who came to Pike Co. in 1844. She now resides on sec. 17, 
Griggs vi He tp. She was first married in 1854 to Nathaniel P. 
Pryor, who died the same year. 

John G. Sleight^ jr., a native of Lincolnshire, Eng., was born 
June 12, 1840, the son of John G. Sleight, sr., afterward of Flint 
tp. He came to America in October, 1857, settling in Flint tp. 
In 1866 he was married to Ruth Reynolds, and they have 2 children, 
Charles W. and Mary Leah. In 1869 he purchased 314 acres of 
land in Griggsville tp., sees. 2 and 3. This is one of the best farms 
in P ke Co, Mr. and Mrs. S. are Baptists. 

Edward L. Staats was born in Warren Co., 0., July 27, 1836; 
was raised mostly on a farm, and emigrated to Illinois with his 
parents in 1S43, locating in Quincy; in 1844 they removed to this 
county, where he is engaged in farming. His father, AVm. Staats, 
is a native of Penn,, and is now at Hot Springs, Ark. Edward's 
mother was born in N. C. May 6, 1810; of her 6 children our sub- 
ject is the eldest. They have a farm of 160 acres on sec. 14, this 
tp, Edward in 1862 married Anna King, daughter of Joseph King, 
dec, of Perry. Mrs. S. died in Jan., 1864. 

Peter T. Staats; P. O. Griggsville; born in Adams Co., 111., 
June 30, 1843, the son of Wm. Staats; received a common-school 
education in Griggsville, and finished his education in Quincy. He 
is now engaged in the practice of law in Griggsville, in which he 
succeeds well; he also teaclres school some. "Dec. 23, 1867, he 
married Maria, daughter of Magruder Edmonson, of Yersailles, 
111., formerly of Quincy. Their 3 children are Eugene A., Olin C. 
and Inez G. 

Dr. E.JR,, Stoner was born in Clermont Co., O., and came with 
his parents to Schuyler (now Brown) Co., Ill, in 1836, where he 
remained until 1849, when he came to this county. He graduated 
in the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis in 1854, and began 



566 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

practicing tlie same year in Perry, this Co.; in 1861 he located in 
Griggsville, where he has built up a large practice. In 1856 he 
married Miss A, E. Whitaker, daughter of 13. D. Whitaker, and 
their 3 children are Emma W., Stanley and Alice. 

Charles Thrasher, deceased, was born in New Haven, Conn., 
Fel). 13, 1795. He was a shoemaker in his younger days, but sub- 
sequently engaged in farming. In 1853 he emigrated to Pike Co. 
and settled on sec. 11, Gri^gsville tp. Sept. 13, 1840, he married 
Mrs. Rigney, daughter of Jolin Meagley, deceased, and they had 4 
children, 3 of whom are living, — Matilda. Amaziah and Benjamin. 
Matilda is married to Samuel Layman and resides near Woodburn, - 
Oregon; Amaziah is married to Mary Hope and resides in Tama, 
Iowa, and Benjamin is married to Belle Bright, and thej^ also re- 
side in Tama, Iowa. Mr. Thrasher has been married 3 times and is 
the father of 18 children. In 1853 he went overland to Oregon 
and California, but his health failed and he returned after 9 months. 
Mr, Thrasher died July 1, 1863, greatly lamented by all who knew 
him. 

Wm. Turnhull, deceased, was born in the county of York, Eng., 
Oct. 16, 1805; was the 3d son of John and Elizabeth Turnbull, who 
were also natives of Enoland. He received a o^ood Eno^lish and 

I'll O O 

mechanical education in the best of schools in the town in which he 
resided. After finishing his education, his business while in Eng- 
land was that of general superintendent of the manufacturing estab- 
lishment of his father. Pie came to the United States in the spring 
of 1830, landing in New York, thence proceeded to Maryland, 
locating near Baltimore, in which place he lived 4 years, still fol- 
lowing the same vocation. In 1835 he traveled for Messrs. G-arside 
& Co., of Manayunk, selling flax thread and traveling among the 
farmers, endeavoring to encourage them to grow the staple necessary 
to feed their manufactories. In 1836 he was married in Philadel- 
phia to Grace Wade, daughter of Francis and Elizabeth Wade, who 
were also natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. T. have had one son 
and two daughters. In the fall of 1839 he came to Illinois, locat- 
ing in Flint tp., where he followed farming. He has also traveled 
considerably in this country. He died Sept. 10, 1878. 

Benjamin F. Wade, deceased, was born in Alton, 111., in July, 
1827; reared on a farm, experiencing in early days all the hardships 
of pioneer life; was a soldier in the Mexican war under Col. E. W. 
B. Newberry and Gen. Taylor, and participated in the battles of 
Palo Alto, JResaca De La Pal ma, Monterey and Buena Yista. In 
1852 he went to California, where he followed mining four years; 
returned to Pike Co.; was married Sept. 10, 1850, to Jane Elliott, 
and they had 4 children, 3 of whom ai'e living, Martha E., John K. 
and Dorcas H. Mrs. Wade was born in Ross Co., O., Oct. 14, 1823, 
and is a sister of Moses Elliott, of Griggsville tp. Mr. Wade was 
a member of the M. E. Church, and died Dec. 23, 1859. 

Josias Wade was born in Franklin Co., N. Y., May 22, 1804; 
his father, Josias Wade, sr., was a soldier in the Indian war and 



52 



'^^S:>M 




'^^?G^ 




GRIGGSVILLE TP 



HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 569 

participated in the battle of Tippecanoe, under Gen. Harrison. In 
1825 our subject was married to Cynthia Owens, and they had 8 
children. In 1827 he removed to Missouri, and in 1830 he came to 
Pike Co., settling on sec. 7, Flint tp. Mrs. Wade died in July, 
1863, and Dec. 20, 1870, he married Hannah C. Lyon. He resides 
in Griggsville, retired from active labor. He is the father of Aus- 
tin and Coleman Wade, two prominent citizens of Flint tp, 

Mrs. Margaret E. Wade was born in Jefferson Co., 0., and is a 
daughter of Robert Spence, deceased, and widow of the late Brunce 
Wade. Mr. Wade was born in 1820, in Kentucky, and was married 
Aug. 22, 1860, to Miss Spence, and they had one daughter, Mary, 
now Mrs. Sylvester Yandament, who resides with her mother in 
Griggsville. Mrs. Yandament has 3 children, — Minnie, Myrtle and 
Ellen. 

Robert J. Walker., farmer, sec. 12; was born near Boston, Lincoln- 
shire, Eng., Dec. 28, 1819, and crossed the ocean in 1836. He ap- 
prenticed himself to Jesse G. Crawford, a carpenter of Griggsville, 
serving 3 years; after which he worked at his trade for 14 years, 
when he cut his knee with a broad-ax; he then began farming 
and the culture of fruit-trees, making the latter a specialty. Aug. 
1, 1817, he married Amanda Evans, and of their 11 children 8 are 
living, — M. Jane, Ann L., Geo. J., Mary, Elizabeth, Emma C, 
Willard S. and Fannie. 

Frank Warton, known throughout the country as " Banty," 
owing to his small stature, was born March 22, 1858, son of Wm. 
Warton, deceased, an early settler in Pike county. Mr. Warton is 
a farjner, owning a nice little farm on sec. 27, this tp. 

tTohn Warton was born in Yorkshire, Eng., June 24, 1815. In 
1833 he was brought over the sea with his parents and stopped in 
Morgan Co., 111., while he and his father erected a house on their 
land in Griggsville tp., sec. 27, where John still resides, engaged in 
farming and stock-raising. His parents were also natives of York- 
shire, Eng., and had 5 children, of whom John was the 4th. In 
Oct., 1841, he married Mary, daughter of George Haxbey, of Scott 
Co., 111. Their 6 children are, Ann, Thomas, Rachel, John, Sarah 
J. and George. All married, except John and George. 

Wm. Warton, a native of Yorkshire, England, was born in Dec, 
1817. He came to America with his parents in 1833, remaining 
in Morgan Co., 111., about five months, when they removed to Pike 
Co. He was married June 27, 1848, to Elizabeth Haxbey, daughter 
of George Haxbey, deceased. Mr. Haxbey came to Scott county in 
1830, and suffered with others during the big snow. Mr. and Mrs. 
Haxbey had 4 children, — Mary J., now Mrs. John Hensell, Wil- 
liam, Elizabeth and Frank. Mr. Warton was a farmer and resided 
on sec. 27, Griggsville tp., until his death, which occurred Oct. 30, 
1859. Mr. Haxbey came first to New York, and then to Illinois, 
by way of the Great Lakes, in a sailing vessel. The journey occu- 
pied 10 weeks. When they arrived at Chicago they found a few 
French and Indians there, wading through the swamps. Mr. Hax- 



570 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

bey and Richard Waiij^h employed some Frenchmen at Chicago to 
bring their families to Jacksonville, which at that time was a vil- 
lage of 4 or 5 houses. The Indians would approach them at night 
and sit around the camp-lire and converse with the Frenchmen, 
which frightened the families of the new arrivals very much. Mrs. 
"Warton has vivid recollections of the pioneer days in Illinois, 
when wolves made the nights hideous by their constant howling. 
Great credit is due these pioneers for their untiring efforts in set- 
tling this wild country, and for the hardships and privations they 
endured in preparing the way for the prosperity of future genera- 
tions. 

William Warton, jr., was born July 20, 1852, in this tp., where 
he still resides on sec. 27, engaged in farming. When he was 8 
years old his father, William W., sr., died, leaving a wife and 4 
small children, of whom William, jr., is the 2d. After working by 
the month for different farmers for 6 years, he began agriculture 
for himself. In 1874 he went to Fort Scott in " grass-hopperdom," 
but the desolation which had just been wrought by that pestiferous 
insect so discouraged him, that he returned to old Pike. Sept. 3, 
1878, he married Fannie McPherson, daugliter of Stephen McP., 
dec, of Missouri. They have one child, Elsie May. 

Dr. T. M. Watson, a native of Pike Co., was born Nov. 25, 1851, 
the son of John Watson, of Barry. He is a graduate ot" the Eclec- 
tic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, O., and began practice in 
Griggsville in 1874. He now practices the Homeopathic system of 
medicine exclusively, and is enjoying an extensive practice, having 
the patronage of a large portion of the wealthy and intelligent citi- 
zens. In May, 1874, he married Helena, daughter of J. L. Terry, 
of Barry. During a service of two terms upon the Municipal 
Board he has been prominently identified with every measure for 
public improvement, and for the best interests of the community. 

John Weiler is a native of Hamilton Co., O., and came to Illi- 
nois in 1864, and to Pike county in Jan., 1879, where ^^e engaged 
in the manufacture of carriages and spring wagons. He has a large 
business, employing ""0 to 14 hands constantly. He also pursued 
the same occupation in Quincy for 12 years. 

August Wellenreiter was born in Baden, Ger., Feb. 17, 1836, 
the son of Wesley W., deceased, who brought liis family to Ameri- 
ca in June, 1856. Mr. W. married Nov. 24, 1863, Malinda Turner, 
and they have had 9 children, of whom 4 are living, — Lizzie, 
Johnnie, Charlotte and Wesley Leander. He is a prominent far- 
mer of this tp., residing on the Thrasher farm. 

JB. T). Whituker was born Jan. 23, 1809, in Greene Co., N. Y., 
in sight of the Catskill Mountains, and has not had a school educa- 
tion. In 1830 he went to New York city, where he remained 
until 1839. After prospecting AVest a year or two he settled in 
Perry, this Co., where he followed merchandising and pork-pack- 
ing for J 4 3'ears; he then engaged in the wholesale grocery and 
commission business in St. Louis 25 years. AVhile there he was a 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 571 

member of the "Old Guards," who were called into service twice 
during the late war, and who donated their wages to the Soldiers' 
Orphan Hom.e near St. Louis. Mr. W. now resides in Griggsville, 
the possessor of a family Bible 155 years old, which contains the 
family record dating back to the birth of our subject's great-grand- 
father, Edward Whitaker, March 10, 1705, who was one of three 
brothers that came from Leeds, Eng., in a very early day. Mr. W. 
married Nov. 10, 1832, in New York city, Delia D. Wood, and 
they have had children, of whom 4 are living : James K., of Sau 
Erancisco, Cal.; Ann Eliza, now Mrs. Dr. Stoner, of Griggsville; 
Helena A., now Mrs. B. A. Dozier, of St. Louis, Mo.; and Emma 
F., now Mrs. Benj. Lacy, of Baltimore, Md. 

M. W. T^^^^J^was born in Caledonia Co., Yt., Aug. 1, 1803, and is 
a son of Nicholas White, deceased. Our subject on his mother's side 
is the 17th generation from John Rogers, who was burned at the 
stake. His mother's maiden name was Baron, and his grand- 
mother was a Rogers. He was married May 9, 1837, to Susan M. 
Whitelaw, daughter of Robert and Mehetabel Whitelaw, of Rye- 
gate, Yt., and granddaughter of Gen. James Whitelaw, a native of 
Scotland, and the first surveyor of all the New England States. Mr. 
and Mrs. White have had 5 children, of whom 3 are living, — James 
H., Horace A. and Madeline, now Mrs. Thurlow Wilson, of Griggs- 
ville. Mr. White emigrated to Morgan Co. 111., in 1837, when 
there was no railroad in the State, and deer and wolves roamed at 
will through the forests, and across the prairies. He made keys 
for securing the rails by cross ties for the first raili'oad that was 
built in Illinois, viz. : that from Naples to Jacksonville. Here- 
moved with his family to Griggsville in 1855, having resided for 
17 years previous to this in Scott Co., and about 6 months in St. 
Louis. He has engaged in various occupations, and now resides in 
Griggsville. 

David Wilson, a native of Lincolnshire, Eng., was born in Nov., 
1828, the son of Joseph Wilson, an early settler of Pike county. 
His parents came with him across the ocean in 1829, and to this 
county in 1831 ; he was raised a farmer, and is still engaged in this 
business. Dec. 21, 1856, he married Susan M., daughter of John 
Bell, deceased, who was an early settler of this county. They have 
one son, Wm. Joseph, who was born Nov. 19, 1856. Mr. Wilson 
still remains on the farm on sec. 12, Gi'iggsville tp. He has re- 
sided in Pike county 48 years, and 42 years of that time in this tp. 

Joseph Wilson was born in Lincolnshire, Eng., in March, 1793, 
the son of Isaac Wilson. He came to America in 1829, stopping 
in New York State 2 j'ears, then coming to this countj^, settling 
on sec. 12, this tp., where he still resides. His many experiences 
in pioneer life are such as those related in our chapter on that gen- 
eral subject. In 1826 he married Elizabeth Walker, and they have 
had 10 children, of whom 6 are living, — Louisa, now Mrs. Levi 
Butler ; Martha, now Mrs. John Scott ; Elizabeth, now the wife 
of Geo. Wilson ; David, Joseph and George. David and Joseph 



672 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

are married. Mrs. Wilson died Sept. 20, 1876, having been a 
member of the M. E. Church over 50 years. The youngest son, 
George, remains at liome attending tlie farm. Mr. W. has never 
been out of the State but once since he first located here, and that 
was a two weeks' visit in Indiana. He is unusually active, still 
attending to business. He owns 280 acres of land. 

James Winn, deceased, was born in "West Cambridge, Mass., 
Jan. 31, 1808, where he was reared and educated ; he was a farmer 
and horticulturist, and was in the Quincy vegetable market in Bos- 
ton for several years ; in 1834 he came to Pike county, entering 
land in this tp. ; he also purchased the undivided one- half of the 
north half of sec. 28, and the south half of sec. 21, in this tp. 
Ma}^ 12, 1836, he married Hannah Converse, daughter of Joseph 
Converse, dec, and they had 9 children, of whom 7 are living, — 
Hannah J., Sarah L., James, Harriet, Charles, Abba and Julia E. 
For 5 or 6 years after arriving in this county he engaged in pork- 
packing, and for 2 years was a partner of Nathan W. Jones in 
farming. Mr. "Winn was a Cougregationalist, and died Jan. 10, 
1860, a great loss to all who knew him. 




NEWBURG TOWNSHIP. 

The history of J^ewburg township is so closely interwoven with 
the associations and early settlement of Pittsfield that to separate 
the intricate facts is almost impossible, and would involve discus- 
sions as to the correctness of its record regarding dates, etc. Be- 
sides, in order to secure a thorough history of a township an 
undivided interest must be manifested, and the assistance of those 
settlers whose knowledge dates back to its primitive days secured. 
Therefore the history of Newburg bears the expression and interest 
of its people. 

The wealth and magnificence of this county grew from its beautiful 
groves as much as from any other one thing. These goodly forests 
in their primeval beauty drew the pioneer as surely as the mao-net 
does the needle. No other considerations overbore the generous 
shelter which these islands of shade and cool streams gave, — about 
the only comforts which these early settlers found in their new 
home; all others were surroundings of discomfort. The cramped 
cabins, the absence of schools and markets, sickness, — always the 
attendant of new locations, — severe storms, depredations of wild 
beasts, fires, snakes, poorly paid toil and the uncertainties of the 
future, — all gave way to the supporting shelter of a grove of tim- 
ber. Thus, when Daniel Husong, the first white settler in ISTew- 
burg township, located here, he selected one of these beautiful 
, groves. He built a log cabin on section 23, the site now occupied 
by the residence of David Kiser, in the year 1832. This was the 
first house erected in the township. Nicholas Criss, Hiram Reed 
and Hawkins Judd made improvements upon this section the same 
year, John Durand, Jacob Heavener and A. B. Quimby followed 
soon after, and the settlement became more extended. Peter K. 
Stringham, a native of Newburg, N. Y., came in 1833 and settled 
on section 33, where a town was laid out and a postofiice estab- 
lished. Stringham was followed by " Aunty " and John Dun- 
ham, who ^ succeeded in retaining the establishment four or five 
years, but its neighbor, Detroit, was springing into existence, and 
hither the postofiice was removed under the appointment of B. John- 
son. E. W. Hickerson came in 1833 and settled near Pittsfield. 
To him and Squire Hayden belongs the honor of being the oldest 
living settlers of the township. 

The first sermon was preached by Kev. E. L. Allen, of the Bap- 



574 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

tist denomination, in 1830, in a log-school-house long since decayed. 
The first school-house was erected on section 15, in 1835, and 
school was taught here by Daniel Foster. The first church build- 
ing was erected the same year, and was known as the Bethel 
Church, and was built by the Methodists. Robert Kerr, Emery 
Scott and the two Misses Criss, sisters, and daughters of Nicholas 
Criss, were the first parties married. The ceremony was per- 
formed by M. E. Rattan, Esq., of Pittsfield. The first death was 
that of George Westlake, father of lion. Benj. F. Westlake. L. E. 
Hayden was the first Justice of the Peace. 

When the township was organized, a committee of three was ap- 
pointed to select a name. After some discussion it was named in 
honor of the birth-place of Peter K. Stringham and Capt. Benj. F. 
"Westlake, both early pilgrims in this county and township. New- 
burg in its early days contained many acres of brush and timber, 
much of which has been swept awa}^, and the M'orks of the busy 
husbandman in well cultivated and productive fields are visible on 
every hand. 

BIOGKAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 

In continuance of the local history of the township we will give 
personal sketches of many of the old settlers and prominent men 
of the same. 

John Barney^ retired farmer, sec. 18; was born in Berkshire Co., 
Mass., in 1809, came to this county in 1830, settling in Atlas tp., 
where he resided 4^ years, when he moved to Barry tp. ; in 1855 
he settled upon his present estate, at that time consisting of 200 
acres, the most of which he has since sold, and is living in retire- 
ment. He was appointed County Treasurer by the County Com- 
missioners in 1831 and re-appointed for 7 consecutive years. He 
was married in Pittsfield, in 1837, to Miss Clarissa Shaw, a native 
of Massachusetts, by whom he has 2 children, — Eliza J. and Orville 
H. Mr. B. numbers among the few who are left of the early pio- 
neers of Pike Co. 

Charles TF. BickerdiJce^ farmer, sec. 5; P. O. Griggsville; is a 
son of John and Anna (Griggs) Bickerdike, natives of England, 
where the subject of this sketch was born in 1842; the family emi- 
grated the following year to this country, settling in Griggsville 
tp., where his parents both died. Mr. B. was married to Miss N. 
E. Shrigle}', a native of Ohio. They have 'one daughter, Anna J. 
Mr. B. has a farm of 160 acres, valued at $40 an acre. He and his 
wife are members of the M. E. Church. 

Francis Casteel^ farmer, sec. 14; P. O. Detroit ; Mr. C. was 
born in Knox Co., Tenn., in 1822, the son of Daniel Casteel, who 
settled in Bond Co., 111., where he died July, 1834. The same year 
Francis came to this county and settled north of Detroit, where 
he resided 8 years. He moved upon his present estate in 1848, con- 
sisting of 200 acres of highly improved and well cultivated land, 
the soil of which then held the grim grasp of mighty monarchs, the 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 575 

growth of centuries, Mr. 0. was married to Miss Liicinda Cooper, 
a native of Kentucky, and is the father of 4 children. Is School 
Director. Belongs to the Methodist Church, and is identified with 
the Republican party. 

Stephen Oasteel^ farmer, sec. 9; P. O. Pittsfield ; owns 160 
acres of land, valued at $50 per acre. He is the son of Daniel and 
Rhoda (Hensley) Casteel, both natives of Tennessee; he was born 
in Knox Co., Tenn., Oct. 15, 1824; he was married in this county- 
March 8, 1849, to Elizabeth Bush, who was born in Indiana in 
1819; they are the parents of 5 children, and have as members of 
their family two grandchildren. Mr. C. has held local offices, and 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity. 

C. P. Chapman, miller, is a native of Tolland county. Conn., 
where he was born in 1825; he came to this county in 1847; he 
first engaged as a clerk for Ross &, Gay; in 1854 a partnership was 
formed to carry on the milling business under the name of Gay, 
Chapman & Co. Mr. Gay retired from the firm two years after- 
ward, and in 1869 the old mill was supplanted by the erection of 
the present structure, it being the largest mill in this section of the 
State. Mr. A. Dow was admitted to the firm in 1872, and they 
now command a large trade. Mr. Chapman organized the 1st Na- 
tional Bank in 1869, of which he is Yice President and Director, 
and was also principal mover in the Woolen Mills company for 
three years, and has otherwise interested himself in the business 
welfare of Pittsfield. 

Lafayette Crane, farmer, sec. 4; P. O. Griggsville. The sub- 
ject of this sketch is a native of Kentucky, and ranks among the 
more prominent farmers of the county. He was married in Ohio 
in 1839, to Lydia Harns, who was a native of the Buckeye State, 
and was born in 1815, and died in 1840; he was again married in 
the same State, this time to Sarah Leeds, in 1842; she was also a 
native of Ohio; by this union 2 children were born, and in 1846 
Mrs. C. died; in 1847 he was married to Susan Leeds, who was 
born in the same State in 1828; six of the 8 children born to them 
are still living. 

John C. Cunningham, retired farmer, sec. 30; P. O. Pittsfield. 
Mr. C. is a native of Pike Co., Mo., where he was born in 1819, the 
son of Thomas and Hannah (Watson) Cunningham, early pioneers 
of Pike Co., Mo., and where his father died in 1845. Mr. C. was 
married in 1840 to Mrs. Elizabeth Morris; five children have been 
born to them, 3 of whom are living, — Elizabeth L., Mary E. and 
John T. Our subject came to this county in 1849, and located in 
Hardin tp., on sec. 19, where he resided 21 years; then he moved 
to his present estate, where he lives in retirement, and the enjoy- 
ment of a well-directed industry. Mr. C. has served 3 terms as 
Assessor, and has always taken an active interest in the welfare of 
the county. 

/. JR. Davidson, retired farmer, sec. 30, P. O. Pittsfield ; is the 
son of John and Mary (Roberts) Davidson, natives of Ohio, and his 



576 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

father a soldier of tlie war of 1812, who died in 1840. His esti- 
mable wifeis still living, in the 82d year of her age. The subject of 
this sketch was born in Highland Co., O., in 1826; was united in 
marriage to Miss Lucinda, daughter of Moses Hicks, a native of 
Brown Co., O. Five children have been born to them, only one of 
whom, Cornelia, is still living. The eldest and only son, Ira W., 
was killed by a horse in 1878. Adaline, wife of Geo. Hardin, died 
in 1879; the other two died in infancy. Mr. D. came to this county 
in 1867 and settled upon his present estate, consisting of 142 acres, 
valued now at $100 per acre. The family are members of the 
Christian Church. Mr. D. is a Republican. 

John Dunham^ youngest son of Hezekiah Dunham (a native of 
Saratoga Co., N. Y., a Baptist Deacon and soldier in the Revolu- 
tionary war, and who died in 1810), was born in Saratoga Co., N. 
Y., Jan. 1, 1793; he came to this county in 1838 and settled in this 
tp. near his present home; his marriage occurred in February, 1816, 
his partner in life's journey being Ann C. "Pettis, a native of Grand 
Isle, Vt., where they were married. They have 5 children living. 
Mr. D. owns a small and valuable farm on sec. 14, is one of the 
earliest pioneers of this county, and earnest in the cause of Repub- 
lican principles and religious teacliing. P. O. Detroit. 

Isaac Durand, who resides in Kewburg tp., sec. 5, is the owner 
of 132 acres of well improved land, and is one of the substantial 
and enterprising farmers of the township. He was born in this 
county in 1838, and is the son of John and Rhoda (Riggs) Durand, 
who were early settlers here. John Durand is a native of Maine, 
and his wife of New York. Our subject's P. O. address is Pittsfield. 

Moses Durand^ farmer, sec. 6 ; P. O. Pittsfield. Mr. D. was 
born in Pittsfield tp. in 1833, and is the son of John Durand, an 
early settler of this county, and a resident of Pittsfield. He was 
married in 1861 to Miss Mary J. Rayburn, a native of McLean 
Co., 111., by whom he has 5 children living, — Willi^im D., Edwin 
S., Rosa O., Francis E. and Hattie A. Mr. D. moved upon his 
present estate in 1877 ; it consists of 200 acres of very valuable 
land, valued at $60 per acre. He is a Republican, and he and his 
wife are members ol the Baptist Church. 

George Elliott, farmer, sec. 3, where he owns 135 acres of land ; 
P. O. Griggsville. Mr, E. is the son of John and Esther Elliott, 
both natives of Ireland ; he was born in Ross Co., O., March 9, 
1829, and came to this county in 1847 ; Sept. 18, 1857, in this 
county, he was married to Sarah J. Lightle, a native of Ross Co., 
O.J where she was born Sept. 29, 1831 ; they have 8 children by 
this union, 7 of whom are living, — Maria C, Lewis B., Hester A., 
Rebecca A., James F., Eunice J. and Warren ; John W. is de- 
ceased. 

George D. Foot, farmer, sec. 32 ; P. O. Pittsfield ; was born 
in Albany Co., N. Y., in 1810 ; moved to Illinois in 1832, settling 
in St. Clair Co., where he was married in 1835 to Miss Abbie J. 
St. John, a native of Albany Co., N. Y., where she was born in 



6 'f^- 











J 



^'j^ 




NEWBURGH T!" 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 579 

1816. They came to this comity in the fall of 1836 and settled in 
Pittsfield, where he with others contracted for and built the pres- 
ent court-honse ; he then moved to Columbia, Boone Co., Mo., 
where he erected the State University ; 4 years afterward he 
returned and settled upon his present estate of 200 acres, valued at 
$70 per acre. Fourteen children have been born to this highly 
respected couple, 12 of whom are living : Talmadge O., Edward 
N., Amelia M., John, James P., Lydia S., Josiah C, Jane, Henry, 
Almira C, Ida M. and May A. Mr. F. is a School Director, and 
numbers among the early settlers of the county. 

JVtcholas Forem.an^ farmer, sec. 26 ; P. O. Detroit. Mr. F. was 
born in Highland Co., O., in 1830, and is the son of David Fore- 
man, who settled in Pittstield in 1840, where he resided until his 
death in 1857. The subject of this sketch was married in 1859 to 
Miss Nancy Williams, a native of this county. They settled upon 
their present valuable farm of 320 acres in 1864. They have a 
family of 5 children. 

G. L. Geisendorfer^ farmer, sec. 33 ; P. O. Pittsfield. This gen- 
tleman was born in Bavaria, Ger., in 1818, and emigrated to Amer- 
ica in 1840, locating on his present estate of 320 acres. In 1847 
he married Miss Margaret Miller, a native of Germany, who died 
after raising a family of 3 children : Dorothy, Mary and John. 
His second wife, Henrietta Hooker, is a native of Prussia. By 
this union 7 children have been born : George, William, Siegel, 
Leonard, Edward, Emma and Frederick. Mr. G. is a School Direc- 
tor, and is well known throughout the town and county. 

William Hildebrand, farmer, sec. 7; P. O. Pittsfield; is a na- 
tive of Germany, where he was born in 1822; he emigrated to 
America in 1858 and settled upon his present estate the same year; 
it consists of 230 acres, valued at $50 per acre. He chose for his 
wife a daughter of his own native land, by whom he has 5 children: 
Mary, Lizzie, William, jr., Henry and Emma. Mr. H. is a Repub- 
lican, and the family are members of the M. E. Church. 

Asa L. Hill, retired farmer, sec. 20; P. O. Pittsfield. Mr. H. 
was born in Vermont in 1808; came to this county in 1833 and 
returned to his native State, but again settled here permanently in 
1836. He was united in m.arriage in Putnam Co., 111., to Miss 
Charlotte C. Pratt, who was born in Massachusetts in 1830. Of 
his several children 4 are living. His present farm consists of 160 
acres valued at $80 per acre. Mr. H. has attained his present 
position in life by frugality, untiring energy and indomitable will. 
He numbers among the earlier pioneers of the county. 

Isabel Hogsett, sec. 24; P. O. Detroit. Mrs. H. is the widow of 
James Hogsett, who was born in Greenbrier Co., Ya., in 1817; he 
was married in 1843 to Miss Isabel, daughter of John and Isabel 
Hays, natives of Ohio, and where Mr. H. died at an early day. Mrs. 
Hays then came to this county with her children, and is at this 
writing residing with her daughter in the 87th year of her age. 
Mrs. Isabel Hogsett was born in Highland Co., O., in 1825, and 

34 



580 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

emigrated to the West in 184S. Mr. H. settled on the estate now 
owned by his widow and children, of 130 acres, valued at $60 an 
acre. After a life of activity and usefulness, and just when he be- 
gan to enjoy the fruits of his industry, he was called from earth. 
He died in 1S6S, respected by all who knew him. 

S. G. Ilowland, farmer, sec. 23; P. O. Detroit; is a son of Lu- 
cius and Mary (Childs) Ilowland, natives of Massachusetts, who 
settled in this tp. in 1S39, and from which both were called to a 
better home in 18-12. The subject of this sketch was born in Geau- 
ga Co., 0.,in 1S22; in 184-1: he was married to Miss Amy, daugh- 
ter of Samuel Parker. After his marriage he purchased 50 acres 
of land in this section, and by his indomitable energy and perse- 
verance has secured a handsome property, his present productive 
estate covering 240 acres of valuable land. His wife died in 1S50, 
and in 1857 he was married again to Miss Sarah E., daughter of 
E. W. Hickersqn, an early pioneer of Pike county. She was the 
first child born in Pittsfield. Mr, H. has served as Supervisor and 
Town Collector, and numbers among the early pilgrims of Pike 

county. 

Rohert Hunter^ farmer, sec, 28; P. O. Pittsfield. Mr. H. was 
born in Donegal, Ireland, in 1843. His mother with 4 children 
emigrated to America in 1854, settling in this county, Aug. 23( 1861. 
He enlisted in Co. B, 28th IlL Inf., and served until Aug./ 1864; 
he again enlisted in Co. G, 62d 111. Inf., Feb. 8, 1865; he partici- 
pated in the battles of Little Bethel, Pittsburg Landing, where he 
was wounded, Hatchie, Tenn., and Vicksburg. He was united in 
marriage in 1872 with Miss Rebecca Kelley, a native of this county, 
by whom he has 4 children, — Sarah J., Alexander, James W. and 
Margaret. Mr. H. is a School Director. 

David F.Kiser, farmer, sec. 23; P. O. Pittsfield. Mr. K. is a 
native of Indiana, where he was born in 1841; he was brought to 
this county by his parents, Jacob and Martha Kiser, when two 
years of age. He was married to Janetta, daughter of Richmond 
Williams, an early pioneer of Pike who settled on this section, 
where he died. The fruit of this union has been 3 children, 2 of 
whom are living, — Lydia and Essie. Mr. K. and wife are both 
children of the pioneer generation. Their fine farm and improve- 
ments attest the industry of its occupants. 

Harvey Kiser is a son of Jacob Kiser, an early settler of Pike 
county, where the subject of this sketch was born in 1841. He 
married Mary A. Casteel, daughter of Stephen Casteel, b}'' whom 
he has one child, William C. They have an adopted child, Lou- 
ral. Mr. K. has a farm of 80 acres, and politically he is a Re- 
publican. He is enga'ged in farming on sec. 11, P. O. Griggsville. 

Jacob L. Kiser ^ farmer, sec. 14; P. O. Detroit. Mr. K. was 
born in Virginia in 1809; came to the county in 1841, and settled 
on sec. 29, where he resided until 1857, when he moved upon his 
present estate of 80 acres, valued at $100 per acre. In 1839 he 
was united in matrimony to Miss Martha, daughter of David Fore- 



I 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 581 

man, by whom he has 7 livin_^ children. Mr. K. is a " stalwart " 
Republican, and numbers amon^ those of the early settlers of 
Pike Co. 

Mrs. Wm. Landers^ sec. 17, P. O. Pittsfield; widow of William 
Landers, who was born in Highland Co., O., in 1825. Her maiden 
name was Elizabeth Sanderson, and she married Mr. Landers in 
1846; ten years afterward they moved to this count}', settling on 
the present estate, where he passed the remainder of his life. 
Four of their 6 children are living, — Perry, Mary, William and 
Leslie ; the last two reside on the homestead, as also the mother 
of Mrs. L., in the 83d year of her age. 

Perry S. Za?iders, farmer, sec. 22, P. O. Pittsfield; was born in 
Highland Co., O., in 1852, son of William Landers, who settled in 
this tp. in 1856, where he died in 1879. In 1874 Perry S. married 
Dora, daughter of Dr. Boyd, by whom he has one child, Alice. He 
resides on the homestead, which consists of 177 acres of land, 
valued at $50 per acre. 

Y. MoAllisier, farmer, sec. 11, P. O. Griggsville. The sub- 
ject of this personal sketch is a native of New Jerse3% where he 
was born March 31, 1818; he came to this county in 1839, and 
settled in Griggsville; the same year he was married in Delaware 
to Sarah A. Taylor. She was a native of Pennsylvania, where she 
was born in 1820; she died in 1844. By this union 4 children 
were born, — Edwin, John, Sarah and Caroline. He was again 
married- in 1849 to Rachel Jones, also a native of the Keystone 
State^^and born in 1820. Seven children were born to them, 6 of 
whom are living : Rebecca, Lucretia, Cyrus, Mary A., Naomi and 
Hmdah; James, deceased. Mr. McAllister was licensed to preach 
in |lie M. E. Church in 1856, and has labored faithfully ever since 
in the propagation of the gospel, frequently preaching two or three 
times a day after laboring hard during the week on the farm. 

^. M. Norton., farmer, sec. 13; P. O. Detroit; was born near 
Cincinnati, O., in 1822; is the son of John and Zerua (Chadwiek) 
Norton, natives of Massachusetts, who settled in Hardin tp. in 
1842, where they both died. The subject of this sketch crossed the 
plains to California in 1850, and returned 3 years afterward. In 
1855 he was married to Miss Louisa Dinsmore, a native of this 
county, and located in Hardin tp. ; 3 years afterwards he moved 
to Detroit, and in 1868 removed to California with his family, 
where he remained three years, when he returned and settled upon 
his present estate. He is the father of 8 living children: Emily, 
Mary, Margaret, Harry, John, Noel, Cora and Nora. Politically 
he is a Republican. 

Giles H. Penstone, farmer, sec. 9; P. O. Griggsville. Mr. P. 
is the son of Giles and Sarah Penstone, natives of England, who 
came to America in 1849, and settled in this county. The subject 
of this sketch was born in London, Feb. 22, 1838. In Pike county, 
Aug. 1, 1867, he was married to Elizabeth J. Edoin, who was born 
in the Buckeye State in 1844. They are the parents of 5 children. 



582 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Charles H., Mary E., Sarah J., Ellen E. and Edward J. Mr. V. 
has held several township offices, and owns a fine farm of 240 acres. 

jF'rancis A. Phillips, farmer, sec. 3; P. O. Griggsville; son of 
Nathan and Nancy Phillips, both natives of North Carolina ; they 
emigrated to this State in an early day, settling in this county. 
The subject of this sketch is a native of Kentucky, where he was 
born in 1S24; he was married to Mary Elliott, who was born in 
Ohio in 1827, and they are the parents of 5 children, 4 of whom are 
living: Maria, Martha, Benjamin and Newton; August, deceased. 
Mr. P. has held the office of constable 4 years and School Director 
several years. Ilis father was in the war of 1812. 

Job Pringle, retired, was born in England in 1844, and in emi- 
gration came with his parents to America when he was 8 years of 
age, and came to this county in 1856, settling in Pittsfield. He 
engaged in farmijig until 1861, when he enlisted in Co. B, 28th 111. 
Inf. Vol., and served until the close of the war, participating in the 
battles of Shiloh, Jackson, Miss., Yicksburg, Hatchie, Miss.; was 
promoted to the position of Corporal, Sergeant and 2d Lieutenant; 
returned to Pittsfield, and for 11 years clerked in a dry-goods store. 
Nov. 11, 1879, he married Mahala Miller. 

E. D. Rose^ farmer, sec. 20; P. O. Pittsfield; born in Rensel- 
laer Co., N. Y., in 1805; married in 1825 Roxana A.llen, and they 
have 6. children. He came to this county in March, 1839, settling 
on his present estate of 160 acres of valuable land. Mr. Rose has 
served as Town Assessor and Constable. His son Henry enlisted 
in the 39th Regiment I. V. I., was taken prisoner at Sweetwater, 
Ya., and confined in Andersonville prison, where he died from the 
efiects of prison life and starvation. 

Mrs. Sarah Ruby, sec. 7; P. O. Pittsfield. She is the widow of 
A. R. McKibbon, who was born in Highland Co., O. Her maiden 
name was Sarah Clark, a native of the same county, where she was 
born in 1832. She married Mr. McKibbon in 1849. He came to 
this county in 1850, and in the following year settled on the pres- 
ent estate of 180 acres, where he lived until his death in 1871. 
Their 7 children are all living: Eliza, Caroline, Margaret, Hester, 
Louy, Emma and Lewis. Mrs. McK. was again married in 1877, 
this time to J. M. Ruby, and the family reside on the homestead. 
Members of the Christian Church. 

Marcellus Rose is the son of Col. Wm. Ross, deceased, who is 
so often referred to in the pages of this volume. The subject of 
this sketch was born at Atlas, Nov. 11, 1824, the first white male 
child born within the present limits of Pike county; at the age of 
11 years he was brought to Pittsfield (one mile east of town in 
Newburg tp.) by his parents, where he has ever since resided. 
Aug. 10, 1848, he married Miss Martha Kellogg, from Pittsfield, 
Mass., and their children now living are Henry J., Charles K., 
Frank C. and Mattie H. Charles and Frank are in Washington 
Territory. JMr. Marcellus Ross remembers a visit of Abraham 
Lincoln to their home in Atlas, when he, a little boy, was picked 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 583 

up and pleasantly talked to bj that eminent statesman. Mr. Ross 
has in his house the first Masonic chest used in the lodge in this 
county, described on pages 241-2 of this book. 

William Schemel^ farmer, sec. 32; P. O. Pittsfield; was born 
in Germany in 1835, emigrated to America in 1854, settling in 
Pittsfield. In 1868 he married Mary, daughter of George Zim- 
merman, an early settler of this county; in 1868 he moved upon 
his present farm, consisting of 166 acres, valued at $65 per acre. 
George D., William A., Joseph A., Emma M., Anna J. and Ida E. 
are their living children. 

Cicero Scohey^ farmer, sec. 9; P. O. Pittsfield; son of James 
and Rhoda Scobey, natives of New York and Kentucky respect- 
ively, who first settled in Clark Co., 111., and came to this county 
in 1839, settling on Griggsville Prairie. His father died in 1841, 
■ and his mother died in 1877. The subject of this sketch was born 
in Indiana in 1831, in which State he married Mary Duff, a native 
of Illinois, and their 2 children are William W. and Anna M. 
Mr. S. has a farm of 260 acres, valued at $40 an acre. He has 
been Assessor one year. He numbers among the early settlers of 
Pike county. 

John Welh, farmer, was born near Jersey City in 1814, and was 
brought to this county by Daniel Shinn in 1820, the family set- 
tling near Atlas. Some years afterward Mr. W. clerked for Mr. 
Gay in Pleasant Yale tp., and 3 years afterward engaged in the 
wood business at Florence, until 1839, when he went into mer- 
chandising and farming at New Canton; in 1851 he came to Pitts- 
field and became interested in pork-packing and general merchan- 
dising, where he remained 23 years; in 1875 he settled on his 
present farm in Newburg, where he has since made it his home. 
In 1840 he married Cornelia Dunham, a native of Warren Co., K. 
Y. Mr. W. is the oldest living settler in Pike county at the pres- 
ent time, by four years. 

John A. Weeks, farmer, sec. 5; P. O. Pittsfield; son of Ezekiel 
and Elizabeth (McFadden) Weeks, who settled in Harrison Co., O., 
in early day, where in 1826 John A. was born. The family emi- 
grated to this county in 1848, settling upon their present"place, 
where they have since made it their home. In 1841 Mr. W. was 
married to Angeline Stagg, who died in 1857, leaving 4 children. 
His present wife, Martha L. Wacaser, is a native of North Caro- 
lina, and they have 7 children, Mr. W. has a farm of 80 acres, 
valued at $40 per acre. 

W. T. Weeks. The subject of this sketch is a native of Ohio, 
where he was born Aug. 2, 1838 ; 10 years later he was brought to 
this county, where he is now engaged in farming in this township. 
He was married in Kansas in 1861, to Rosanna Pennocks, who 
was born in New York in 1842. In 1863 Mr. W. enlisted in Co. 
L, 2d Nebraska Cavalry, and served for one year, and served as 
scout along the Missouri and Kansas line for 2 years. He is a 
member of the M. E. Church, and politically a Republican. 



584 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Capt. Benj. F. Westlake, whose portrait is given in the pages of 
this vohiine, resides on sec. 29, this tp. ; his grandparents emi- 
grated from England, their native country, prior to the Revohition, 
and his grandfather and three of his brothers served in the conti- 
nental army under Washington. George Westlake, the father of 
the subject of this sketch, was a native of Orange county, N. Y., 
and for many years a minister of the Methodist Church; he came 
to this county with his son, Capt. Benj. F., where at his residence 
in 1842 he died, his being the first death that occurred in this town- 
ship; his wife, Hester (AV'ilson) Westlake, a native of New Jersey, 
died here July 9, 1852. Capt. Westlake was born in Newburg, 
Orange Co., N. Y., March 8, 1810. He visited Illinois in 1836, 
meetiiig Stephen A. Douglas, of Springfield, with whom he traveled 
through many counties, mostly by stage; in 1837 he settled in 
Pittsheld, and served as jailor one year, when he moved on his pres- 
ent estate, at that time consisting of 1,120 acres; he purchased two 
yokes of oxen, built a brick kiln and made the brick of which his 
commodious residence is composed. He gave the name to New- 
burg township, christening it after his native town in New York. 

Capt. Westlake commenced the study of medicine at the age of 
18 with Dr. Gidncy, of Newburg, N. Y., but owing to the feeble 
health of his father he returned home and devoted his attention to 
farming, which he has followed from that time, and at present has 
about 2,000 acres of good farm land, besides having given to his 
children about 1,000 acres. The Captain's early life was passed ou 
his father's farm near Newburg, and his first experience in business 
was selling vegetables in that town, furnishing and hauling rock, 
which he did for the foundation of nearly every building in that 
town up to the time he left. 

Capt. Westlake was president of the commission appointed by the 
County Court to construct the Sny levee. Under this commission 
the work was vigorously prosecuted and successfully completed, re- 
claiming about 100,000 acres of rich farming land. He represented 
his township in the Board of Supervisors from its organization until 
1863; in 1862 he was appointed by President Lincoln Provost 
Marshal of the 9th District of Illinois, which position he filled with 
honor to himself and credit to the country, obtaining the envial)le 
reputation of being one of the best officers in the State. He was 
one of the original stockholders in organizing the Peninsula Loan 
and Trust company, now the Pike County Bank, of which he is 
president. 

He was married March 24, 1842, hy Rev. Wm. Carter, in this tp., 
to Miss Charlotte Goodwin, who was born March 22, 1822. The 
names of the 11 children born to them are as follows: George, 
Fannie S., Hardin J., Susan, Ann, Catharine, Wm. Henry, Benj. 
F., jr., Charlotte, Cluirles F. and Thomas. 

George W. Westlake, farmer, sec. 29; P. O. Pittsfield; was born 
in this tp., in 1843, and is the eldest son of B. F. Westlake. In 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 585 

18T5 he married Miss Mary E. Brown. He now owns a farm of 
250 acres, valued at $90 per acre. 

Luther Wheeler^ blacksmith, was born in Fairfield in 1827; served 
his time at Bridgeport, coach ironing; emigrated to this county in 
1858, and established himself in business in Pittsfield; also con- 
ducted a livery stable one year, and in 1861 he went to Montgomery 
county, and four years afterward returned and settled in Milton, 
where he remained until 1877, in which year he occupied his pres- 
ent place of business. In 1859 he married Annetta Yelliott, a 
native of this county; they have had 4 children, 2 of whom are liv- 
ing. *Mr. W. has a fair trade, and is a thorough Republican. 




HARDIN TOWNSHIP. 

Two of the largest streams of the county traverse this township 
from the northern boundary, making their exit almost due south of 
where they enter; these are Bay and Honey creeks, and the timber 
bordering their banks and those of their numerous small tributaries, 
must have been picturesque and romantic in their original condition. 
Then doubtless the points of timber and the valleys were frequent re- 
sorts for the red man. Even now, when dotted over with fields, houses 
and barns, and lowing herds, one cannot help but admire the beauty 
of the scenery presented by these groves. 

Embracing a good deal of timber land, as this township did, _ 

it soon attracted a liberal share of immigration, as it is a fact that I 

all the pioneers sought the timber districts in which to locate their I 

claims, believing that it would be easier to make farms by grubbing 
andclearing the lands than it would be to reduce prairie land to 
farm tillage and remunerative returns ; but as time advanced and 
later settlers were forced out upon the prairies and began to experi- 
ment upon them, the first settlers were made to realize that they 
had made some costly mistakes by selecting timbered claims. They 
had been pitching brawn and muscle against nature; for all that 
the prairies needed was to be tickled with the plow to make them 
yield living crops the first year, and heavy remunerative returns the 
second. 

The first pilgrims in Hardin were Benjamin Barney, Nathaniel 
Bagby, Solomon Main, Jacob Henry, Joseph Halford, Jesse Mason 
and Aaron Thornton. The first couple united in marriage in the 
township were Nathaniel Thornton and Lucinda Bagby; the cere- 
mony was performed by Rev. Lewis Allen. The first school taught 
by Jesse Garrison, in 1833, upon sec. 2. 

TIME. 

The pleasant little village of Time is located where the four cor- 
ners of sees. 2, 3, 10 and 11 meet. It is a small place, perhaps 
of 120 inhabitants, and contains four stores, two wagon and black- 
smith shops and a flouring mill. It is also the residence of two 
physicians and one lawyer. There was at one time a woolen factory 
in Time, but times grew hard and the time came when Time must 
abandon the manufacture of cloth, we presume for all time to come. 
At present the old Time Woolen Mills is converted into a wagon 
shop and plow manufactory, which gives Time somewhat the ap- 
pearance of old times. 



r^7 



,«' 








^^^^7t^ 




HARDIN TP 




>^^^>^ 




HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 589 

Star Mills. — This enterprise was inaugurated by Smith & Son- 
ner. The building was erected in 1877, and is now owned and op- 
erated by Mr, Sonner. The capacity of the mill is about 50 bar- 
rels a day, besides being capable of grinding about the same 
amount of corn. Mr. Sonner makes a choice article of flour, and 
enjoys a good run of custom. 

The Time Public Schools. — The system of education in Hardin 
township is well up to the standard in point of excellence. The 
Time public school has for its Principal Miss Ellen Cromwell, a 
lady of much ability and experience as an instructor. 

independence Christian Church was organized May 8, 1858, in 
the log school-house at Independence, by Elders James Burbridge, 
Robert Nicholson and Andrew Main, with the following 26 members: 
Robert Nicholson and wife, Andrew Main, Ephraim Kott and wife, 
Geo. W. Williams and wife, Barnett Collins and wife, James Col- 
lins, John Nicholson and wife, Cornelius Nicholson and wife, Mary 
Burbridge, Thomas Burbridge, Permelia Williams, Francis Scott and 
wife, George Ward, David Collins, Lydia Collins, Cynthia Bur- 
bridge, Emily Gunn, Joseph Troutner and Polly Burbridge. The first 
Elders were Robert Nicholson, Andrew Main and Joseph Troutner. 
Elder James Burbridge was the first Pastor. The congregation 
erected a house of worship in 1867 in Independence, and services 
are held each alternate Sunday by Elder J. W. Miller, Pastor. 
Present number of communicants is 50. 

There are two other churches located in the township, one of the 
M. E. and the other of the Christian denomination, both of which 
are located at Time. After some considerable searching, however, 
we failed to find the records from which to glean any historical 
items. 

PERSONAL SKETCHES. 

We will now make personal mention of the leading citizens and 
old settlers of this township. 

Benjamin Barney was born in Pike county, where Montezuma 
now stands, Feb. 1, 1825. His parents emigrated to this county 
from Ohio, in 1824. Being a pioneer, he knows all the hardships 
of pioneer life; as soon as he was large enough to ride on horse- 
back he went to Frye's Mill on Big Blue, a distance of 12 miles, 
and nearly alwaj's had to remain all night to get his grinding done, 
and no place to sleep, except on the corn-sack; he has had many ex- 
citing scenes in the chase, having killed deer, wolves and wild-cats. 
Dec. 21, 1845, he married Miss Caroline Harvey, and they had 3 
children,— William A., James B. and Alfred F. In 1852 Mr. 
Barney removed to Oregon with his family, where Mrs. Barney 
died the same year; in 1857 he returned to Pike county, where he 
married Cj'nthia H. Mays, and their 8 children are Andrew J., dec, 
John W., Henry L., Laura E., Marion, Robert A., Artilla D. and 
Minnie. Mr. B. is engaged in farming and stock-raising on sec. 
26, this tp. 



590 IIISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Francis M. Barney^ a native of Pike county, was born May 12, 
1837, and is a son ot Joseph W. Barney, dec, who came to this 
county in 182-i. His grandfather, Benjamin B. Barney, was one 
of the first pioneers of this county, and erected the first horse-mill 
in the county for grinding corn. This aged gentleman crossed the 
plains to California in 1849, being then in his 91st year, and ar- 
rived there in apparently good health, but died on ship-board while 
returning, in 1851:. Our subject was raised on a farm and received 
a common-school education; in 1866 he married Miss S. A, Furry, 
daughter of Christopher Furr^^ dec. They have had 5 children, 3 
of whom are living, viz: — Cora B., William R. and Edgar F. He 
has held the ofiice of Town Clerk, and is at present the Police Mag- 
istrate for the village of Time. He served 3 years in Co. A, 20th 
Keg. I. Y. I., as a private in the late war, and was in the battles of 
Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Siege of Vicksburg, Britton's Lane, Kene- 
saw Mountain, Champion Hills, Raymond and others; he also par- 
ticipated in the Meridian raid, in which he came well-nigh being 
captured. He is a harness-maker by trade, but failing health 
required him to seek another vocation, and he now keeps a grocery 
store in Time. 

Henry Benn, son of William and Sarah Bonn, was born Sept. 
18, 1833, in this tp. His father, dec, came to this county in 1826, 
being one of the first settlers of Hardin tp., and was Captain of 
the Home Guards in the early days of the county's history. He 
was a native of Kentucky, and a farmer by occupation. He first 
settled on sec. 7, where he died in 1859. Mrs. Benn resides with 
her son David, in this tp., at the age of 7-4 years. Our subject was 
raised on a farm and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising 
on the old home place. April 17, 1858, he married Matilda J. Mc 
Cliutock, daughter of Robert McCIintock, dec, who came to this 
count}^ in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Benn have 9 children, — 
Charles F., Hettie M., Ida J., Evalina, William R., Lillie and Lulu 
(twins), Lora and John H. In the year 1857, while chopping wood 
with a neighbor, Mr. Benn received a blow, by accident, upon his 
left hand, from the ax of the neighbor, crippling him for life. 

Thomas B. Burhridge, farmer and stock-i*aiser, sec. 29; son of 
Robert Burbridge, dec, a native of Kentucky, was born in Bath 
county, Ky., Feb. 28, 1818; came with his parents to Pike county, 
Mo., in 1825, where he remained until the Spring of 1840, when he 
removed to this county. His father followed farming until his 
death, which occurred in the spring of 1842. Our subject, being a 
pioneer, has seen many Indians, and has ridden on horseback to 
mill, a distance of 6 miles, where he sometimes had to wait all day 
and all night for his grinding, with nothing to eat but parched 
corn; he went 3 miles to school, which was taught by subscription, 
about 3 months in the year, in a log building, with split logs for 
seats, a log taken out of one side of the house for a window, a huge 
fire-place in one end of the room for heating; the writing desk 
consisted of a puncheon supported by pins in the wall. Mr B. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 591 

came to this county in 1839, where he has since resided. In 1842 
he married Mary McNarj, daughter of John McNarj, dec, and 
they had 7 children, — Cynthia, Jaly, Robert, John, James, Thomas 
and Harriet. Mrs. B. died in 1862, and April 12, 1866, he married 
Emily Hodge, who died Oct. 9, 1875. Mr. B. is surrounded by 
his children, who take good care of him in his old age. 

James H. Conhoy is a native of Ireland, and was born in 1883; 
his parents died when he was quite young, leaving him penniless; 
about the year 1837 he was brought to America; is a shoemaker 
by trade, at which he has been very successful. He now resides at 
Time, owning 400 acres of valuable land, and is engaged in farming 
and stock-raising. In 1860 he married Lucy Bagley, and their 
children are John, "William, Philip, Ella, Alvina and Raymond. 
We give Mr. C's ])ortrait in this volume. 

John Couch was born in Highland county, Ohio, April 4, 1833, 
and is a son of John and Elizabeth Couch; he was raised on a farm 
and came to this county in 1854; was married in 1855 to Margaret 
Colvin and they have 9 children, namely, Alfred M., Samantha A., 
Winfield S., Elizabeth J., John W., Benton, Charles,' Wesley and 
Mary A. Mr. C. is engaged in farming and resides on sec. 27. 
P. O., Time. 

Miss Ellen Cromwell, Principal of the Public Schools, Time, 
Pike county. 111. 

JBenjamin C. Culver, sec. 20, was born in Chittenden county, 
Yt. ; was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools at 
home. He came to this county in 1858, settling on sec. 20. He 
has been married 3 times and is the father of 9 children, viz: Lu- 
cina, Jackson, Clarissa, Giles, Judson, Jay L., Mary, Adell and 
Willy E., dec. 

Jackson C. Culver, son of the preceding, was born in Erie 
countv. Pa., April 20, 1834; came with his parents to Pike county 
in 1859; served 4 years and 7 months in the late war in Co. L, 12th 
Reg. Penn. Ca.v; was in the second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, 
Gettysburg, Winchester and others; was taken prisoner at Gettj's- 
burg and confined in Libby prison 6 weeks; was then removed to 
Bell island in James river, where he was held 3 months and ex- 
changed. He was wounded near Harper's Ferry, in his right ankle, 
which rendered him a cripple for life. He is engaged in the mer- 
cantile business in Independence, this county, and carries a stock of 
about $3,000, consisting of dry-goods, groceries, boots and shoes, 
hardware, queensware, — in fact, everything kept in a first-class 
general store. He has won the confidence of the people and is 
doing a good business. Feb. 11, 1872, he married Martha, 
daughter of Samuel Smart, of Detroit tp. 

James Dinsmore, an early pioneer, was born in Fleming county, 
Ky., Sept. 25, 1808; came to Scott county in 1825, where he saw 
plenty of Indians, and in 1831 he went into the Black Hawk war; 
was present or near by at the evacuation by the Indians of an 
Indian town at Rock Island, 111. In May, 1819, he was married to 



592 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



Sarah Mars, and they have had 14 children, 5 of whom are living, 
— Eldridi^c, Marshall, David, George and Jane, now Mrs. Dr. 
Scott, of Time. Mr. D. removed to this county in 1838, and has 
endured the hardships of the early pioneers; has ground corn in a 
hand-mill for bread. 

Marshall Dlnsmore^ son of the preceding, was born March 4, 
1827, in Scott county, 111.; came with his parents to this county in 
1838; went with the first emigration across the plains to Califor- 
nia in 1849, and returned with the first company that returned by 
way of the Nicaragua route. When he visited Sacramento City, 
there was but one house there, and San Francisco was about the 
present size of Montezuma in this county. He helped to erect the 
first house in Georgetown, California. Dec. 31, 1854, he married 
Martha January, who was born in Greene county. 111., April 16, 
1834, and they have 4 children, — Susan J., William H., Mary 
E. and Noah E. Mr. D. is engaged in farming and stock-raising, 
and resides on sec. 27, this tp.; has held various offices of trust. 
Four of Jiis brothers were in the late war. 

/. J. Dyer, lawyer, was born in Rutledge, Granger Co., Tenn., 
July 8, 1839, and is a son of W. M. Dyer, dec, who came to Jack- 
sonville with his family in 1841, where our subject was raised; but 
he educated himself after his marriage. He attended a common 
school, in company with his children, in this tp., and all the ex- 
penses of his education were defrayed by his own hand, by hard 
labor on the farm. He was in the late war and wounded in the 
left arm, disabling it for life. He has been married twice, and is 
the father of 3 children, namely, Lyman E. and Simon L., twins, 
and Effie B. He studied law in the Washington University Law 
School at St. Louis, and was admitted to the bar by the Supreme 
Court of Illinois, Sept. 13, 1873. 

G. E. FletoJier, a native of Littleton, Massachusetts, was born 
Nov. 10, 1832; came with his parents to Pike county in 1838, 
where they remained until 1846, when they removed to Clarksville, 
Mo. He is a cooper and miller by trade; also operated a steam- 
engine. In 1855 he came to Pike county; here he engaged in farm- 
ing for 2 seasons; has been married twice and is the father of 3 
children,— John H., Mary E. and Sarah O., dec. In the fall of 
1867 he engaged in the mercantile business in Time, and is doing a 
large business; carries a stock of $2,500, consisting of dry -goods, 
groceries, boots and shoes, queensware, etc. 

Aaron Fuller was born in Jefferson county. Pa., Jan. 26, 1833; 
came to Greene county, 111., in 1844; has resided in the States of 
Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas since he had a family. In Feb., 
1854, he married Elizabeth Oaks, and they have had 7 children, of 
whom 4 are living, namely, Mary E., Ida H., Clara M. and Lillie 
B. Mr. Fuller is engaged in blacksmithing and wood work in 
Time, and does a good business; he manufactures a very good plow, 
which has an increasing demand. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 593 

^. H. Griffin^ physician; was born in Georgetown, Brown Co., 
O., March 29, 1833, and is a son of William Griffin, dec, who emi- 
grated with his family to this county in 1852. He graduated at 
the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, O., receiving his di- 
ploma in 18T9. He began the practice of medicine in this tp. in 
1871; had been a medical student for 3 years previous to entering 
upon the duties of physician; during this time he taught school; 
he served in the late war in Co. E, 99th Reg. I. Y. I., as First 
Lieutenant, and was in the battles of Magiiolia Hills, Raymond, 
Jackson, Miss., Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, siege of 
Yicksburg, and others. In December, 1858, he married Louisa 
Hooper, daughter of William Hooper, dec, once County Treasurer 
of Pike county. They have had 9 children, of whom Y are living, 
viz.: William W ., Jessie G., Maggie, Nannie, Fannie, John and 
Hattie. 

Otis A. Hashins, P. O. Time; was born in Bristol county, Mass., 
Nov. 21, 1816; came to this county in 1844, where he worked at 
the carpenter's trade for one year; then began farming as a renter. 
He now owns over 1,000 acres of valuable land, and is engaged in 
farming and stock-raising. March 12, 1844, he married Nancy 
Thomas, daughter of Samuel Thomas, of Greene county, 111., and 
they have 4 children, — William H., Idelia, Mary J. and Samuel. 

J. G. Haydon, Teacher of Pleasant Grove School, was born in 
Hendricks county, Ind., Oct. 13, 1842, and is a son of Abner Hay- 
don, dec, who brought his family to Sangamon county, 111., in 
1844. He labored under great disadvantages in obtaining his edu- 
cation; at the age of 16 he was unable to write his name, but by 
industry and perseverance he has educated himself, and is now 
teaching. The pupils of his school are advancing rapidly in their 
respective studies. Oct. 29, 1§69, he married Lovena J. Kent, 
daughter of tienry Kent, well known in the early settlement of 
this county. Their 4 children are, — Henry, J. G., Charley and 
Nellie 

George A. Henry, son of Jacob Henry, who came from Warren 
county, Ky. , was an early pioneer, and has seen many hardships; 
he did the milling for 2 families ; carried corn on a horse, and so 
thronged was the business at the old horse-mill at Milton that he 
would be compelled to arise at midnight and go to mill in order to 
get his grinding done in time to get home the next night; would 
frequently have to remain all night at the mill for his grinding, 
with no place to sleep, and nothing to eat but parched corn. On 
one occasion, he and another boy were there all night, and toward 
morning, becoming tired of parched corn, they concluded to have 
a change of diet. The proprietor retired, leaving them in charge 
of the mill. There was an old rooster on top of the mill, which, 
after chasing for some time, they succeeded in catching, and which 
they picked and roasted, and ate with a relish. Notwithstanding 
the hard times, there was plenty of wild game and honey to be 
obtained. July 24, 1850, Mr. Henry was married to Nancy J. 



594 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 

French, and they had 14 children; of these, 10 are living, and all 
at home but the eldest; their names are as follows: Franklin P., 
James M., Emeline, William, Austin, Mary, Flora, Ella, George 
and Minnie. Mr. Henry resides on sec. 2, this tp., on the old 
home place, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. The 
house where he attended school was 12 by 14 feet, and had a nuid- 
and-stick chimney and a clapboard door; the seats were sawed 
from a log with a whip-saw; they had no stove, but a large lire- 
place; the window consisted of a log cut out of one side of the 
house, with cloth pasted over the crack. On windy days the fire- 
place smoked so badly that the school w^ould retire to the house of 
Mr, Henry. The ceiling consisted of poles covered with boards. 

Chas. V. Joh?ison, farmer, sec. 21, was born in St. Lawrence Co., 
N. Y., May 15, 1S15, and is a son of Charles and Kachel Johnson, 
dec; he was raised on a farm and came to this county in 1837. 'in 
1838 he married Emily Span ; 4 of their 8 children are living, viz: 
Mary, Eebecca, Phila and Emma, all married. Mr. J.'s father 
was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his son was lost in the late 
war, 

Henry Kent was born in Fayette Co., Ky., in 1801, and is a son 
of Henry and Mary Kent, dec; he was educated in a log cabin, 
v^dth round poles for seats, a log cut out of one side of the house, 
wnth a greased paper pasted over the crack for a window, and a 
huge fire-place in one end for warming the room. Coming in 
1836 to this wild West, Mr. Kent has killed many a deer in this 
county, and witnessed the scenes of pioneer times. He is a black- 
smith by trade, but has engaged in farming aiid stock-raising and 
speculating in land since coming to Illinois. He has been married 
twice, and is the father of 15 children, of whom 8 are living, — 
George W., Martha, Mary, Eliza J., Fannie, Lovina, Charlotte and 
Henrietta. Two sons, Walter D. and Newton P., were soldiers in 
the late war. 

David Lacy ^ farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 12, was born in Da- 
vidson Co., N. C., June 25, 1818, and is a son of Daniel and Eliza- 
beth Lacy, dec, who brought their family to Pike county in 1839. 
Our subject came to this county in 1842, where he engaged in the 
masonry business until 1851 ; he was married in 1855 to Mrs. 
Catharine M. Devol, and they have 6 children, — Margaret A., Julia 
F., Lincoln S., Sarah E., Lucretia B. and Amanda J. Mr. Lacy 
went overland to California in 1852, and returned by ship in 1853. 

Alvin Main^ son of Andrew Main, was born Jan. 17, 1844, in 
this tp. He was raised on a farm, and when in his 18th year he 
enlisted in the late war, in Co. B, 28th Reg. I. V. I., and served 
3 years ; he was in the battles of Shiloh, Hatchie River, siege of 
Yicksburg and others. Sept. 7, 1865, he married Miss LydiaFoot, 
daughter of George D. Foot, of Newburg tp.; they have 6 chil- 
dren, — Clara M., Rufus H., Josiah S., Blanche M., R. I. and Geor- 
giana. Mr. M. resides on sec 8, this tp., and is engaged in gen- 
eral farming. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 595 

Andrew Main^ farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 5, was born in Jack- 
son Co., O., Aug. 6, 1817, and is a son of Solomon and Susan Main, 
so well known in the early settlement of this county, who came 
here in 1828. He loaned his gun to a friend to use in the Black 
Hawk war, which, at the close of the war, was returned, and he 
was also a soldier in that war. Andrew Main was educated in a 
log house with slab seats, greased paper for windows, and a large 
fire-place in one end. Mr. M. used to go to a horse-mill on horse- 
back, and in the earlier part of their pioneer life he ground corn 
in a hand-mill ; he hunted with the Indians and killed deer with 
them. Sept. 28, 1838, he married Lutilia Johnson, and they have 
had 15 children, 9 of whom are living ; their names are Alvin, 
Andrew P., Colonel, Philip, George, William, Thomas, Jane and 
Minerva. 

iGeorge Main was born in Beaver, now Lawrence, county. Pa., 
Dec. 17, 1838, and is a son of Daniel Main, dec, who brought his 
family to this county in 1859, settling in this tp., where he resided 
/*- until his death, which occurred in 1873. Our subject was married 
in 1866 to Miss Myra Williams, and their children are Fred, 
George, Owen, Myrtle and Ralph. Mr. Main is a blacksmith, 
wagon and plow maker, in company with Mr. Philip, in" Time ; 
they do a good business, and give general satisfaction. Mr. Main 
has held various offices of trust in this tp. ; served over 3 years in the 
late war in Co. K, 2d Reg. 111. Cav., and was in 54 engagements, 
among which were the following : Middleburg, Lamare, Hollj 
Springs, siege of Yicksburg, Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hills, 
Yellow Bayou, etc. He was captured at Middleburg and held 
prisoner at Yicksburg for 6 weeks, when he was exchanged. 

Jacob Main was born in Beaver Co., Pa., Sept. 14, 1848, and is 
a son of Daniel Main, deceased, who first came to this county about 
the year 1850, and moved his family here in 1852. Our subject 
was married Sept. 7, 1868, to Mary Mortion, daughter of Matthew 
Mortion, deceased. They have had 4 children, of whom 3 are liv- 
ing, viz: Effie, Ottie and Almira. Mr. Main is a farmer, and resides 
on sec. 19. P. O., Pittsfield. 

Philip J. Main, ])rother of the preceding, was born in Beaver 
Co., Pa,, Jan. 12, 1845; he is a brother and partner of George 
Main, of Time. He came to Illinois with his parents in 1859, and 
in 1871 was married to Josephine Horton, by whom he has had 
2 children; only one, Yinnie, is living. He served 100 days in the 
late war, in Co. H, 137th Reg. I. Y. I., and was in the battle of 
Memphis, Tenn. 

Gyrus McFaddin was born in Brown Co., O., Jan. 16, 1840, and 
is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth McFaddin. He came to Illinois in 
1852, remaining one year, when he returned to Ohio; came back 
to this county in 1855; he served 3 years in the late war in Co. 
G, 99th Reg. I. Y. I., and was in the battles of Magnolia Hills, 
Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, siege of Yicksburg, Jackson, 
Miss., and others. Feb. 11, 1869, he married Miss Rebecca J. 



506 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Mitchell, and they have had 6 children; of these 4 are living, 
namely, Mary N., Frank W., Charles L. and George A. Mr. Mc- 
Faddin resides on sec. 22, and is engaged in farming and the rais- 
ing of stock. 

James B. Miller, deceased, was horn in Fayette Co., Pa., April 
25, 1818, and was a son of Samuel and Lydia Miller, deceased. 
He cam^ to this county in the fall of 1853, and settled in Monte- 
zuma tp. 2 years, then removed to this tp., where he engaged in 
farming on sec. 16 until his death, which occurred Feb. 11, 1874. 
He was a worthy member of the New-School Presbyterian Church 
for many years; was also an Elder for 30 years. He was a gen- 
erous, kind-hearted man. In 1841 he married Miss Mary Griffin, 
daughter of Wm. Griffin, deceased, who brought his family to this 
count}^ in 1852 ; she is also a sister of Dr. Griffin, of Time ; Mr. 
and Mrs. Miller had 11 children; of these 8 are living, to-wit: Sam- 
uel W., Sarah F., William F., Elizabeth G., Lydia, Anna, Robert 
B. and James A. Mrs. Miller resides on the old home place. We 
give Mr. Miller's portrait in this volume. 

James Y. Moore, a veteran of the Mexican war, was born March 
4, 1818, and is a son of James and Mary Moore, deceased, who 
moved ^^'ith their family' from Russellville, Ky., to Charleston, Coles 
Co., 111., in 1836. Our subject was a school-mate of the noted des- 
peradoes, the James boys, near Hussellville, Logan Co., Ky. He 
served one year as 2d Lieutenant in Co. C, 5th Reg. I. Y. I., when he 
became diseased, from the effects of which he has never recovered. 
He draws a small pension. In 1849 he married Mary A. Norton, 
and their children are Laura Tyler, of Fort Scott, Kansas, Charley, 
telegraph operator at Tallula, 111., and Dora Smith, of St. Louis. 
Mr. and Mrs. Moore reside in Time. 

William R. Moore, teacher of Union school, district No. 4, Hardin 
tp,, is a native of Kentucky, and was born April 18, 1848. He was 
educated at North Missouri Normal School, at Kirksville, Mo. 
Dec. 24, 1872, he married Miss Jennie, daughter of William H. 
Bennett, of Pittsfield. Mr. Moore conducts his school on the latest 
normal plans, and is a successful teacher. 

Alvin Petty was born in Pike county. Mo., Oct. 15, 1826. His 
father, Fisher Petty, came to this county in 1828, having emigrated 
from Columbus, Ohio, to Pike county. Mo., when a young man. 
When the Petty family locateci here, the land was nearly all vacant 
between their residence and where Pittsfield now stands. Atlas 
was then the county-seat. Deer, turkey, M'olves, etc., were plenty 
at that time, deer being nearly or quite as tame as modern sheep; 
they would frequently come within a few rods of the house, and 
turkeys would pass through the yard. Feb, 7, 1849, Mr. Alvin 
Petty married Julia A. Duffield, daughter of James Duffield, of 
Martinsburg tp., who was a soldier in the war of 1812, and is 82 
years old. Mr. and Mrs. Petty have had 8 children, of whom 7 are 
living, — Marion M., Catharine, Isaac N., James F., Ella, William 
and Frederick. Mr. Petty is a natural genius, and has worked at 



%^fi 




. 



::^:W 



3 




S" y^^l^-^-e^ 



HARDIN Tf 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTV. 599 

nearly all kinds of meclianicai labor; but his general occupation is 
farming and stock-raising. He resides on sec. 5; owns 293 acres 
of valuable land. 

J. H. Rainwater^ teacher of Honey Creek school, this tp., was 
born Dec. 11, 1858, and is a son of John Rainwater, deceased, who 
died in IMashviile, Tenn., during the Rebellion. Mr. R. was edu- 
cated in Pittstield, and has chosen teaching as his vocation. His 
school is well conducted, and he has won the contidence of parents 
and pupils. 

Joseph M. Rassell, a native of this county, was born in Martins- 
burg tp., May 7, 1837, and is a son of John and Mary Russell, de- 
ceased, so well known in the early history of this county; his father 
helped survey the present town plat of Pittstield. The Indians 
were their nearest neighbors, and the wolves made the night hid- 
eous with their howling. Our subject was raised on a farm, and 
now resides on sec. 19. Aug. 26, 1859, he married Martha Kiser, 
daughter of Samuel Kiser, deceased. They have 6 children, — 
Eliza, John, Mar}^ George, David and Elmer. Mrs. Russell was 
born in Warren county, Ind., March 5, 1843, and was brought by 
her parents in the fall of 1844, to this county, where she has since 
resided. 

Anthony Sonner was born Oct. 17, 1830, in Highland county, 
Ohio, and is a son of Jacob Sonner, deceased. He came to Pike 
county in 1860, where he has since resided; he is a miller by trade, 
but has been engaged in farming since coming to Illinois, until the 
last 3 years. In Oct., 1855, he married Miss Sarah Hicks, and 
they had 6 children; of these, 3 are living, — Charley, Ora and 
Brady. 

Evans Scott, physician, was born in Somerset county, Pa., Feb. 
7, 1835. He was educated partly in Ohio and partly in Pennsyl- 
vania. He graduated at the Medical College at Keokuk, Iowa, in 
1864; he served over 3 years in the late war in the 3d 111. Cav. ; 
the greater part of the time he had charge of a ward in a hospital 
at Keokuk. He began practice at Time, in 1865. He now has a 
large practice. 

Richard Thornton was born in this tp.. May IS, 1840, and is a 
son of Nathan and Lucinda Thornton. He was raised on a farm 
and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising, and resides on 
sec. 17. He was married March 16, 1864, to Margaret Watson 
and their 4 children are James A., Benjamin F., Flora H. and Nella 
J. Mrs. Thornton died Jan 20, 1875^ and March 10, 1876, Mr. T. 
married Phila V. Johnson, daughter of Charles Y. Johnson: they 
have one child, Richard S. 

Jo?tn L. Troutner was born in this tp. May 11, 1847, and is a 
son of the late Rev. Joseph Troutner, who came to this county from 
Ohio, in 1838, settling near Pittstield, and was a farmer and stock- 
raiser, and was also Deputy Sheriff of the county about as early as 
1841 ; he was Justice of the Peace 24 j-ears in succession, and was 
School Treasurer 12 vears ; also filled other offices of trust; he 
clerked in the first store at Pittsfield; he died at his residence in 

35 



600 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

this tp. Oct. 22, 1878, lii^^lily esteemed by all. John L. is the 
eldest of 12 children, all living; was married in July, 1849, to Isa- 
bella Elder, who was born in Florence, Pike Co. He resides on 
sec. 19, and is engaged in farming. 

Harry White., son of Silas and Louisa (Jones) White, was born 
May 19, 1845, and raised as a wool-carder; he operated the woolen 
mills in Time from 1865 to 1870; he served 3 years in the late war 
in Co. D, 1st Reg. M. Y. I.; was for awhile in Benton Barracks 
at St. Louis; has worked in a mill all summer and traveled in the 
winter; has gone from Buffalo to Denver; owns a farm in Franklin 
county, Kan.; was a farmer and stock-raiser in Kansas 4 years. 
In 1876 he married MattieBagby, daughter of £. D. Bagby, dec; 
they have one child, Trula. He is a farmer and stock-raiser on sec. 
9. While in the service he was in the battles of Pilot Knob, Round 
Pond, Mill Creek and others. 

Samuel Willard, a native of this county, was born Aug. 25, 
1843; was educated in a common school and raised on a farm. At 
the age of 19 he enlisted in the war and served 3 years in Co. E, 
99th L V. I., and was in the battles of Fort Gibson, Black River 
Bridge, siege of Vicksburg, Fort Blakely, Spanish Fort and others; 
was also detailed musician; was honorably discharged July 31, 
1865. He was married in 1867 to Miss Frances Miller, daughter 
of James B. Miller, dec. Mr. W. owns 120 acres of land in Mar- 
tinsburg tp., but now resides in Time. 

Henry J. Williams vjo.^ born in Scott county, Ky., Sept. 25, 1826, 
and is a son of Thompson Williams, who removed with his family to 
Jacksonville, 111., in 1832, and in 1833 came to this county, locating 
in Montezuma tp., on what was known as Franklin Prairie, on sec. 9. 
Our subject was raised a farmer, and received his education in an 
old log school-house with a stick chimney, slab benches, and a fire- 
place in one end, between 7 and 8 feet wide. Mr .Williams was in 
Pittslield when there was but one house there; the prairie grass 
was as high as a horse's back. He moved to Pittsfield in 1856, 
remaining there about 6 months, when he removed to sec. 22, this 
tp., where he still resides, and is engaged in farming and stock- 
raising; he has had a fine two-story brick residence, which was 
burned in 1861. He now owns 1,100 acres of valuable land. June 
6, 1850, he married Ruth A. Chenoweth, who was born in Macomb, 
McDonough county. 111. They have 11 children, viz: Abbie, Laura, 
Amanda, Henry, Mary E., Robert, Nola, Rose, John, Charley and 
Stella. The eldest is about 29 years old. It is a remarkable fact 
that there has never occurred a death or a wedding in this family. 
Mr. Williams' father and Jacob Hodgen founded the first Chris- 
tian Church in Montezuma tp., which was the first Church of that 
denomination in the eastern part of Pike countv. Thev had to 
grind their corn in a horse mill or an ox mill. Mr. W. has actually 
gone to mill every day in the week and returned with no meal on 
Saturday night, so thronged was the mill. He has ridden 10 miles 
on horseback many times to mill, and arrived there before daylight. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, 



601 



Atidrew Yaeger, a native of Germany, was born Oct 24 18->8- 
came to America in 1853, settling in "Eewbnrg tp., where lie re' 
sided until im and then removed to this t^p., locatingon set 

Tn'l«^'?T '' • J"^o "^f ' ^"^.^^^^ ^" ^'^^"""^ ^"^1 stock^-aising. 
In 1853 he married Barbara, daiigliter of Adam Kern, dec Not 

haying money enough to marrj according to the laws of Germany, 

Ml . Yaeger brought his intended wife to America and married her 

here, riiey have had 8 children, of whom 7 are livino-, namely 

Liicj J., Mary A., John G., Barbara M., William F., Henry C 






SPRING CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

This is one of the southern tier of townships, and is bounded 
upon the nortli by Hardin, the east by Pearl, south by Calhoun 
county, and upon the west by Pleasant Hill township. It is a full 
Congressional township and received its name from the principal 
stream which runs through it. The surface is very broken and 
principally covered with timber, with small necks of prairie. Many 
springs of sparkling water are found gushing from the hillsides in 
this township. 

Silas AVilson came to the township in 1832, and erected a log 
cabin and made other improvements, on sec. 8, where he remained 
for many years. Benj. Allison, David Scranton, Barnard Col 
lins, J. P. Stark and Mr. Hollis came in soon after. These early 
pilgrims did not find all the conveniences which makes life pleasant. 
The hunting was better than now, but all those things which are 
now thought to be necessaries, were then wanting. Money was so 
scarce that it was hardly talked of as a commodity. In place of the 
Short-horn cattle and Berkshire hogs, which can be seen in ever}' 
pasture and feed-yard in this magnificent county, were the black, 
brindle, pie-bald, polled, streaked and speckled cattle which, for the 
wamt of a name were usuallj'^ called natives. They were as uneven 
in quality as variegated in color, and lacked all the beef qualities 
for which their successors, the Short-horns, are so famous. They 
answered tiie purpose for which they were wanted, however, per- 
haps full as well if not better than the present popular breed would 
have done. The workino- cattle were livelv and endured fatigue 
and heat well, and even after thev were fatted thev stood the lono; 
drives which the then system of marketing demanded, much better 
than the cattle of the present day would. They could hardly have 
been called handsome, but they were in all ways the chief help and 
profitof the farmer. As much can hardly be said of the wind-splitting 
prairie rooters that were the only hogs then known in these parts; 
but they were hogs, and did not like to be trifled with. They lived 
on roots and Tvuts and could outrun a horse. When the farmer 
went to feed them he put the corn where he was sure the contrary 
fellows would find it. If lie had tried to call them with that long, 
sonorous half shout and half ijroan now in use to brino; hoii^s to 
their feed, the chances are decidedly that he would have scared 
them out of the timber and might never have seen them; but the}' 
were handv to drive, as men then had to drive hoi>:s to market. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 603 

Rachel Collins was the first white child born in the township 
her birth occurring in 1833. Joseph Collins, who died the same 
year, was the first person to die in the township. Joel Meacham 
and Sarah Adkins were the first couple united in marriage. The 
ceremonj was performed by Rev. Levi Hinman, who also preached 
the first sermon in the township in 1833. He was a minister of 
the Baptist denomination. F. A. Collins was the first Justice of 
the Peace, and John P. Stark the first Supervisor. All of the 
earliest adventurers are now gone, most of them to that country 
which is always new, but where the hardships and privations of pio- 
neer life are never know^n. 

VILLAGES. 

1 ■^^^•— This little village is situated on the Louisiana branch of 
the Chicago & Alton Railroad, and is a lively business point. The 
gentlemen who represent the leading business interests of the town 
— Wm E. Davis, David Hollis, Mr. Moore, the miller, and Dr.' 
1 olJock, — are spoken of personally below. 

Stetoart.-— This is a station on the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis 
Railway; is situated on the northeast quarter of section 23, and the 
northwest quarter of section 24, of this township, and was laid out 
by County Surveyor H..J. Harris, in 1872, for D. W. Knight, 
Daniel Allison and John McCormick. 

CHURCHES. 

The Nelo Baptist Church was organized on the first Saturday in 
April, 1863, by Rev. J. J. W. Place, with a membership of 37 
Ihecongregation erected a house of worship in 1864 and now has 
services once each month, and sustains a Sundav-school durino- the 
summer season. The present membership numbers 67. Re'v F 
H. Lewis is Pastor. 

The Regular Predsstinarian Baptist Church at Sprino- Creek 
was constituted in August, 1862, by Elder Samuel Applegate, with 
16 members. The society worshiped for about five years in the 
Spring Creek school-house, which stood where Nebo now stands 
Ihej^ erected a house of worship in 1857 or 1858, which was burned 
inl^ebruary, 1879. The following autumn they erected another 
and a more commodious and substantial church buildino- The 
present Pastor is S. R. Williams. ^ 

PERSONAL SKETCHES. 

The personal mention of any community forms the most inter- 
esting feature of its history. As p'art of the history of Sprino- 
Creek township we make mention of the following ekrly settler? 
and prominent citizens. 

Nathan Allison. Being an old settler of Pike county, Mr A is 
identified with its history, and therefore, should have more than 



604 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

passing notice in a work of this nature. He was born in Pike 
county, O., March S, 1817, and is the son of Benjamin Allison, one 
of the pioneers of Pike county, and who removed from Ohio to 
Indiana in 1824, and to this county in 1834; in 1836 he purchased 
the farm of Silas Wilson on sec. 8, Sj^ring Creek township, upon 
which was the only house in the township, and the Allison family 
was the only one residin<>; in the township, until a ftw months later, 
when the Scrantou family moved in. Our subject located in Cal- 
houn county in the fall of 1836, and there constructed quite a novel 
mill, there being a stream in the hillside near his house. He made 
a trough, which worked on a pivot. To one end of the trough was 
attached a large maul or pounder, which set in a i)ox or trough 
beneath; the other end of the trough was placed under the falling 
water on the hillside; as soon as the trough was tilled with water 
one end would be overbalanced, and at the same time 
the water would pour out of it, when immediately the pounder 
would fall down with a thud, and smash the few grains of corn 
that were in the mortar. Occasionally an unfortunate, coon would 
step in to partake of some of the meal and would remain there 
until some one came to his rescue, and he would come out all 
mangled and bleeding, never more to return to the forest. Mr. A. 
was married in 1836 to Elizabeth Wilson, daughter of Silas Wilson; 
and they had four children, of whom two are living, — Maliala and 
Felix. Mrs. Allison died in 1849. Mr. Allison,is now living with 
his fourth wife. He erected the first house in Nebo, and is now 
enocasred in farming and the raisins of stock on sec. 30. 

Wm. H. Bacus^ teacher of Nebraska schools. Spring Creek town- 
ship, was born in this county Oct. 19, 1843, and is a son of John S. 
Bacus, deceased. He was married in 1873 to Martha J. Mays. To 
them have been born three children, — Minnie D., James H. M. 
and an infant, deceased. Mr. B. has a very large and interesting 
school, — indeed, so large that one with the most unflagging energy 
and dispatch can scarcely do justice to it. He hears 30 recitations 
daily and keeps exceptionally good order, although many of the 
pupils are very small. 

William S. Buchanan, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 36, was born 
March 8. 1833, in Calhoun county. 111., and is a son of the late 
Henry P. Buchanan; he was reared on a farm in a wild section of 
the country where deer, wolves, etc., were numerous, and has killed 
many deer and other wild animals. There was no free-school sj's- 
tem here in those early days, and money being a scarce article in 
pioneer days, Mr. B.'s educational advantages were like those 
of other pioneer boys, very meager. He was married in 1855 
to Miss Catharine McConnell, daughter of Robert McConnell, 
deceased, a pioneer of Pike county. Mo. They have had 12 chil- 
dren, only 4 of whom are living, — Robert H., Mary O., Thomas 
A. and James A. Besides a farmer, Mr. B. is also a blacksmith and 
wagonmaker, — in fact, he can do almost any kind of work lie turns 
his hand to. 



I 



HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 605 

John A. Bunn was born in Pike count3% Mo., March 4, 1845, and 
is a son of George Bnnn, deceased. Mr. B. went into Calhoun 
county, 111., with his mother in 1S51, where he remained until 
1865, when he went to Missouri and remained five years; he came 
to this county in the spring of 18Y1 and resides on sec. 36, 
where he is engaged in farming. He was marriedjin 1871 to Mary E. 
Borrowman, by whom lie has four children, — Minnie O., Edgar R., 
deceased, Cora A. and Hattie A. 

E. B. Collard was born Oct, 16,1841, in Pleasant Hill township, 
this county, and is a son of John J. and Mary E. Collard, deceased, 
so well-known in the early settlement of Pike county. His father 
filled the office of County Clerk of Pike county for two terms and 
filled every county office as deputy, except that of Surveyor. Our 
subject was raised for the most part on a farm and educated in tiie 
common schools; he was married Nov. 25, 1877, to Miss Emily M. 
Harpole, daughter of L. C. Harpole, of this township. They have 
one child, Arthur B. Mr. Collard is engaged in the mercantile 
business at Strout Station, on the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis R. 
E,., and carries a stock of about $1,500, consisting of dry-goods, 
groceries, boots and shoes, and the general variety usually kept in 
a first-class store. He is also Agent for the Railroad Company, 
express agent and Postmaster. 

John Colly er was born in Owen county, Ind., June 30, 1838, 
and is a son of William Collyer, deceased; Mr. C. was reared on a 
farm, and is now engaged in farming and stock-raising on sees. 
7 and 8; he came to this county in 1851, and was married Aug. 15, 
1857, to Miss Ellen Baker; to them have been born five children, 
four of whom are living, namely, "William E., Llewella, Nora A. 
and John M. 

Leonard G. Uaniner, agriculturist and stock-raiser, sec. 8, 
was born May 31, 1832, and is a son of Jesse Hamner, deceased; 
he was brought up on the farm and educated in the common school; 
Aug. 23, 1854, he married Miss Pearcy Wilson, b}^ whom he has 
had six children: of these 3 are living, namely, Eliza J., Minerva 
A. and John Henry. P.^0., Nebo. 

Bruce Harpole^ fanner, stock-raiser and dealer in stock, sec. 
27. Was born in Pleasant Hill township, this county, Nov. 12, 
1835, and is a son of Adam and Lucinda (McMullen) Harpole, so 
well known in the early settlement of this county.* Mr. H. was 
raised a farmer's boy and knows all about grubbing and picking 
brush, rolling logs, driving oxen, etc. He has plowed with the 
wooden mold-board plow, used wooden-wheeled wagons and hickory- 
bark lines in driving horses. He was married Nov. 13, 1859, to 
Miss Rebecca E. Stark, daughter of John P. Stark. Four of their 
eight children are living, — Adam, Lucinda, Robert B. and Charlie A. 

Charles E. Harpole was born in Calhoun county, March 22, 1846, 
and is a son of Adam and Lucinda Harpole; the former is de- 
ceased, and the latter is residing near her son in this county. Mr. 
H. was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. 



606 HISTORY OF pikp: county. 

He was married April 6,1866, to Miss Martha A., daughter of 
Willis and Hannah (Mc Neely), of Calhoun county. They have had 
5 children, 4 of whom are livkig, — Henry A., Mary ()., Hattie J. 
and John B. Mr. H. resides on sec. 88 and is engaged in farming, 

Z. C. Harj>ole, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 26, was born in 
Pleasant Hill township Dec. 11, 1830. His parents, Joel and Hannah 
Harpole, were well known to the pioneer days of Pike county. 
His father served in the Black Hawk war. Our subject was reared 
on a farm and knows all about the privations that pioneer boys are 
heir to. His educational advantages were very limited, there being 
no free schools in those days. His mother wove cloth to pay for 
his education. He has plowed man}' a day with a wooden mold- 
board plow, and has reaped grain with a hand sickle, trampled out 
wheat with horses, went to church in an ox wagon, and ground 
corn on a hand-mill and was compelled to do a good many other things 
which seem odd to the boys of this day. In 1853 he was united 
in marriage with Sarah Martin, daughter of Willis Martin, an 
early settler of Illinois. Of the 9 children born to them 7 are 
living, — James R, William H., Emily V., Jolm D., Martha, and 
Albert and Alice, twins. 

A. Hatch. This enterprising young man was born in Ontario 
county, jS. Y., May 6, 1852. He came to Pike county with his 
parents in 1862. He received a good common-school education 
and a musical education, and is now teacher of cornet-band music, 
and has met with excellent success thus far. In Prairieville, Pike 
county. Mo., in 1879, he began with a class of new and inexperi- 
enced men, and in six months time it was demonstrated that that 
was the best band in the county. The parents of our subject are 
A. (t. and Alvdra Hatch, and he is the youngest of 3 children, — 
A. W., Ellen J. and himself. He resides with his mother on the 
farm, sec. 24, and during the summer season is engaged in farming. 

David Hollis, Nebo, was born in Gibson county, Tenn., April 
6, 1824, and is a son of A. L. and Sarah (Payne) HoUis, who 
brought their family to Illinois in 1830, and to Pike county in 1845. 
Mrs. Hollis is a second, or grand niece of Thomas Paine, the noted 
deist of revolutionary fame. Our subject was raised on a farm and 
received a limited education in the subscription schools, paying his 
own tuition with money he earned by hard work. He began act- 
ive life with nothing but his hands and a determined will. He 
now owns 400 acres of land and a third interest in a large store at 
Nebo. This firm carries a stock of about |14,500, consisting of 
general merchandise, and is doing a large business, employing 3 
to 4 clerks. Mr. Hollis held the office of County Treasurer for 
2 years, and Justice of the Peace for Spring Creek township for 20 
years. He was married in 1846 to Mary C. Leggett, and by this 
union 5 children were born: Sarah M., Lewis Y.„ Elizabeth J.» 
Barbara E. and Mary, deceased. Mrs. H. died in 1868, and in 1878 
Mr. H. married Sarah M. Mason, by whom he has 3 children, — 
Anna L., David P. and Nellie M. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 607 

Dennis Leary, deceased. The subject of this sketch was born in 
Ireland, June 24, 1812, and came to America when a young man. 
He was a painter by trade, and did a good deal of wurk in New 
Orleans, Mobile, and throughout the Southern cities generalh'. He 
owned land in Pike county for many years, and in 1872 purchased 
a farm on sec. 25 of this township. He was united in marriage 
Feb. 17, 1851, with Mrs. Eliza French, daughter of Wm. Morton, 
of the vicinity of Milton, this county. She was born Aug. 21, 
1825, in East Tennessee. They had six children, ^John, Leander, 
Thomas, Albert, deceased, Alfred and Ella. Mrs. Leary had two 
children by her former husband, — Martha and AYilliam French. 
Mr. Leary died May 7, 1876. His son Thomas, who is a subscriber 
for this book, is a prominent school-teacher, and is now (March 4:, 
1880) teaching at Pearl Prairie. 

S. T. Moore, proprietor of Nebo Mills. This enterprising gen- 
tleman took charge of the Nebo flouring mills in 1877, and has 
operated them with the very best of success. Others have tried at 
different times to build up a trade here, but in vain. The secret of 
Mr. M.'s success is that he makes the verv best of flour, and has 
won the confidence of the farmers of the surrounding country. He 
also has a corn-sheller attached to his mill, which enables him to 
pay the highest market ])rice for that cereal. He was born in Mon- 
roe connt3% 111., Jan. 12, 1836, and is a son of James B. Moore, of 
Brighton, 111. He was married May 4, 1860, to Harriet F. Ran- 
dolph, of Jersey county, 111. They have had 7 children, of whom 
5 are living, — Josephine C, Eddie, Frank T. , Nellie K. and James 
L. Mr, Moore was raised on a farm and educated in the common 
schools, and also attended the McKendree College, of Lebanon, 111. 

Dr. B. B. Pollock, Nebo. The subject of this sketch was born 
in Union county, O., Feb. 28, 1843, and is a son of John D. and 
Pachel G. Pollock, who brought their family to Edgar county. 111., 
in 1844, where they remained until 1856, when they removed to 
Polk county, Iowa. Our subject remained there until the breaking 
out of the rebellion, when lie enlisted in Company A, 10th Iowa 
Inf., and served three j'ears and two months. He participated in 
many of the leading battles of the war, such as Corinth, Black 
River Bridge, or Champion Hills, siege of Yicksburg, Chattanooga, 
Dalton, etc. The Doctor afterward attended Abingdon College, 
Knox Co., 111., for two years, where he became acquainted with 
Miss Anna E. Ferguson, whom he married Aug. 8, 1866. The 
union has been blessed with two children. Robert Cleon and John 
Roy. The Doctor attended lectures at the Jeflerson Medical Col- 
lege at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1870 and 1871, and began ])ractice in 
Nebo in the latter year, where he enjoys a good patronage. 

John W. Scranton was born in this township Jan. 19, 1847, and 
is a son of David Scranton, also of this township; he was reared on 
a farm and educated in the common schools of this county; before 
settling in life he took two trips through the West. March 3, 1872, 
he married Miss Mary E. Bowman, daughter of Robert and Mary 



608 HISTORY OF PIKE COUJMTV. 

E. Bowman. Thej have two children, Cora Belle and AV^illiam 
Otis. Mr. Scranton is engaged in farming and resides on sec. T; 
r. O. Nebo. 

John N. Smith, book-keeper, was born May 22, 1845, in this 
township, and is a son of Wm. E. Smith, of Nebo, and of whom 
we make further mention below. Mr. Smith was reared for the 
most part upon the farm, but worked in a flouring-mill prior to 
reaching his majority. He is now engaged as book-keeper in the 
JSTebo touring-mills. He whs joined in matrimony Oct. 1,1865, 
with Miss Sarah E. Creiu'miles. Three children have blessed this 
union, namely, Laura M., Thomas T. and Ellen F. Mr. Smith 
served six months in the late war, in Company I, 70th 111. Inf. 

William E. Sjiiith. Being an early settler of Pike county, Mr. 
Smith is entitled to personal mention in a work of this nature. 
He came with his parents from Oswego Co., N. Y., to this county 
in 1836. He was born in Columbus Co., N. Y., Dec. 14, 1819. 
His parents were Amasa and Sarah (Sikes) Smith. William was 
reared u]ion a farm, and received a common-school education, and 
has suffered many of the privations incident to pioneer life. Jan. 
8, 1841, he was united in marriage with Miss Polly Allison, daugh- 
ter of Benj. Allison, deceased, one of Pike county's pioneers. To 
them have been born 11 children, 4 of whom are deceased. The 
uaujcs of the children are, William, John, Mercy A,, Mary J., 
Samuel H., Daniel W. and Charles W. Mr. Smith is engaged in 
the lumber trade at Nebo, carrying a stock of $2,500. He is also 
an undertaker. 

John D. Wilson. The subject of this sketch was bora in Lincoln 
county. Mo., March 21, 1884.' His father, David Wilson, brought 
his family to this county in the autumn of 1834, and located in 
Pleasant Hill township, where he remained the rest of his life, save 
the last 3 years which he spent in Nebo. Our subject was raised upon 
the farm, and being a pioneer boy knows all about the privations of 
frontier life. He was married in 1856 to Miss Nancy, daughter of 
George Turnbaugh, so well known in the pioneer days of Pike 
county. Mr. W. is a farmer by occupation and resides in Nebo. 

W. Ii. Wilso7i was born and raised on sec. 13, Pleasant Hill 
township, this count}', and is a son of David and Isophena Wilson, 
deceased. His birth dates Aug. 17, 1844. May 13, 1870, he was 
united in marriage with Miss Ellen J., daughter of Harrison and 
Matilda Frye, of Pike county. Mo. Only 1 of the 3 children born 
to Mr. and Mrs. W. is living, whose name is Claudie. Mr. W. 
has beeh engaged in the mercantile business in Nebo for the last 
12 years, but has recently sold to Fowler & Son, near Pittstield. 

Jacob Windmillet% proprietor of the Nebo Hotel, is a native of 
this county, and was born Jan. 3, 1849, the son of Peter and Se- 
velia Windmiller. Peter W. was one of the pioneers of Pike 
county, and, like other settlers, endured numy privations and hard- 
ships in prejiaring the way for the prosperity of future generations. 



HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



609 



For some time after he first settled here there was only one wheeled 
vehicle in this entire neighborhood, -and that was a wooden- 
wheeled ox-cart. He often gathered his corn in a one-horse sled. 
Our subject was reared on a farm, and Nov. 27, 1873, was married 
to Mary Stone, and they have one child, Laren O. 




■^ «9^t V>^ IV^ v--^ W 



! 



FAIRMOUNT TOWNSHIP. 

This is certainly one of the finest townships in this favored 
county, and for general agricultural purposes, is unrivaled by any. 
Where, less thanhalf a century ago the deer, wolf and bear roamed 
at will, the native red man their only enemy, are now handsome 
residences, with fine grounds and convenient out-houses, churches, 
school-houses and well cultivated fields. The native prairies have 
been conquered from their virgin state by the energy and skill of 
the sturdy pioneer. Instead of rank growths of prairie grass, 
which blossomed in its beauty over these fertile prairies, we now 
behold the waving fields of corn, broad acres of undulating wheat, 
numerous herds of thorough-bred stock grazing in green pas- 
tures, — indeed, every evidence of wealth and prosperity. 

To those who opened up and developed the wonderful resources 
of Fairmount, the present and coming generations will owe eternal 
gratitude. They suffered untold privations and inconveniences, 
labored with unflagging energy and will, receiving only meager 
compensation for their toil, were far away from their friends and 
their old homes, and with scarcely any means of communication 
with them. The pioneers were encouraged and kept up with the 
hope of soon establishing comfortable homes for themselves and 
their families and with a noble ambition of conferring on posterity 
blessings which shall ever be a monument to their memories. 

The "northern part of Pike county was not settled for over a de- 
cade after the southern portion was. It is a matter of no little sur- 
prise to know that for so many years this beautiful section was left 
without the pioneer. Many doubtless passed to and fro through it 
on their way northward and westward and return, and perhaps 
marveled at the beauty of its groves and prairies; but it was so far 
from civilization that the most sturdy and daring did not feel dis- 
posed to pitch their tents and make their home here. Over 11 
years elapsed from the time that Ebenezer Franklin, Daniel Shinn 
and the Rosses came to the county, before Barker Crane, the first 
settler of Fairmount, came to live in this then wild country. Mr. 
Crane made improvements on sec. 3 in 1831, but even he re- 
mained for only a short period. We do not know whether it was 
his remoteness from other settlements that drove him away, or that 
he found a more desirable location, as none are left to inform us. 
At the close of the Black Hawk war, and when the people of the 
older settled East and South Avere assured that no further apprehen- 
sions need be felt relative to Indian troubles, settlers came pouring 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 6J1 

into this fair State by the thousands, and tlie beautiful groves and 
prairies of Fairmount did not fail to receivf; her portion. Prior to 
1841 we find the following settlers, besides others, living in this 
township : H. Lake, who located on section 10; John Wilson, on 
section 3; Thomas Kirgan, on section 2; John Brown, on section 
14; Ebenezer Franklin, on section 12; Asa Lake, on section 10; 
Tandy Hume, on section 16; and Henry Benson, on section 19. 

The children of these early settlers were not long without the 
instructions and discipline of the schoolmaster, for we find as early 
as 1840, Henry Benson taught school in a log school-house on sec. 
16. This rude structure, which was erected by the contribu- 
tion of the labor of the pioneers, would not compare favorably with 
the more modern, neat and tasteful frame and brick structures that 
adorn many of the knolls through this section. Jesse Elledge, a 
Baptist minister, was one of the earliest teachers of the township. 
Soon, too, the minister of the gospel found his way here among 
these pioneers. The first preaching was done by Elder Michael 
Hobbs, of the Christian denomination, in 1841. He was not a 
regular preacher, being engaged in farming, but desiring to see his 
friends and neighbors following the meek and lowly, yet truly di- 
vinely great Nazarene, would have them assemble in cabins and 
school-houses, and tell them of his love and earthly mission. His 
brother, the well known Elder David Hobbs, was also a preacher. 
For a time the Mormons, who were numerous in Adams county, 
which lies just north of this township, preached their peculiar faith 
to this people, and won many converts. A few years afterward, 
however, this community joined in the excitement incident to the 
expulsion of the Mormons from Hlinois. 

During the late war Fairmount proved loyal to the core, and 
furnished many of her brave sons as a sacrifice to' retain an nndi- 
vided Union. Many of those who went to the front, after enduring 
years of untold hardships and danger, were permitted to return to 
their homes, where they are now living, to enjoy the liberties they 
so nobly fought for. Many of them, however, went to return no 
more. The3^ were pierced by the shot and shell from Southern 
musket and cannon, or died from the cruelties inflicted upon them 
in the prison pens to which they were consigned, — all for defend- 
ing the best government ever established by man. 

CHURCHES. 

There are no villages in this township, yet the people enjoy almost 
equal religious privileges w^ith the citizens of towns. There are in 
the township five church organizations, with three church buildings. 
The United Brethren church stands on sec. 29, near the school - 
house, and cost about $1,600. This is known as the Woodland 
Church, and was dedicated in 1867, and was the first church build- 
ing erected in the township. It was dedicated by N. A. Walker. 
The Society was organized in 1866, by Rev. D. C. Martin, and 
meetings were held in the Woodland school-house until their church 



612 ^ HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

\ 

edifice was complete!. The present membership is 140. Rev, 
W. P. Pease is Pastoi\ The attendance at the Sunday-school is 
about 80. \ 

The Presbyterian churcl^, which is located on sec. 10, cost about 
$1,500. The house of worship of the Baptist congregation is on 
sec. 7, and cost $400. 

Tiie Society of the Methodist denomination worship in the Pres- 
byterian Church, wliile the Christian congregation hold their 
meetings in the South Prairie school-house, on sec. 11. The first 
Methodist preacher in the township was Rev, Mr. Cleveland. He 
preached his first sermon in this township at the residence of Wm. 
Morrison in 1840. 

PERSONAL SKETCH HISTORY. 

Following we give personal sketches of the early settlers and 
prominent citizens of the township, which forms an important 
factor in its history. 

A. B. Allen was born in Ohio county, Ky., Sept. 14, 1825; his 
father, Asa Allen, was born in Tennessee and of Grerman descent, 
his mother, Abigail (Campbell) Allen, a native of Kentucky and of 
English descent. Mr. Allen came to Pike county in 1844, and in 
1846 was married to Emily Askew and they have had 11 children, 
8 of whom are living. Mr. Allen was very poor in early life, and 
worked out for $8 per month. He now owns 320 acres of land, 
raises stock, and is considered a verj' good farmer. He belongs to 
the United Brethren Church, and is a Democrat. 

Lewis H. Baldwin was born in Connecticut in 1812; is the son 
of John and Sarah Ann (Hawkins) Baldwin, the former a native of 
Connecticut, and of English descent. In early life Mr. B. worked 
at blacksmithin^', but is now a farmer. He came to this county in 
1835, and in 1836 married Maria Jane Elledge. After his marriage 
he worked out for $8 per month, but he now owns 500 acres of 
good land in Pike county, and he and his son own about the same 
amount in Missouri, and one acre within the corporation of Perry. 
He used to be an old-line Whig, but is now a Republican; has been 
School Director 25 years, and School Trustee, These are the only 
offices that he would accept. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have 4 chil- 
dren, j\Irs. B. is a Baptist. 

Philip S. Brower^ farmer, sec. 14; P. O. Perry; was born in 
Madison county, N. Y., April 27, 1832; came to this county with 
his parents in 1842; his father, John Brower, was a native of New- 
York, and his mother. Delight (Smith) Brower, also a native of 
New York. June 3, 1854, ^Fr. B. married Amanda Carolines, and 
they have had 5 children. 3 of whom are living, Malcolm C., Elm- 
wood and Alpheus. In 1852 he took a trip to California and was 
absent 2 years. He owns 306 acres of land. His wife is a Meth- 
odist. 

WtUiarn Cory, farmer, was born in the State of New York, 
Feb. 20, 1820; he is the son of William and Rachel (Tombs) Cory, 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 613 

natives of New Jersey, the former of Irish, and the latter of Scotch 
descent; at the age of 18 he commenced to learn the carpenter's 
trade, at which he worked 10 years, since which time he has fol- 
lowed farming. In the fall of 1837 he visited Illinois to see the 
country, and in 1841 he settled in tliis tp., on sec. 10, where he has 
lived ever since. March 31, 1844, he married Nancy Jane Wilson, 
a native of New Hampshire, and of their 10 children, 9 are living, — • 

5 boys and 4 girls; one girl deceased. Mr. Cory and his wife are 
members of the M. E. Church; he is a Democrat, and has been 
Assessor, Township Treasurer, Justice of the Peace, Supervisor, 
TownshiD Clerk, School Director, and Secretary of his Church. P. 
O., Fish Hook. 

Joseph E. CosSf farmer, brother of Theodore S. Coss, was born 
in Ross county, O., in 1846; besides the common school he at- 
tended also the commercial College at Quincy. In 1870 he mar- 
ried Sarah Allen, and of their 4 children 2 are living, — Efhe Am- 
marana and Orien Forest. Both himself and wife are members of 
the United Brethren Church. He is a Democrat, and has been Town 
Clerk. Six months he kept store at Fish Hook. October 22, 1864, 
he enlisted in Co. F, 28th 111. Inf., under Capt. H. D. Hadsell, and 
was discharged Oct. 21, 1865. He was in the battles at Spanish 
Fort, and fort Blakely, where he was under fire 18 days, and other 
battles, skirmishes, etc. Was shipwrecked on the "George Pea- 
body " when there was a storm for 36 hours ; 120 horses were thrown 
overboard and 10 men were lost. Resides on sec. 28. P. O.Fish 
Hook. 

Taylor M. Coss^ farmer, sec. 29; P. O. Baylis; son of Edward 
and Annie Coss, natives of Ohio, was born in Ross county, O., in 
1836; came to this county in 1854, and in 1860 was married to 
Miss Emma Phillips, born in this county in 1840; tiiey have had 

6 children, 4 of whom are living, — Florence B., William T., Ida 
M. and Ada E. Mr. C. has held the office of Supervisor, Collector, 
School Trustee, and School Director for many years. He owns 420 
acres of excellent land, has been engaged in buying hogs for other 
parties, and raises considerable stock on his own farm. He had 
1,500 bushels of wheat to market this season. Mr. and Mrs. C. and 
their eldest daughter are members of the United Brethren Church 
at Woodland, 

Theodore S. Coss was born in 1840 in Ross county, O., and is 
the son of Edward and Anna (Moore) Coss, natives of the same 
State, the fatiier of German, and the mother of English descent; in 
1871 he married Belle Manns, a native of Kentucky, and they have 
one child, Cora May, born in February, 1872. During the war Mr. 
Coss enlisted in Co. G, 3d. 111. Cav,, under Capt. J. B. Moore, Aug. 
6, 1861; was discharged April 10, 1863; was in the battle of Pea 
Ridge ; was under Gen. Curtis when he drove Price from Spring- 
field to the Boston Mountains, and was in several other engage- 
ments. Residence, sec. 20; P. O. Fish Hook. 



614 HISTOKY 01-" PIKK COUNTY. 

George I. K. Crawford was born in this county in 1S59, and is 
the son of J. G. and Rlioda (Melear) Crawford; his father, wlio still 
owns land here, has been a resident of tiiis township for 30 years. 
The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools 
here. In 1ST9 he married Lillie Corv, and they have a child, born 
Nov, 21, 1879, whose name is Clarence Cory. Bj occupation Mr. 
Crawford is a farmer. In religion he is a Presbyterian, and in poli- 
tics a Republican. His wife is a Methodist. 

Samuel M. Crawford was born in this county July 29, 1856, 
educated in the common school, and Illinois College at Jackson- 
ville, and at the Gem City Commercial College at Quinc}'; by oc- 
cupation Mr. C. is a teacher; lived on the farm with his father 
until of age; he is not a member of any Church, and is a Repub- 
lican. 

W. D. C. Doan, M. D., was born in Ohio April 16, 1828, being 
the son of AVilliam and Susanna (Bennett) Doan, from the Eastern 
States, his father a physician. The subject of this paragraph began 
the study of medicine at the age of 18, with his father, who died 
two years afterward; he then finished reading with his uncle. Dr. 
Elijah Bennett, in Clermont county, O.; at 22 he commenced 
practice in this tp. He first came to Pike county in 1848, 
in 1850 to this tp., where he has since lived. In 1851 he married 
Rachel Hobbs, and of their 4 children but one is living, Rachel 
Effie, and they have one grandchild living with them, Mary E. Doan 
Crawford. The Doctor owns 215 acres of land. Resides on sec. 10. 
He is one of the oldest practitioners of the county. In politics he 
is a Democrat, and both himself and wife are metnbers of the 
Christian Church. His postoffice is Perry. 

Levi Gardner was born in Adams county, Pa., Dec. 17, 1810, 
and is the son of George and Elizabeth (Seybold), of German de- 
scent, who were in good circumstances and followed farm life. Levi 
obtained a fair education in the subscription schools of his native 
State. Came to Illinois in 1836, and has resided here most of "the 
time since; he could ride all over this county when he first came, 
he tells us, without seeing scarcely any improvements; his father- 
in-law, who was one of the pioneers of this county, killed 7 bears 
in Fairraount tp., in one day. In 1837 he married Matilda Neal, 
by whom he had 8 children, 5 of whom are living, — one son and 
four daughters, ^y occupation Mr. Gardner is a tanner and cur- 
rier; he had a tannery in this county 5 or 6 years, but since 1850 
he has been farming. Lives now on sec. 5. In politics Mr. G. is a 
Republican, and both himself and wife are members of the United 
Brethren Church. In 1862 Mr. Gardner enlisted in the 99th regi- 
ment as a musician (a fifer); was in the battle at Magnolia, Miss., 
Champion Hills and Black River; he was discharged before the 
close of the year, that is, at the close of the siege of Yicksburg, 
where he was present. 

John Ilenthorn^ farmer, sec. 17; was born in England, April 
20, 1820, of English parents; learned weaving by the hand-loom; 



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ATLAS TP 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 6^7 

emigrated to America in ISU, stoppino- in ^e^v York State, and 
in 1850 came to Adams county, 111., and in 1852 to Pike conntv 
tor two years while in New York State he superintended a factory' 
where 62 looms were run. He now owns 360 acres of land in 
good cultivation, and well stocked. In 1842 he married Bettie 
Holt, and ot their 8 children 7 are living. Mr. Ilenthorn has been 
bcliool Director several terms, and is a Democrat. 
_ John D. Henthorn was born in this county, July 21 1857 and 
IS the sonof John and Betsey (Holt) Henthorn, natives of Eno-. 
and; received his education in the common schools of this county- 
by occupation he is a farmer, and his residence is on sec 9 He 
has tour brothers and two sisters living, and one sister dead 

Thomas IIull residence sec. 29; P. O. Fish-Hook; is the son of 
bamnel and Sophia Hull, and was born in Ohio in 1830- received 

T.?i'«\'of'''" '"'"'.^^IK'^. the common schools of his native State. 
In 18o0 he married Elizabeth Bowman, who was born in 1830 in 
this county, and they have 8 children living. Mr. Hull is a farm- 
er, and has been a resident of this county since 1845 In iDoli 
]?'tt -'/J" I>e'n^crat and both himself and wife are members of 
he United Brethren Church. He has been Justice of the Peace 
10 or 11 years, lioad Commissioner, Collector, School Director 
Class-Leader and Sunday-school Superintendent. He is an indus 
trious man, and has earned all he ever possessed 

Israel Klrgan. This gentleman's father, Thomas Kirgan, was 
a native ot County Antnm, Ireland, and when a babe h; was 

neaily 100 years ago. He was a tanner by trade, but followed farm- 

30^W "t"^ onT ^"' ""'"^^ ''' '^'H .^""°^^'- He died March 
^y, 18 i 7, in his 90th year, m Perry, this county, where he had 

lived many years. His 5 children still own the home farm, wh ch 
consists ot 280 acres, 2^ miles southwest of Perry. Mrs Maiw 
(1 red) Kirgan, his mother, was a native of Viro-jnia Israel fd 
CO rv O '^ H 'fS^f^y^ was born Aug. 12, f815, in Cl'ermont 
county, O He hrst learned the tanner's trade, but when his f^ither 

H t "^ 'V'"\rf'^^ '''^''' ^^""^^' i" 1^35, settling on Fi.h. 
Hook creek, N. W. i sec. 2, at which time he had onlv six - bits " 
m bis pocket, one horse and a yoke of cattle, and was $40 in debt 

leading ;■ ''""' ^^'•^^■- ^''' ^'^^'"^ ""''' ''' '^'' most substantial and 
leading farmers in Fairmount township, now being the owner of 

240 acresot land About the first work he did was" to split 9 600 
rails, at six " bits 'a hundred. Coming to this county as eady as 
1830, he has seen this country in its primitive state. With the wild 
animals roving oyer it in large numbers. One day he saw 65 deer 
in one grove. There were but five houses then on the south prai 
ne, namely Altred Bissell, sec. 2; Mr. O'Keil, sec. 16; Mr Mc' 
Gee, sec. 16; James Seybold, sec. 16; and Eben.zer Franklin; set 
1-,— all ot whoni resided in log houses. Israel's father's familv 
usecl the first cooking-stove brought to this prairie ' 

Ihe subject of this notice, in 1834, married for his first wife 



618 HISTORY OF I'IKE COUNTY. 

Miss I\[arijaret June Kennedy, a native of Ohio, wlio died in 18-15, 
leaving a family of 5 cliildren, namely, AV^illiam, Benjamin, Mary, 
John and an infant: of these, William and John are all that are 
living now. March 3, 1855, Mr. K. married Sarah Jane Honston, 
'and by her lie had 9 children, of whom 8 are living: David L., 
Clinton D., Eben, Chapman, George B., Ira, Israel F. and Harvey 
D. In politics Mr. Kirgan is a Democrat, and in religion is still 
a believer in Christianity ; used to be a member of the M. E. Church. 

David Kurfman, fai-mer, sec. 7; P. O. Fish Hook; was born in 
Pennsylvania Jan. 29, 1815, and is a son of Daniel and Susannah 
(Barnett) Kurfman, natives of Maryland, and of German descent. 
David received his education in the schools of his native State; 
when he first started to school he could scarcely speak English. 
He was married the first time in 1837 to Hannah Deeter, and they 
were the ])arents of two girls, both of whom are married. His sec- 
ond marriage was with IS'ancj^ Bagby, in 1851 ; of this nnion 6 
children were born, — 4 bo3^s and 2 girls. Both Mr. and Mrs. K. 
are connected with the Baptist Church. Mr. K. came from Penn- 
sylvania to Pike county in 1850, and settled in Pittsfield township; 
in 7 years thereafter removed to Fairmount. 

George Lake, farmer, sec. 10; P. O. Fish Hook. Mr. Lake was 
born in Fairmount, Pike Co., 111., July 12, 1854, and is a son of 
Harve}' and Elizabeth (Lee) Lake, the former a native of New 
York, and his mother of one of the Eastern States. He attended 
the common schools of this county, and received a fair education. 
In 1874 he was united in marriage with Nancy Groves. Jesse, 
their only child, was born in 1876. 

John Lake was born in this township in 1853, and is the son of 
Harvey and Elizabeth Lake. He attended the common schools of 
this county, receiving a good common-school education. He is 
now engaged in farming on sec. 10. His postoffice address is 
Perry. Jan. 19, 1871, he was joined in the hoi}' bonds of matri- 
mony with Mary Olive Seybold, a native of Minnesota. She is a 
member of the Christian Church. Harvey Lake, the father of our 
subject, was one of the early settlers of Pike county. 

Wm. H. Love was born Jan. 15, 1821, in New Jersey, the son of 
Samuel and Lydia (Morgan) Love; his father was a native of Ire- 
land, and his mother of New York State. He was brought to Ill- 
inois in 1828 and to Pike county in 1833, and the family settled 
one mile west of Perry, on the farm at present owned by Esquire 
Morton. In April, 1846, he moved upon the farm where he now 
lives, owning 287 acres. He was married March 30, 1843, to Miss 
Harriet E. Bentley. To them have been born 9 children, 7 of whom 
are living, — 6 bo3'S and 1 girl. Mrs. Love is the daughter of 
Gideon Bentley, an earl}' and prominent settler of Pike county. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. L. are members of the Christian Church, of 
which he is a Deacon. Mr. L. has been a farmer all his life, in 
which business he has been successful, although in the early days 
he suffered many hardships. His family started from New York 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 619 

in a skifi", wliicli they would run over all the dams that were on 
their route, and they encountered eight or ten of them, and the 
women would get out of the boat and walk down past the dam. 
The first morning after their arrival in Fairmount tp. their nearest 
neighbor sent over after two ears of corn, the boy, who was bare- 
foot (and there was snow on the ground) stating that " they wanted 
it for breakfast !" Mr. L. also states that he called upon one of the 
neighbors one morning and found them partaking of their break- 
fast on parched corn and "sycamore tea!" All the table furniture 
the}^ had was one plate, one knife and one fork. Mr. Love, when he 
first came, used oxen to plow with (using a wooden mold-board 
plow), and used a harrow with wooden teeth. 

Lemuel Martin^ farmer, sec. 11; P. O. Perry. The subject of 
this personal sketch was born Jan. 21, 1854; his parents are Samuel 
and Amanda (Rounds) Martin; he was the eldest son of a family of 
10 children. There were two daughters, however, older than he. 
Mr. M. was united in marriage with Mary G. Glines, and they have 
two children, one boy and one girl. Both Mr. and Mrs. M. are 
members of the Christian Church in Perry. Politically he is a 
Democrat. 

S. F. Martin was born in Kentucky, March 4, 1822; he is the son 
of l^ehemiah and Drusilla (Cottrell) Martin, natives of Virginia and 
of German ancestry. His mother died when he was only two years 
old. In 1849 he came to this county and settled in Fairmount tp. 
In 1850 he was united in marriage with Amanda Rounds, and the 
union has been blessed with 10 children, — 6 boys and 4 girls, 8 of 
whom are living. His wife died ISTov. 22, 1879. She was a mem- 
ber of the Christian Church. Mr. M, is a Democrat in politics, 
and has served as School Director, School Trustee, Road Commis- 
sioner and Overseer of the Poor. He owns a farm of 160 acres on 
sec. 8. 

A. O. Mason, farmer, sec. 15; P. O. Fish-Hook ; is a native of 
Vermont, where he was born Aug. 19, 1811 ; he was the son of 
Carlo and Lydia Mason. His father was a carpenter. They came 
to Pike county from Kentucky in 1862. A. G. was married to 
Betsy C. Mason in 1834; this union has been blessed with a family 
of three children, all sons, and two of whom are married. Their 
names are A. H, , Wm. and R. H. The latter enlisted in Co, F, 
51st Wisconsin Infantry, and served for three months. Mrs. Mason 
died May 2, 1879. 

R. B. McLaughlin, i?ivm.Q\\ sec, 22 ; P. O. Perry; was born in 
Ohio, June 15, 1827, and is a son of AVilliam and Anna (Boggess) 
McLaughlin, the former a native of Virginia and of Irish descent, 
and the mother a native of Ohio and of English-German ancestry. 
His only opportunity for an education was in the common schools 
of Pike county in early day, where he was brought in 1837. In 
1848 he was married to Sarah Flannagan. Three of their 7 chil- 
dren are living. He has held all the township offices, with the 
exception of that of Assessor. He and his wife are members of the 



620 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

M. E. Churcli, of which he has been Steward. He has been en- 
gaged in fanning all his life, in which he has great success. At 
present he buys and feeds considerable stock. 

Willia'in McLaughlin is a native of the old Dominion State, 
and was born Dec. 2, 1802. llis father, James McLaughlin, was a 
native of Ireland, and his mother, Sarah McLaughlin, nee Cole, 
was born in New Jersey. William was married in 1823 to Anna 
Boggess, a native of Ohio, where she was born in 1806, who bore 
him 12 children, 6 of wiiom are living. Four of the sons are mar- 
ried, and living in Fairmount tovvnshi]). His wife and all his 
children, except one, are members of the M. E. Church. Farming 
has been his life occupation, and he at present owns 575 acres of 
land in Pike county. When he arrived at Griggsville Landing, in 
this county, in 1836, he owned but one horse, $25 in money, and a 
very limited amount of household furniture, and had a family of 
wife and 5 children. From this meager position he has become 
one of the wealthiest men in the county, accumulating by close 
attention to business, hard labor and perseverance, lie has seen 
the country change from its wild state to a fertile field of plenty. 
When he first settled here he thought he would always have plenty 
of outside range. He has held about all the township offices, and 
has been Steward, Class-Leader and Trustee of his church, and 
lias been licensed as an Exhorter. 

A. A. Oyle, farmer, sec. 6; P. O. Fish-IIook; is a son of James 
and Martha Ogle, both natives of St. Clair county. 111., and was 
born in Adams county in 1855. He attended the common schools 
of that county, where he received a fair education. In 1871: he 
took unto himself a wife in the person of Sarah Elizabeth Bowman, 
who has borne him two children, both girls. 

John M. Parker was born in this county in 1846, the son of 
John and Lydia Parker, natives of New England; married Sarah 
J. Whitten in 1862, who was born in Ohio in 1845, and they have 
had 7 children, one dec. Mr, P. has followed threshing and farm- 
ing, and has been moderately successful. His residence is on sec. 27, 
Fairmount tp. P. O., Perry. 

James A. Phillips was born in the State of Kentucky, Jan. 10, 
1828, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Jackson) Phillips, the lat- 
ter a native of Kentucky, and of Irish ancestry, the former of 
Scottish descent, and a native of Maryland. He was married in 
1850 to Mary Wheeler, and the union has been blessed with 6 
children, all of wdiom are living. James A. learned the trade of 
shoemaking, but never followed the business a great deal. For the 
7 years subsequent to his marriage he worked out by the month; 
then bought a farm in this county, wdiither he had come in 1858, 
locating in this township, where he has since resided. He is a 
member of the United Brethren Church, and lias served as Stew- 
ard. Class-Leader, Trustee, and Sunday-school Superintendent. 

Richard Razy was born in Tennessee, Sept 12, 1815; his father's 
name was Rufus Razy, who was born in New York; liis mother 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 621 

was Mary Bigelovv, also a native of the Empire State. Mr. R, 
emigrated to Pike county in 1852, locating in Perry. He never 
attended school but five days in his life, yet he is able to read. His 
mother died when he was but three daysold. At present he is en- 
gaged in farming. He was married in 1836 in Watertown, Wash- 
ington Co., ()., to, Harriet Mason. Eight children were born of 
this union, 4 boy^ and 4 girls. Two of the former are deceased. 
Mrs. P. was born in Castleton, IST. Y., July 10, 1815; she was the 
daughter of Carlo Mason, who died in the town of Perrv in 1855. 
They had two sons in the Pebellion, both in the 99th Hlinois In- 
fantry; Nathan, who was in Co. F, was killed in the first charge of 
^'icksburg; and James B., who was in Co. B., died of sickness. 
Among other Pike county boys of Co. F of tliis regiment who were 
killed in the first charge at Yicksburg, were Capt. Smith, Albert 
Orr. Andrew Scranton, John Elder and P. Lee. 

Charles Read is a native of England, and was Dorn in 1831; in 
1836 he was brought to America by his parents, Robert and Susan 
(Callow) Pead. He received his education in the common schools 
of this county, whither he was bi'ought in 1837. He was married 
in 1857, to Mary Brown, a native of Ohio. The result of this union 
has been 9 children, 5 boys and 4 girls. Mr. M. is engaged in farm- 
ing, and owns 280 acres of good land. He is a member of the 
Christian Church. 

Silas Reed, farmer, sec. 25; P. O. Perry; was born in Ohio, Oct. 
1, 1831, and is the son of William Peed, who had married a Miss 
Clark, of Pennsylvania. He received a good education, besides 
having attended the common schools. He entered an academy, now 
called Clermont College, and also attended the graded schools of 
Clermont county. He was married in 1861 to Rebecca, daughter 
of Lewis Baldwin, who was born Jan. 26, 1842, in Pike county. 
Tliey liave a family of 5 children. Mr. P. came to Pike county 
with his parents -in 1859, and was engaged as school-teacher and 
book-keeper for some time, but is now engaged in farming. 

Henry Robinson, farmer, sec. 22 ; P. O. Perry; is a son of James 
N. and Mary Allen (Cohenour) Robinson, and was born in Brown 
county. 111., May 5, 1850; his father lived in this county 35 years 
ago, but at present he is living in Brown county, and has been very 
successful financially. Henry received his education in the com- 
mon schools ot Brown county, and since 1876 has been engaged in 
farming in this township. In 1877 he was married to Olive Poe. 
Their onlv son is James Herbert, who was born Aug:. 5, 1878. Mrs. 
R. is a meml)er of the M. E. Church. J 

Jerome W.Rusli, farmer and stock-dealer, sec. 22; P. O. Perry. 
Mr, R. was born in Ross county, O., in 1827, and is a son of John 
W. and Sarah (Brown) Rush, the former a native of Yirginia, and 
of German descent, the latter of Maryland, and of English descent. 
He attended schools in the log school-houses of this county, and the 
Mt. Sterling high school for two terms. In 1852, Oct. 12, he was 
married to Nancy C. Yates, and of the 5 children which have 



622 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

blessed their union, all are living. Both he and his wife are mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church. He came to Pike county in 1887, and 
located on sec. 36. He is now engaged as stock-raiser and stock 
dealer, and owns 400 acres of land, all but 80 acres of whicli is 
prairie. He keeps a deer ])ark, in whicli he at times has as many 
as 20 deer. , 

Jasper Seyhold. By occupation Mr. S. is a farmer, and owns 255 
acres of land in this county. In 1866 he was united in marriage 
with Mary E. Stauffer, who has borne him 9 children, 4 boys and 5 
girls, all of whom are living. Jasper Seybold was born in Madison 
county. 111., June 26, 1833, and is a son of James and Olive (Gas- 
kill) Seybold. His father was born in Illinois, and his mother in 
]New York. He received his education mostly in log school- 
houses. He was brought from Madison county to Pike county in 
1836, and has ever since resided in the county. He has served as 
Township Collector and as School Director for 20 years. 

Ira W. Stevenson was born in Pike county Oct. 9, 1853, and is 
a son of John and Mary Ann (Wilson) Stevenson; the former was 
a well-known pioneer of this county, and died Feb. 1, 1880. He 
was a successful farmer, and owned 580 acres of land when he died. 
Ira W. received his education in the common schools, and, besides 
farming, he deals in stock. In March, 1874, he was united in 
marriage with Jennie Glines; only one of the two children born to 
them are living, Nellie May, who was born in 1877. 

August Strauss, far vaev, QQC. 1; P. O., Perry. This gentleman 
was born in Germany, Aug. 11, 1840; he was landed in New York 
in 1857, and came to Pike county in 1858, where he has since re- 
sided, with the exception of three years spent in the army. He 
learned the trade of blacksmith in the old country, but since 
1858 has been engaged in farming. Aug. 9, 1862, he enlisted in 
Co. B, 99th 111. Inft., and remained in the service until the close 
of the war; he was in every battle that his regiment was in, and 
in all the marches, always being willing and ready for duty. He 
never received a wound. He was in the charge on Vicksburg and 
aided in carrying the Colonel off the field when he was wounded. 
Mr. S. was married Jan. 2, 1868, to Sarah Harter, and both of them 
are members of the Lutheran Church, of Perry, of which he is a 
Trustee. He is engaged in farming, and owns 80 acres of land. 

Frederick Strauss was born Oct. 1, 1841, in Germany, and is a 
son of Henry D. and Wilhelmina (Baul) Strauss. Mr. S. cahie to 
Pike county in 1857, where he has since resided. He has a good 
German and a good English education. He is engaged in farming 
on sec. 12, and owns 80 acres of land. His is the oldest settled 
place in the township, part of his land having been under cultiva- 
tion for over 50 years. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. B, 99th 111. Inf., 
under Capt. Matthews; in 1863 was transferred to the 4th Reg. 
Vet. Res. Corps, in which he was a non-commissioned officer. He 
served three years, lacking 11 days. He was in many of the impor- 
tant battles of the war; was at the siege of Vicksburg, and says 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 623 

that the day after the rebels surrendered was the most lonesome 
day of his life. He had become so accustomed to the firino; of the 
artillery that he was lost and lonesome without its constant roar. 
In 1869 he was married to Denia Hake, and they have a family of 
6 children, 4 of whom are living. Both Mr. and Mrs. S. are mem- 
bers of the Perry Lutheran Church. 

Merriman Tucker, farmer, sec. 5 j P. O. Fish-Ho^k , was born 
in Virginia in 1819, and is the son of C. and Julia (Warren) Tucker, 
the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Virginia, 
and both of Irish ancestry. His opportunities for an early educa- 
tion were very limited, and most of his education was obtained af- 
ter he was 21 years of age. In 1842 he was married to Miss A. 
Reeves; 6 children have been born to bless their union. Mr. T. is 
a member of the M. E. Church, while she is a member of the Chris- 
tian Church. Their son, Coalston Tucker, during the dark days of 
the rebellion went to defend his country, enlisting in the 14th 
Reg, 111. Inf., and served till 1865. Mr. T. is engaged in farming 
and has made it a business to improve a farm and then sell it. 
He has followed this mode until he has improved 12 farms in Pike 
and Brown counties. When he first came here, he tells us, he could 
see wolves more frequently than he can hogs at large at the pres- 
ent day. 

Joh7i Vail, farmer, owning over 200 acres of land, was born Sept. 
24; 1815, in Ohio, son of Solomon and Jane Vail; the former was 
born in Washington Co., Pa., and of German descent, and his 
mother, in Westmoreland Co., of the same State, and of Irish an- 
cestry. Mr. V. came to Illinois in 1842, landing at Quincy Oct. 10; 
he had then only $300. He embarked in farming and owns 200 
acres of land and an interest in 160 more, — all in Pike countv. In 
1846 he was married to Helena A. Reed. Three boys and four girls 
were born to them. His wife, who was a member ot the Christian 
Church, died May 4, 1868. Mr. Vail politically is a Democrat; 
has served as Town Clerk 3 years, and also as Supervisor, Assessor 
and Road Commissioner. 

Leander Vail, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Perry. Leander Vail was 
born in Pike county. 111., Oct. 20, 1848; he is the son of John and 
Helena (Reed) Vail, early pilgrims to this county. He received 
his education in the common schools of Pike county. He was 
united in marriage Jan. 23, 1879, to Mary Elledge, daugiiter of A. 
A. Elledge, and was born in this county Oct, 25, 1848. Her father 
was one of the early settlers of this county. Mr. Vail has served 
the township as Collector, and is Clerk at the present time. Asa 
farmer he has been successful. He deals in cattle and hogs, which 
he buys and sells to shippers. 

J. W. Walker, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Perry; is a native of this 
county and the son of Robert and Hannah (Scott) Walker, well 
known in the early history of Pike county. J. W. was born Nov. 
27,1850; received his education in the common schools of this 
county, and began life as a farmer, now owning 160 acres of good 



624 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



land. In Jnly, 1871, he was nnited in niarria<yc with Ellen Batley, 
and to them have been born 3 children, one son and two daui^hters. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the Christian Church. 

RicJiard T. Walmsley was born in Rhode Island in 1851; his 
parents are Richard and" Mary (Carpenter) Walmsley, his lather a 
nalive of England and his mother of Rhode Island. Richard T. 
attended the" common schools of his native State, where he received 
a fair education; for a time he worked in the cotton factories of 
Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Kentucky, and in 1868 came to 
Illinois with his father, with whom, in connection with another 
brother, he owns 180 acres of land, and they are engaged in farm- 
ing. His mother died Jan. 26, 1866. 

Ira J. Wilson \\2l& born in New Hampshire, Jan. 7, 188 1, and 
is a son of James and Mary Wilson, both natives of Yermont and 
of Irish descent. Sept. 10, 1857, he was nnited in marriage with 
Marietta Corey, a native of this county. Both he and his wife re- 
ceived a good common-school education. Mr. W. went to Oregon 
in 1852, in 1851 to California, two years later returned to Illinois, 
and in the following year was married, as stated above, and is now 
engaged in farming in this township. ■ He came to Illinois in 1836 
with his father, who settled in Griggsville, and in 1837 located on 
sec. 3, this tp. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the M. E. Church. 

James Woods, farmer, sec. 16; P.O., Fish Hook; is a native of 
Brown county, O., and was born in 1808, and is a son of Samuel 
and Elsie (Ritchie) Woods, the former of Irish descent and the lat- 
ter a native of Ireland. Mr. W. has a limited education which he 
received in the common schools of Ohio ; he came to Pike county 
in March, 1845, and engaged in farming, now owning 160 acres of 
land on sec. 16. He was married in 1829, to Rachel Jackson, and 
6 of the 8 children born to them are living, all of whom are mar- 
ried. In 1879 Mr. W. had been married for half a century, and 
both he and his wife have been members of the M. E. Church for 
50 years. She is 3 years and 4 months younger than he is. 



L -i-c/ 




I 








NEW 



EM TP 



NEW SALEM TOWNSHIP. 

This is a full Congressional township, and is officially known as 
township four south, range four west of the fourth principal meri- 
dian. New Salem is a prairie township, and in an agricultural point 
of view is an especiallj' fine section of country. It was not set- 
tled as early as some of the more southern townships of the count}' 
were, but at pj-esent ranks with any in regard to improvements. It 
is settled with an enterprising class of people who never lag in such 
matters. 

Although it is what we may term a prairie township it is well 
watered and drained. Strange to say, even in this peninsula, formed 
l)y the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, there is no well-defined 
water-shed. However, we find so many streams having their 
origin in this township and flowing in different directions, we con- 
clude it to be one of the highest tracts of land in the county. Bay 
creek, and one of its main branches, have their origin in Kew 
Salem. Also the south Fork of McGee's creek, a branch of the 
Middle Fork of the same creek, and anotlier small stream which 
runs off" into Adams county, the name of which we do not know. 

The first pioneer who ventured to locate in this township was 
Mr. Joab Sliinn, who came in 1830 and located on sec. 1-1 in the 
edge of the beautil'nl grove there. 

The next settlement was made in the southern part of the town- 
ship, sec. 24, in 1831, by Isaac Conkright and his two sons. About 
the same time came William Sclioll ; also Nathan Swiggart and 
Samuel Griffith, who located on sec. Itt, in company with Mr. 
Shinn. Then came William Crump, Henry Brown and others. 

In 1832 the Black Hawk war occurred, and although the battle 
grounds were many miles distant, yet it was the cause of much ex- 
citement and apprehension in this county. The immediate result 
of this was to check immio^ration to this State, and for a few vears 
few new settlers made their appearance in this section.. However, 
after the lapse of a lew seasons, when it l)egan to be definitel}' un- 
derstood in the East and South that no further molestations were 
likely to occur, a new tide of immigration set toward this county 
never before or since equaled. This began iri ISSi and continued 
for about five years. A system of advertising and speculation 
similar to that now prevailin^feiw— tire country several hundreds ot 
miles further West, brought thousands upon thousands. 

Not unlike the excitement which prevailed at later periods in re- 



(jyS HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

o-ard to the Western iroU, silver and lead mines,was that which swept 
tiirou<»-h the EasternVind Soutlieni States in regard to Illinois lands 
and town lots. Diirin<r the years 1835-7, more than 500 towns were 
laid out in Illinois, many of these in Pike county, liailroads were 
projected throuirh nearly all of them, and these, with the town 
sites, were platted, showing depot grounds, parks and drives, and 
were sent with the most exaggerated descriptions to all ]>arts ot the 
country. The State Government caught the epidemic, and bills 
for railroads, canals, and other internal improvements were passed, 
corresponding in magnitude with the universal expectancy ot the 
people. In fsST a tinancial crisis came and found this State but 
ill-prepared for the shock. As a consequence, the numerous rail- 
roads, canals and paper cities vanished in thin air. For a number 
of years after this, improvements and immigration was at a stand- 
still. Of course this part of the country, having no extra inducements 
to offer, ])artook of the general stagnation, and for a^ score of years 
no remarkable advance was made either in population or improve- 
ment. Occasionally a new arrival was announced. A relation or 
friend writing to tlie old home in the East or South,- would induce 
some one to come out to see the country, and perhaps work a year, 
and once here, he would likely stay. As in other parts of the 
State, the lirst settlers located in or near the timber, and there we 
find the first improvements. Ere many years, however, some of 
the more enterprising pushed out upon the fertile prairies. They 
discovered that farms much more profitable could be made, much 
easier and quicker than in the timber. 

The first person who met death in this township was Mr. Oar- 
rington, who died in 1834. The first sermon preached was by Rev 
Samuel Oglesby, a Methodist minister. This sermon was delivered 
at the funeral of Sarah Tedrow. 

The first school-house in New Salem was built m 18b4. _ ihe 
building stood on sec. 15 and for several years w^as used tor re- 
licrious purposes. The first church was built in the village of Aew 
Salem in 1844, by the Methodist brethren. The first steam-mill 
was built in 1856-7, by Cooper Temple, near the village of iSew 

Salem. . 

The Wabash Railroad passes through the township, entering 
from the east about the middle of sec. 24, running on a direct 
westerly line until the town of New Salem is reached, when it 
strikes a west northwest course to Pineville. 

There are two pleasant little country villages in this townslnp, 
both of which are on the line of the Wabash Railroad, and in the 
midst of a fine farming community. The older. New Salem, was 
laid out Dec. 22, 1847,^ by William F. Hooper and Jacob Shinn. 
It is located on sees. 22 and 15. The original town was turther 
north than the main portion of the present village is. PineviUe, 
which is located on the southwest quarter of sec. 7, was laid out 
by William Pine, ir., Oct. 26, J 869. The name lias since been 
changed to P>aylis, "that being the name of the postofhce. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 629 

NEW SALEM UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. 

The Universalist Church in Kew Salem owes its existence prin- 
cipally to the earnest efforts of Daniel Fisher and David Preble 
(two laj^nen whose wives were sistei's), and a few zealous friends 
who aided their eiiorts. 

They were among the early settlers of the town, and are grate- 
fully remembered for what they were, and what thej did to benefit 
society, for they have both gone to their final rest. 

Their dwelling-houses were open for religious worship in the 
early days when church accommodations were wanting, and the 
ministers of other forms of faith besides their own held services 
in them. 

Among the early advocates of Universalism who preached in 
New Salem and vicinity, were Revs. Abel Chandler, William Gam- 
age, E. Manford and Father Wolf. The last mentioned was a 
Dunkard or German Baptist, who believed in the final salvation 
of all souls. The first seeds of the Universalist faith were 
sown principally by these men. Mr. Garaage was the first Uni- 
versalist minister who had continuous appointments in the vicinity 
of New Salem. He probably preached in Mr. Fisher's house in 
1849, and held services once a month for some two or three years. 
He resided a part of the time in Naples, and a part of the time in 
Barry, and depended principally upon school-teaching for his sup- 
port. 

The soil here was favorable to the growth of the Universalist faith, 
as is shown by the eagerness of the people to obtain that kind of 
religions reading. For when the Universalist State Missionary, 
Rev. W, E. Reily, visited New Salem, in the month of August, 
1851, to preach on Sunday, but was prevented from holding re- 
ligious services by a heavy rain storm that prevailed at the time, 
he sold twelve dollars worth of Universalist books. 

When school-houses were built, and religious services were held 
in them, the appointment for a Universalist meeting sometimes 
created bitter opposition, and to avoid this, Messrs. Fisher and 
Preble concluded to make the attempt to build a church edifice, 
though the friends wereneither numerous nor wealthy. They said we 
will get what help we can, and what is lacking we will pay ourselves. 
Mr. Fisher bought the land on which the church stands, and after- 
ward deeded to the society, and the present church building, 
valued at $2,500, was completed and dedicated the 17th of Decem- 
ber, 1854. 

Rev. D. R. Biddlecome had been engaged to preach every other 
Sabbath, a short time before the dedication of the church, and he 
preached the dedication sermon. He continued his labors for two 
years and a half, and organized a Church August 5, 1855. A part 
of this time he occupied three-fourths of his time in. New Salem, 
though he resided at Griggsville. 

In the spring of 1857, Rev. A. M. Worden was engaged as Pas- 



630 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

tor, and continued his pastorate for six years, preaching one-half of 
tlie time in New Salem, and the other half in Barry; except the 
last year, when he preached all the time in New Salem, He resided 
all the time, except the last year, in Barry. The Sunday School 
was commenced during his pastorate in the summer of 1S62. 

llev. William Gamaije was eno'ao-ed to teach the villao-e sshool, in 
the fall of 1866, and was employed to preach every other Sunday 
in New Salem for two years. 

During the years 1872-3and, 75, llev. John Hughes preached 
one Sabbath a month here. The Church was re-ora^anized during 
his ministry. He never resided in the parish, but- usually came on 
Saturday and left on Monday, and of course had not much oppor- 
tunity to do parish work, though he had large congregations. The 
.strength of the parish at that time was 20 families, 30 church mem- 
bers, and a Sunday-school of 81 scholars and teachers. 

Rev. T. IL. Tabor supplied for the parish one Sunday in a month 
for six months during the summer of 1876. In the month of De- 
cember, 1878, he returned to New Salem, hel4 services every eve- 
ning for a week, and^the Sabbath previous and the Sabbath after 
these week meetings. During these meetings 27 new members 
united with the Church. 

Mr. Tabor was engaged to preach for the parish one-half of the 
time in March, 1879, and is now tlie resident Pastor. The reported 
strength of the parish at the commencement of the year 1880 was 58 < 

BIOGRAPHIES. 

We give in connection with the above sketch brief biographies 
of the old settlers and prominent persons of the township. They 
will be found to form an interesting feature of this volume 

J. a. Allen,' F. O., Baylis; was born in this county in 1850 ; his 
parents, J. M. and Mary Allen, were natives of Kentucky, and came 
here in an early day and settled on the farm where J. li. now resides. 
In 1867 he married Mahala A. Houston, who was born in Adams 
county, this State, in 1848, and they had 7 children, namely, Wil- 
liam D., Charles T., Andy M., Leva (deceased), J. L., Jeff. R. and 
Mary M. Mr. Allen has followed carpentering and farming; owns 
90 acres of land. He had one brother, who lost his life in the late 
war; was first wounded near Helena, Ark., and died at Cape Gir- 
ardeau. 

John Andreios, dealer in general merchandise. New Salem, is a 
native of England, where he was born Feb. 6, IS-tO; he came to the 
United States in 1854, and two years later came to this county, and 
in 1861 embarked in the mercantile business at New Salem. lu 
1863 he was united in marriage with Miss M. A. Temple; she was 
born in St. Louis in 1842, and died in 1865. In 18dS Mr. A. was 
married to Miss H. L. Fisher, a native of Ohio. To them have 
been born 5 children: Charles, Harry, Maud, Alice and John. Mr. 
A. has held the office of Postmaster, at New Salem, since 1867. 
He is a prominent member of the Universalist Church. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 631 

John Games, deceased, S(ni of Tliomas and Elizabetli Carnes, 
natives of Maryland, was born in 1812; at tlie age of 14 he moved 
to Ohio, and in 1858 married Michel Hardin, who was born in 
Harrison county, O., in 1814, and they had one child. He came 
to this State about 35 years ago, and located in this tp., where he 
lived until his death, which occurred in 1867. Mrs. Carnes carried 
on the farm until her son John was old enough to attend to it. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Carnes wer.e members of the United Brethren 
Church. P. O., New Salem. 

Solomon G. Chaney^ farmer, sec. 16; P. O., New Salem; was 
born in 1843, son of Elijah and Mar}^ Chaney, ^the former a native 
of Maryland and the latter of England, who came to tins county in 
1835, and remained until their death. Solomon was married in 
1866 to EmmaEddingfield, who was born in 1843 in Lancaster, O., 
and they had 7 children,— Emma E., Hiram E., Maude E., Alcyone 
A., Hermon G., Kosa C. and Mary L.; Maude is dead. Mr. C. enlisted 
in the late war in 1861, in Co. I, 33d Reg. 111. Inf.; was in the 
battle at Fredericktown, Mo., campaign in Arkansas, then through 
Missauri, was in the siege of Yicksburg, at JSew Orleans, then on 
the Texas coast, then Mobile, Ala. He was mustered out Dec. 10, 
1865, at Camp Butler, this State, and has since followed farming; 
owns 40 acres of land. Mr. and 'Mrs. Chaney fire members of the 
Universalist Church. Mr. C. is also a Free Mason. 

Joseph E. Chaney^ farmer, was born in 1833, in Washington, D. 
0., and is a son of Elijah and Mary C. Chaney, the former a native 
of Maryland and the "latter of England, who came to America in 
1820. At the age of \\ years Joseph E. went to England, and re- 
turned in 18 months, and has since been a resident of New Salem. 
He is a farmer and resides on sec. 20 ; owns 160 acres of land, and 
it is well improved. Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the Uni- 
versalist Church. 

A. B. Cobh, physician; P. O., New Salem; was born in Steuben Co., 
N. Y., in 1830, and is a son of Philanthropy and Harriet Cobb, of 
English descent, his father a native of New York and mother of 
Massachusetts. At the age of 13 he came with his parents to this 
countv and located in Perry, where he learned the harness and sad- 
dler's" trade, which he followed for 6 years; then read medicine under 
Dr. Carey 3 years, and in 1856-7 attended the Missouri Medical 
College ; then commenced practice in Hadley tp., and remained 
there 12 years. Was Postmaster 4 years, and also School Director. 
In 1853 he married Miss Emma J. Shields, who was born in 1836, 
in Fulton county. 111., and died Feb. 8, 1868, in Hadley tp. They 
had 5 children, 4 of whom are living. In 1870 Dr. Cobb married 
Laura Huntley, born in 1835, and a native of Pennsylvania. They 
have one child, and are members of the Presbyterian Church. 

A. W. Cochran, sec. 4; P. O., New Salem; was born in Bel- 
mont county, Ohio, in 1815; his father, James, a native of Ireland, 
was in the war of the Revolution, and present at St. Clair's defeat. 
His mother, Elizabeth, was a native of Germany. Our subject 



632 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

came to this county in 1865. In 1851 he married Miss Rebecca 
Cornwell, born in 1825, and thej' had 10 ciiildren; only 5 of these 
are living. Mr. C. has followed butchering, and of late, farming 
and trading on the Mississippi river. He lias held the office of 
School Director for the remarkably'' long period of 41: years, and 
in Ohio was School Treasurer. During the war he supported 13 
families while the husbands and fathers served in the field. Mr. 
Cochran had an exciting experience in Ohio during the war, which 
we rehite. While he was electioneering for McClellan, a man who 
was both preacher and doctor, accompanied by 8 soldiers, came to 
Mr. C. and threatened to hang him; but when the soldiers learned 
that Mr. C. was supporting 13 soldiers' families they released him 
and were about to hang the reverend doctor, when they were dis- 
suaded by the kindlj- feeling of Mr. Cochran. 

Joltn D. Combs was born in 1792 in France, and was the son of 
John D. and Mary A. Combs, who were also natives of France; 
the family emigrated to New Castile in Portugal, when he was 
young; at the time of Bonaparte's defeat at this place, John D. iled 
to seek shelter from the shot and shell of the British army; he got 
lost from his mother and, supposing she had been killed, wandered 
around in search of his father, he being on Bonaparte's staff, but 
found him dead. Our subject was now left without parents, 
brother or sister, and he knew not what to do; a Jewish peddler 
proved to be a good Samaritan to him, taking him in charge, 
feeding him and conveying him to Lisbon; here the orphan wan- 
dered about the city, sleeping out of doors and in abandoned re- 
treats for 3 or 4 weeks, and getting nothing to eat except what he 
could pick up from the back doors of hotels and boarding-houses. 
Here again a good Samaritan appeared in the person of an Ameri- 
can sea captain, and took him aboard of his ship and cared for him 
until his (the captain's) death. The captain's wife then became 
his guardian and bound him out to the boot and shoemaker's trade; 
after 4:^ years' stay he ran away from his master and enlisted in the 
U. S. service for 5 years under Scott's command at Baltimore, 
thence to New Orleans and up the Mississippi river, stopping at 
Baton Itouge, St. Louis and Council Bluffs. This expedition was 
for the purpose of making treaties with the Indians in Nebraska 
and as far north as the Yellowstone. After 5 years' service he was 
mustered out at Omaha, Neb., and went to New Orleans for his pay; 
then returned to this State, then a territory, and located at Alton, 
where he was first married. After working at his trade for several 
years, he commenced selling goods on the Illinois river, at Perr}- , 
and also at New Salem. He is at present living a retired life at 
the age of 88 years. He has been 3 times married, but is now a 
widower; is unusually spry and active for one of his age, and 
challenges any man in the county for a half-mile race. P. O., 
New Salem. 

J. S. Conkright^ sec. 26; P. O., New Salem; was born in this 
county in 1836; his parents, Isaac and Elizabeth Conkright, were 



HISTORY OF PIKP: COUNTY. 633 

natives of Kentucky. He owns 160 acres of good land. In 1863 
he was married to Harriet L. Bean, of this county, who was born 
in 1847; they have 2 children, John W. and Harris. They are 
members of the Universalist Church. 

Williain Crumps farmer, sec. 21; P. O., l^ew Salem; was born 
in Washington county, Penn., in 1815; his parents, Stephen and 
Nancy Crump, were natives of Virginia. From 1828 to 1835 the 
family lived in Virginia. Our subject came to this State in the' 
spring of 1835 and settled in Quincj^; while there he manufactured 
wagons. In 1837 he moved to this county, and in 1838 he married 
Miss Margaret Hooper, who was born in Clermont county, Ohio, 
in 1821, and they had 8 children, — Joseph, John, George W., 
Nathan, Mary E., Thomas H., Harriet E. and Jennie A.; the second 
and fifth are dead. Mr. Crump lias followed farming, principally, 
since settling in this county. When he came here the settlement 
was very thin, there being but one family between his farm and 
Griggsville; the nearest mill was 8 miles away. Mr. and Mrs. C. 
are Methodists. 

M. /S. Darrah^ sec. 15; P. O., New Salem ; was born in this county 
in 1839, and is the son of John and Elizabeth Darrah; his father 
was a native of Ohio, and his mother of Pennsylvania. Except 10 
years in Champaign County, this State, the subject of this sketch 
has always resided in this county. His occupation is that of a 
farmer, and he owns 120 acres, his residence],being on sec. 15. Oct. 
25, 1865, he married Maggie M. Hooper, who is also a native of this 
county, and they have 5 children, — Gertie, deceased; Gracie, de- 
ceased; Franklin, Freddie, Mary G. Mr. and Mrs. D. are members 
of the M. E. Church. Mr. D. served 3 months in the war, in the 
regimental band, and was discharged on account of bleeding at the 
lungs. 

II. L. Davidson, son of Joshua and Susanna Davidson, natives 
of Pennsylvania, was born in 1818 in Ohio, where he was brought 
up; in 1856 lie emigrated to this county, settling on a farm \\ miles 
north-west of Baylis, where he followed both farming and black- 
smithing. In 1841 he married Miss Hannah Tipton, who was born 
in 1819 in Jefferson county, Ohio, and of their 8 children 8 are 
living, to wit: John H., Susan and Mary L. Mrs. D. died in 1878. 
In 1877 Mr. D. moved into Baylis, where he erected a wagon and 
blacksmith shop, and he does all kinds of work in his line. He 
was a local preacher in the M. E. Church 25 years, and for the last 
6 years he has held the same position in the United Brethren 
Church. 

W. II. Deeder was born in 1838 in Huntingdon county, Pennsyl,- 
vania; when 10 years of age he came with his parents, Isaac and 
Sophia Deeder to this county, settling at Pittstield; in 1859 he mar- 
ried Sarah J. Mountain, a native of Adams county. 111., and they 
had one child. Mrs. D. died in 1863, and the next year Mr. D. mar- 
ried Sophronia Osborne, who was born in 1857 in Tennessee, and 
they have had 7 children, 5 now living. Mr. D. has been School 



634 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. -^ 

Director, and is now an ordained minister of tl»e Ba))tist Chnrcli at 
Fairnionnt. lie served 3 ye-'i's and 8 months in the hite war, in 
the 2d Regiment, Batter}' A, since whicli time he has followed 
farming and blacksmithing. Residence, sec. 4; P. O., Baylis. 

Theodore Dot/le, ])h3'siciHn, was born in Marion connty, Ohio, in 
1846. llis father, Nicholas Doyle, was a native of Ireland; hi& 
mother, Maria, was a native of Bedford county, Penn. At the age 
of 10 years he moved to Crawfordsville, Indiana, lived there 2 
years, then moved to Cliamj)aign county, this State. In 1867 
he came to this county, wliere he has since resided. He commenced 
the study of medicine while in the eastern part of the State. He 
graduated at the American Eclectic Medical College at St. Louis^ 
and commenced practice in Ivinderhook, this county. Sej^t. 4, 1870, 
Dr. Doyle married Delight S. Winsor, who was horn Dec. 15, 1844, 
in this county, and they had 2 children. Mrs. D.'s parents were 
Alonzo and Margaret Winsor, natives of New York, The Dr. has 
an extensive practice. P. O., New Salem. 

t/o/in W. J^llsberri/, son of Wesley and Sarah Ellsberrj', natives 
of Kentucky, was born in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1825. When 
he was 2 years old he moved with his parents to Brown county, O., 
where he was raised and educated. In 1848 he came to Pike 
county and located in this tp., where he has since resided. Oct. 23, 
1852, he married Mary J. Mace, who was born in Somerset (now 
Piscataquis) county, Maine, in 1823, and came to this county in 
1836, and the}' have had 4 ciiildren, namely: Henry B., John M., 
EllaD. and Harmon P.; the latter died in November, 1867. Our sub- 
ject has held the office of Commissioner of Highways, School Direc- 
tor, Justice of the Peace, and Assessor. His principal occupation has 
been farming, though formerly he was a blacksmith; also carried 
on a saw- mill, and kept a lumber yard. He now owns 80 acres of 
land with good house on it, and well fenced. Mr. and Mrs. E. are 
members of the Universalist Church. P. O., New Salem. 

G. W. English, farmer, sec. 9; P. O, New Salem; was born in 
Clermont county, O., in 1827. His parents, Robert and Martha 
English, were natives of New York," and came to this couTity when 
G. W. was 8 years old; at that time there was no house between 
them and Quincy, a distance of 25 miles; and here our subject has 
lived ever since, except 3 years spent in California, prospecting for 
gold. He went in 1852 and made $1,000; he went across the 
isthmus and returned the same way to New York. In 1850 Mr. 
English married Sarah E. Bryant, who was born in Vermont in 
September, 1832, and their 5 children are, — Nathan, George, Lnella, 
Emma E. and Mary F. His eldest son is studying for the ministry, 
in Lincoln, Nebraska. Mary is a teacher in the public schools at 
Baylis, 111. All the family, except Mary, are Methodists. Mr. E. is a 
zealous Sunday-school worker. Mr. English being also a worker in 
his country's cause, organized the Union League in many places in 



i-iW 





(jaJc'cO€^i4^ J^ i:,^^-<u^e> 



PLEASANTVALE T? 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 637 

this county, and was President of County League. He is a farmer 
and stock-raiser, and makes a specialty of Poland-China liogs. 

John JEwingyi'ariner, sec. 6 ; P. O., Baylis; was born in Jefferson 
county, O., in 1817. His pai-ents, Alexander and Susan Ewing, 
were natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio in an early day, 
and in 1851 came to Illinois and died in this county. In 1841 our 
subject married Keziah Tipton, born in 1825, in Jefferson county, 
Ohio; and they have had i children, to wit : Alexander, Susan C. 
and N^ancy A. Susan died 4 years ago. Mr. E. has been School 
Director. In early life he was in limited circumstances, but by 
industry and economy he has acquired 160 acres of land. His wife 
is a Baptist. 

Charles B. F'isk, sec. 15; P. O., New Salem; son of Eleazer and 
Lucy Fisk; \vas born in New Hampshire in 1829; he was taken to 
Massachusetts with his parents when he was one year old, and in 
1840 came to Griggsville, this county. In 1860 he married Betsey 
E. Cobbs, who was born in 1837 or 1838, in New York, and they 
have 2 living children. Mr. F. has been Overseer of Higliways, 
School Trustee, and is now President of the Town Board of New 
Salem. Mrs. F. is a Methodist. When he commenced in life for 
himself Mr. Fisk was in very limited circumstances, but he now 
has 80 acres of nice land. On his arrival here his nearest neigh- 
bors were Amos Blood, A. P. Sharpe and Thos. Bates. 

William. H. Fish, physician; P. O., Baylis; was born ia Mil- 
bury, Mass., in 1848. His parents, Pobert and Susan Fish, were 
natives of England, and came to America in 1842, and located in 
Milbury, and then emigrated to Hadley, this county, in 1854, 
where our subject was raised and educated, and also taught com- 
mon school. He graduated at the College of Physicians and Sur- 
geons in Keokuk, Iowa, Feb. 14, 1878; had commenced practice at 
Benville, Brown county, in 1873. After remaining there 2 years, 
he came to this place, where he has since remained. Dr. F. is a 
member of the M. E. Church, and has a good, growing practice. 

James M. Furry was born in Highland county, O., in 1828; 
his father, Christopher Furry, was a native of Pennsylvania, and 
his mother, Mary {nee Edward), was of Irish descent, and born in 
Ohio. Mr. Furrj'- spent 8 or 9 years in Ross count}'^, and in 1849 
he married Elizabeth Ann Patton, born in Kentucky in 1828. 
They have had 11 children. Our subject came to this county in 
1856, and is now a merchant. He deals in dry-goods, groceries, 
hats and caps, boots and shoes, crockery, etc. He was Justice of 
the Peace, in Ohio, and Supervisor in Pittsfield. His oldest child 
died at the age of 5 years, and more recently his second son died, 
aged 28, who was traveling salesman for a St. Louis firm. Resi- 
dence, New Salem. 

J. P. Gihbons, son of Lile and Mary Gibbons, natives of Ohio, 
was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1847; at the age of 18 years 
he came to this county, and in 1871 married Catharine Ewing, a 
native of Wayne countv, Ohio, born in 1847; and their 3 children 

37 



638 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

are, M, 11. G., Mettle C. and Joseph O. JVIrs. G. is a Presby- 
terian. Mr. G. has been a farmer all his life; owns 92 acres of 
good land, and resides on sec. 9. P. O., JMew Salem. 

John Qray^ farmer and blacksmith, sec. 5; P. O., Xevv Salem; 
was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1814; his parents, Thomas 
(a native of Yermont) and Hannah, came to Ohio in a very early 
day. At the ai^e of \1 our subject went to Clermont county, O., 
and came to this county in 1888, and has lived here ever since. 
In 1840 he was married to Nancy Bradbury, a native of Clermont 
county, Ohio, and had 5 children. He afterward married Mrs. 
Stao^ Barnard, and they had 2 children. Mr. G. has held the office 
of Commissioner of Plighways for the last 6 3'ears. He owns 80 
acres of land near ]S^ew Salem. 

Frederick Halhaner^ farmer, sec. 33; P. O., New Salem; was 
born in 1824, in Saxony, Germany; his parents were Partaloms 
and Rosena Ilalbauer. Frederick came to America and located in 
Philadelphia, Pa., in 1848 ; then lived 7 years in Burlington county, 
same State, and came to this county in 1856. The same year he 
married Miss Rosena Enos, who was born in 1831 in Bavaria, and 
they have had 8 children, one of whom is dead. Mr. H. owns 90 
acres of good land, well improved. 

Dr. H. Hatch is a prominent physician in New Salem, 

Jolin Hooper., farmer, sec. 27; P. O., New Salem; son of John 
and Hannah Cooper, natives of New Jersey; was born in Cler- 
mont county, Ohio, in 1823. At the age of 12 he came with his 
brother Thomas to this State, and lived 2 years in Coles county; 
came to Pike county in 1837, where he has since resided. In 1844 
he married Mary Ann Shinn, who was born in Indiana in 1825, 
and came to this county in 1835; they had 11 children, 7 of whom 
are living, — Hannah, Peter F., J. C., Asa, Newton N., Louisa 
and Minnie M. Mr. II. owns 200 acres of land, all acquired by his 
own industry; he has held the office of School Trustee for the last 
20 years; been School Director several terms; has lived on his 
present farm 24 years, and is well known throughout this and 
adjoining townships as an efficient school officer. Mr. and Mrs. H. 
are Methodists. Mr. Hooper is also a Free Mason. 

William It. Hooper., farmer, sec. 15; P. O., New Salem; was 
born in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1842. His father, Peter 
Hooper, was a native of New Jersey, and his mother, Lida Hooper, 
a native of Kentucky. He came to this county in 1848, locating in 
Griggsville tp., then lived in Champaign county, this State, 18 
months; in 1866 he married Miss L. B. Dillon, who was born in 
1844 in Clermont county, Ohio, and they have had 2 children, a 
boy and a girl. He enlisted in the army in 1862, in Co. K, 99th 
Reg. He was in several battles, and was discharged in 1865; since 
that time he has followed ftirming, and owns 154 acres of land. 
Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Universalist Church of New 
Salem. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 639 

Alomo Buhbard, farmer, sec. 16; P. O., New Salem; was born 
m Portsmouth, Eockingham county, N. H., in 1816. His father, 
Joshua Hubbard, was a native of Maine, and his motlier, Eliza H.' 
C. Hubbard, a native of Pennsylvania. He had good educational 
advantages, having attended the Academy at Portsmouth, and also 
at Lowell, Mass. In 1837 he came to Mason county, Kentucky, 
followed farming and tobacco raising, then took a trip to New 
Orleans, thence to this county; after remaining one year he re- 
turned to Kentucky to settle 'business there, then came back and 
settled permanently in this tp. March 20, 1845, he married Char- 
lotte Brown, who was born in Ireland in 1825, and came to America 
when 8 years old. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard havQ 6 children, namely, 
Henry, William, Amos, Eliza H. C, Louise F. and Hilton. Two of 
the sons were in the army; Henry belonged to Co. K, 99th 111. 
V oh, was with Sherman in his march to the sea. William belonged 
to Co. I, 18th Reg. I. Y. L. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard are members 
of the U niversalist Church, at New Salem. 

Elijah Jeffers, retired farmer, was born in Clermont county, O., 
Jan. 1, 1803; he is the son of William and Sarah (Rollins) Jeffers, 
the former a native of England, and the latter of Ireland. Our 
subject was reared upon a farm, and has successfully followed 
agricultural pursuits thus far through life. He came to this county 
Oct. 17, 1837; hence is one of the oldest pioneers who have helped 
to convert the native wilds of this county into fruitful fields. He 
had but a limited education and possessed only $300 when he came 
to the county. His first purchase was 80 acres of wild land, which 
he improved and to which he added from time to time, until one 
time he owned between 500 and 600 acres, most of which he has 
divided among his children. He has held local township offices 
and been class-leader in the M. E. Church over 20 years, of which 
Church he has been an active and prominent member for 53 years 
as also has his wife. In 1826 or 1827, in Ohio, he was married to 
Hannah Pme, daughter of William and Hannah Pine, natives of 
England and New Jersey, respectively. Of this union 11 children 
have been born, 10 of whom are. living : John C, William P 
Mary A., Samuel, Isaac E., Rachel, James, Lucinda, Francis l' 
and Martha F. We give Mr. Jeffers' portrait. 

George Johnston, blacksmith and wagon-maker ; P. O., New 
Salem ; was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., Dec. 4, 1834. His 
father, Robert Johnston, was a native of Ireland, and his mother, 
Nancy Johnston, a native of Pennsylvania; when 2 years old he 
moved with his parents to Harrison county, Ohio, where he was 
raised. In 1857 he came to Brown county, this State, where he 
followed blacksmithing, and in 1858 came to Pike count^^ In 
1859 he married Sarah A. Reed, who was born in Brown county 
this State, Feb. 12, 1836, and they have had 6 children. Mr. J 
has followed blacksmithing 22 years. He is a member of the 
Masonic order. 



640 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

JVtithan ICinman, fsLvmer, sec. 35; P. O., Pittsfield; is a son of 
Levi and Susannah Kinman, natives of North Carolina ; lie was 
brought to this county with his parents in 1831. In 1843 he was 
united in marriage with Eliza Cadwell; she was born in the State of 
Kentucky in 1821, and died in 1868. To them were born 9 chil- 
dren, 7 of whom are living : Robert H., Joseph M., William F., 
John C, Lewis F., Mary C, Natlian J., Charles A. and Arthur L. 
After the demise of his former wife he was married to Eliza J, 
Conkright, who was born in the State of Ohio in 1839. Mr. K. has 
held the office of County Commissioner, and is a member of the 
Baptist Church. 

Ja7nc8 F. Lemmon, painter and carpenter; P. O., Baylis ; was 
born in Adams county, 111., in 1850. His parents were Wm. and 
Cornelia Lemmon, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of 
North Carolina. At the age of 13 he left his parents, and at 16 
he began to learn the carpenter's trade; at 17 he went into the 
U. S. army and served three years and two hours. At first he 
was in Co. D, 37th Heg; then he was in Co. C, 5tli U. S. Inf. In 
1*71 he was married to America Fox in Kansas City, Mo., who 
was born in 1846 in Chariton, Mo., and they have had 2 children, 
one of which has died. Since his return from the army he has been 
eno-ao-ed in painting of all kinds. He is now Constable in New 
Salem tp. Mr. and Mrs. L. are Methodists. 

John McCarter, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., New Salem; was born in 
Philadelphia, Penn., in 1833. Ilis parents, James and Margaret 
McCarter, were natives of Ireland, and came to this country in 
1832, locating where our subject was born ; then came to Illinois, 
settling in Adams county; in 1837 they came to this county, where 
John grew to manhood, receiving a common-school education. In 
1870 he married Eliza M. Little, who was born in Tyrone county, 
Ireland, in 1841, and came with her parents to America in 1858. 
They had 3 children, namely, Emma, John William and Maud L. 
Mr. McC. followed carpentering 15 years, but is now a farmer and 
owns 380 acres of land, well improved ; he makes a specialty of 
raising short-horned cattle; also raises large crops of wheat. Mr. 
and Mrs. McC. are Presbyterians. 

Archibald B. McDonald, farmer, sec. 4; P. O., Baylis; was born 
in Sumner county, Tenn., in 1814. His father, A. B. McDonald, 
was born in Scotland, and his mother, Elizabeth McDonald, was 
born in North Carolina. He came to this State in 1832 and located 
in Morgan county, and moved to this county in the spring of 1840. 
May 16, 1841, he married Rhoda E. Askew, who was born in Green 
county, Ky., in 1824, and they have had 12 children, 6 of whom 
are living. Mrs. McDonald died in 1875, and in 1878 Mr. ]\[c- 
Donald married Mrs. Sarah J. Hull, a mother of 4 children; she 
was born in 1825 in Washington county, Ky., and is a member of 
the United Brethren Church. 

Johi D. Mcliitire was born in Chester county, Pa., in 1819, son 
of Robert and Elizabeth Mclntire, the former a native of Ireland. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 641 

Oar subject grew to manhood in his native State, and in 1849 
moved to Ohio; two years later he came to Illinois, locating in La- 
Salle county, where he remained 13 years, and in 1864 came to this 
county. He first learned the tailor's trade, which business he fol- 
lowed for 13 years, and then engaged in agricultural pursuits, and 
now owns 122 acres of land on sec. 6, this tp. He has held the 
offices of Collector, School Director, etc. He was married in 1846 
to Miss Adeline Hutton, a native of Lancaster county, Pa., and 
daughter of Benjamin and Susan Hutton. Eight of their 11 chil- 
dren are living, namely: Anna L. (now Mrs. Jeffers), Clara, Nettie, 
Jesse, Herbert J., Frank N., Merritt L. and Nora E. 

David Mlllei\ farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Baylis; son of Thomas and 
Nancy Miller, natives of Pennsjdvania, was born in this county in 
^1839. In 1863 he married Elizabeth Carnes, born in 1846, and 
they have 2 children living, — Mary A. and Francis. Mr. M. owns 
69 acres of good land. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and 
has license to preach. Mrs. M. is a member of the United Breth- 
ren Church. 

Hiram Moore was born in this county in 1845, the son of John 
and Sarah Moore, natives of Maryland, who came to this county 40 
years ago; the former died in this tp., in 1876, the latter is still 
living with her children. Our subject married Miss Mary Dunham 
in 1865; she is a native of this county and was born in 1849; their 
children are Cora, Laura, Minnie, George E., Amos E. and Freddie. 
Mr. M. was reared upon a farm, and for the last 14 years has been 
engaged in farming for himself When he first began in life he 
had only $100, but by close application and business tact he has ac- 
cumulated considerable property. He and his wife are members 
of the United Bi-ethren Church. 

James Morgan^ havness-maker, New Salem; is a native of 
England, and born in 1826; his parents were James and Letitia 
Morgan, also natives of England. He came to America with his 
parents when he was 14 years old and settled in Illinois. In 1866 
he married Mary Ann Young, who was born in Illinois in 1835, 
and they have one living child. He has worked at his present em- 
ployment for 35 years, and thoroughly understands his business. 

Ashton Pilling, son of Samuel O. and Mary Pilling, was born in 
England in 1803. In early life he followed hand-weaving, and 
worked in tlie manufactory until he came tu this country, which was 
in 1842. He landed in New York, then went to Rhode Island and 
remained 4 years, then came to Adams county, this State; thence 
in 1874 to this county. In 1825 he married Nancy Wild, who was 
born in England in 1809; they have 4 living children, — John, Mary, 
Jane and Cordelia. Mrs. Pilling died in 1854, and the same year 
Mr. P. married Sarah Blake, who was born in 1807, in Rhode 
Island; she is a member of the M. E. Church. During the past 
6 years Mr. P. has lived a retired life. P. O., Baylis. 

David F. Pine, farmer, sec. 7; P.O., Baylis; was born in this 
county in 1850. His father, William, was a native of New York, 



642 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

and Ills mother, Nancy, a native of Yermont. In 1871 he mar- 
ried Mary F. McKinnej, who was born in this county in 1853. 
They hav^e had 4 children; only 1 is living, — Frederick. Mr. P. 
has followed ftirming during his entire life, owning 40 acres of 
good land. His father laid out the town of Baylis. Mrs. Pine is 
a member of the M. E. Church. 

John W. Pine, a brother of the preceding, is a farmer and re- 
sides on sec. 6, owning 105 acres of well-improved land. He came 
to Pike county with his parents in 1838, and in 1854 he married 
Mary McCleeny, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1836, and 
they have 8 living children, — Lucinda, George M., Sarah E., Jen- 
nie, Lucetta, Mary E., Lucy and Irene. Mr. P. has always been a 
farmer. P. O., Paylis. 

John G. Reynolds is a promising 3^oung man of 23 or 24 years 
of age, and is a teacher of vocal music, but now proposes to become 
a florist and fruit-grower; has studied 12 years, and has been in- 
structed by F. K. Phoenix, of Bloomington, and J. P. Hull, of 
Hancock county; has visited the best florists of the State and of St. 
Louis, Mo. He has a nice hot-house well filled with flowers and 
bulbs. One of his flower stands brought $86 at the temperance 
supper in Valley City, Dec. 9, 18Y9. 

li. D. Reynolds was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, in 1817. 
His parents, Thomas and Priscilla Reynolds, were also natives of 
Virginia. In 1838 he married Delilah Slade, who was born in 
Lexington, Ky., in 1815, and they have had 8 children, — James T., 
Cynthia M., Sarah E., Bell, John G. and Annie A. Mr. Reynolds 
came from Ohio to this county in 1851 and located on sec. 16, 
this tp., where he has resided ever since, following brick masonry 
and farming; he owns 82 acres of land. He has held the oflices of 
School Director and Road Overseer. He and his wife are members 
of the M. E. Church. He is also a Freemason. P. O., New Salem. 

Ernest SannebecTc was born in Prussia in 1834. His parents, 
Frank and Sophia Sannebeck, were natives of Prussia. Our sub- 
ject came to this country and located in Baltimore, Md. While 
there he followed butchering; in 1856 he came to Louisville, l\.j. 
He served in the late war in Co. A, 1st Reg. K. V. He was in 
Indiana 4 years, then in St. Louis, and in 1877 came to this place. 
In 1869 he married Miss M. Bolender, who was born in Hesse in 
1845. Mr. S. carries on a butcher shop in Baylis, and also 
keeps the Pineville Hotel. 

Meinhart Sannebeck, brother of the preceding, was born in 
Prussia in 1828 ; he came to America in 1854 and located at Bal- 
timore. In 1858 he went to Louisville, Ky., and in 1859 and '60, 
was in Texas. In 1861 he went back to Louisville, and in 1873 
went to Chicago, 111.; in 1877 he moved to Barry, this count}-, 
thence to Baylis, where he is engaged in butchering; is also inter- 
ested in the Pineville Hotel; he served 3 years in the Prussian 
army. In 1860 he married Catharine Bolender, who was born in 
1834 in Germany. They have 3 children, — Frank, 19 years old, 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 643 

Henry, 15 years old, and Conrad, aged 13 years, — all born in Louis- 
ville, Ky. 

W. H. Seaborn, farmer, see. 6; F. O., Baylis; son of Robert 
and Mary A. Seaborn, was born in this county in 1845. He en- 
tered the U. S. service in Co. B, 68th Reg. 111. Inf.; served 3 
months guarding posts; was mustered out; again enlisted as a 
teamster in the West; served 1 year, then returned home and en- 
gaged in buying and shipping stock. In 1872 he married Sallie 
Reed, who was born in 1849. They have had 2 children; one is 
dead, and they have adopted a child. Mr. S. now follows farming, 
owning 130 acres of land, 

Henry Shaffner was born in Highland county, Ohio, in 1826, 
and is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Shaffner, natives of Dauphin 
county, Penn. At the age of 16 he moved with his parents to Ed- 
gar county, 111.; in 1844 moved to Brown county, and in 1851 he 
came to this county, at first locating one mile south of Salem, but 
in 1870 he settled on sec. 14, where he now resides. He used to be 
a cooper, but is now a farmer, owning 84 acres of land. In 1850 
he married Martha Dunham, who was born in 1832 in Harrison 
county, Ohio. Their children are Mary J., John W., Louis, Sarah 
A. and Eliza. The first 2 are dead. United Brethren. P. O., New 
Salem. 

W. O. Shaffner was born in 1848 in Brown county, 111., and is 
a son of John and Susannah Shaifner, father a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, mother of Ohio. His father died in 1874, a worthy member 
of the U. B. Church, and a good citizen every way. W. O. still 
lives with his mother; up to 1868 he followed farming, and then he 
learned the wagon-maker's trade under C. C. Shaffner; for the last 
5 years has conducted the business for himself in New Salem. 

John Sigsivorth was born in Yorkshire, Eng., Jan. 26, 1825; his 
parents, Joseph and Ann, were both natives of England, and emi- 
grated to America in 1830, settling in Ohio, and in 1836 settled 
in this county. At the age of 25 John went to California where 
he followed herding cattle and farming; returned to this county in 
1853; in 1854 went to California again, but since 1858 has followed 
shipping stock and farming in this county. In 1846 he married 
Sarah M. Brawley, who was born in 1826 in Ohio. Children, — 
Dennis B., Lida A., Mary E., Elizabeth J., Alice A., John A., 
deceased, and Joseph "VY. Mr. S. has been Assessor, Collector and 
School Director. P. O., New Salem. 

David Siarhey is a native of Pike county, a son of Jonathan and 
Jane Starkey, natives of Yirginia. He was born in 1854, and has 
lived here all his life; is now on sec. 9, and owns 120 acres of nice 
land. He has never been as far as 75 miles from home but 3 
times in his life. In 1876 he married Annie Gray and they had 
one child, who is not now living. 

Henry A. Starkey was born in 1849 in Huron county, Ohio; 
his parents, James and Elizabeth, were born in Wheeling. Yir- 
ginia; in 1874 he emigrated to Missouri and married Annie Stod- 



64:i HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 

gress, Dec. 20 of that year; she was a native of Oliio. In 1S77 
they emitrrated to this county and now reside on sec. 4; P. O., New 
Salem. James Anderson is their only child. Mrs. S. is a member 
of the Christian Chm*ch. 

Jonathan Starkey, farmer and stock-dealer, sec. 4, P. O., New 
Salem, and whose portrait appears in this volume, was born in 
Culpepper county, A^a., in 1813. His parents were John and Mary 
(Groves) Starkey, also natives of the Old Doniinion ; they emi- 
grated to Ohio when our subject was 7 years of age, where he 
remained until he was 23 years of age. when he came to Pike 
county, locating in New Salem tp., being one of the early pilgrims 
to this locality, and where he has since remained. When he first 
came he had but $40 in money, but through the kindness of a 
friend, from whom he borrowed $50, he was enabled to purchase 
50 acres of land, which he did on sec. 9. Upon this land, which 
was then in its "native condition, he erected a log cabin 14 by 16 
feet in size, in which he lived for 5 years. Being a man of great 
energy, industrious, and of economical habits, he was enabled to 
add to his small means, until he has become one of the most 
extensive farmers and stock dealers in Pike county, owning at one 
time over 1,200 acres of fine farming land, and feeding from 100 
to 150 head of cattle, and from 200 to 300 head of hogs annually, 
besides a large number of horses and sheep, lie has provided 
liberally for his children, giving them nice farms, until now he has 
only a little over 200 acres left in the home farm, which is on sec. 
4, and one of the finest farms in the county. Mr. Starkey has been 
a hard-working man, and has done as much perhaps as any one 
man in developing the wonderful resources of this fair county. 
Although a member of no churcii, he has never been behind any of 
his most enterprising neighbors in favoring any and all enterprises 
which he has been called upon to help push forward, having paid 
considerable to help erect school-houses and churches, and to pay 
the ministry. In fact, Mr. S. is one of Pike county's old, useful 
and honored citizens, and as such we present to our readers his 
portrait. 

Mr. Starkey has been twice married, — the first time in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1834, to Jane L. Laughterv, who was born in the Key- 
stone State in 1815. She died Sept. 28, 1876. To them were born 
9 children, of whom 8 are living: Charles, Kachel, James, Nich- 
olas, William, Mary, Maria and David. John was the name of the 
deceased. July 30, J 879, Mr. S. was again married, this time to 
Sarah, daughter of Thomas J. and Margaret Carothers. 

William Starkey, farmer and stock-raiser, Baylis; was born in 
this county in 1846, the son of Jonathan and Jane Starkey, spoken 
of above. " In 1873 he married Emeline Seybold, who was born in 
this county in 1850. Their children are Olive, Cora and Harry. 
Mr. S. is a prominent farmer, owning 215 acres of nice land. He 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and liberal in all public 
enterprises. 



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HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 647 

William H. Stauffer was born in this county, Jan. 23, 1847. 
His parents were John and Sarah Stauffer, the former a native of 
Pennsylvania, and the latter of Virginia; his father came to this 
State in 1836, and settled in Fairmount tp., where he still resides. 
Our subject was raised on a farm, and follows that occupation. In 
1871 he was married to Rachel E. Wood, who was born in 1851 in 
this county. They have 2 children, — George E. and Nelia A. 
Mr. S. owns 80 acres of well-improved land, with good buildings. 
P. O. Baylis. Residence, ?ec. 8. 

Hev. T. H. Tahor was born in Rutland county, Vermont, in 
1824. His parents were Arden and Phoebe Tabor, and moved to 
New York when our subject was 9 years of age. Mr. Tabor 
studied for the ministry, and by his own effort accomplished his 
work. In 1843 he married Eliza Leonard, who was born in 1824 
in Hampshire county, Mass., and died in June, 1850, leaving 2 
children. In 1856 he married Miss B. A. Morris, who was born 
in 1831 in Steuben county, JN^. Y. His 2 sons are also ministers, 
preaching the Universalist doctrine. Mr. Tabor's first work was 
in South Dansville, New York; thence in Oct., 1854, to Earlville, 
LaSalle county, this State ; next to Woodstock in 1856, then 
Briggsville, Wisconsin, in 1857; then went to Markesan, Wiscon- 
sin, remaining 6 years; next, in 1864, to Blue Island, and remained 
there until September, 1867. He there erected a church. In 1867 he 
went to Macomb and remained until the spring of 1872, then to 
Kirkwood, till 1874, next to Yates City, then for 2 years divided 
his time between Bradford and LaFayette, and occasionally visited 
New Salem; then in the fall of 1876 went to Bloomfield, Iowa, re- 
maining one year ; then came back to Monmouth and remained 
until March, 1879, then came to New Salem, where he added 27 
members to the society. He has been an ardent worker in the 
Master's cause. Residence, New Salem. 

Capt. Isaac R. Walling, son of Isaac and Mary H. Walling, natives 
of New Jersey, was born in 1836 on sea, off Cape Hatteras, on his 
father's ship " Chingaoria;"at the age of 12 years he went to sea as 
cabin-boy, then as able seaman 2 years, then as mate for 4 or 5 
years. In 1855 or 1856 he shipped on schooner "Kenosha" in 
Buffalo, N. Y., to run from there to Chicago; served 1 year, then 
went back to New York and shipped on a cruise to Liverpool, Isle 
of Man, and to Sligo, then l>ack to New York; then shipped on 
schooner ''T. A. Ward," Capt. Hoff, commander, and went to 
Cadiz, Malaga, Salona, Genoa, Barbary States, Rio Janeiro, S. A., 
and back to Baltimore; then shipped on a wrecking vessel, where 
a fortunate circumstance occurred to our subject, but fatal to a 
cousin of his named Bainbridge. He exchanged places with him 
to accommodate him, so that he might go to ]3ort and purchase 
supplies; while on the way the ship and all its crew were lost. He 
was first at the wreck of the " New Era " and " Powhattan," the 
latter of which, laden with human freight, sunk in sight, and all on 



648 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

board perished. After this Capt. W. took rnany voyages; was 
shipwrecked several times; was taken prisoner at Charleston, S. C, 
by a man-of-war, during the Rebellion when he was at sea. On the 
schooner "Harriet Ilarker," wliicli was owned by our subject, he 
was cast aM'ay 35 miles north of Cape Hatteras, where he lay three 
days and nights in the water without anything to eat or drink, but 
at last landed safely. At another time he escaped a watery 
grave by not taking a schooner when going to rescne another vessel, 
as it was taken by another party and was lost with all on board. 
Then went to launch a brig " Kedstow," 50 miles south of Cape 
Henry. In 1876 he was again wrecked near Cape Charles, at the 
mouth of Chesapeake Bay. This was his last trip at sea. By the 
persuasion of his family, and being tired of sea life, he came West 
and located at Baylis, where he embarked in the mercantile trade, 
in which the wrecks are not so dangerous to life. 

Johji White, farmer, §ec. 31; P. O. New Salem; was born in 
Ireland in 1809. His parents, John and Margaret White, were 
also natives of Ireland. He came to America at the age of 22 and 
located at Philadelphia, where he remained 6 years, and most of the 
time followed weaving; then came to Quincy, this State, and fol- 
lowed teaming; came to this county in 1839 and located at New 
Philadelphia, then bought land where he is at present living. In 
1845 he married Margaret White, who was born in Scotland, and 
they had one child, now dead. Mrs. W. died in 1846, and in 1856 
he married Marv E. Cunningham, who was born in 1834 in Ire- 
land, and came to America in 1856. Their children are: William, 
Margaret, Anna B., Mary J., Joseph, Robert, Emmet, Emily and 
Frank. The deceased are Thomas J. and an infant. Mr. W. owns 
640 acres of land at the home place and 80 acres in Pleasant Yale 
tp., all of which he has accumulated himself. He and his wife are 
Presbyterians. 

William H. TTmi^eri^oz^Aam, physician, wasborn in Massachusetts, 
in 1847; his parents, Jonathan and Margaret, are natives of Eng- 
land, who came to America about the year 1842 and located in 
Bristol, Rhode Island, then moved to where our subject was born. 
At the age of 2 years he came with his parents to this county, 
where he was raised on a farm, and attended the common schools; 
at the age of 19 he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. J. 
Sykes, of Beverly, Adams county, studied 2 years, then attended 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, gradu- 
ated Feb. 22, 1872, and the March following began his practice in 
Baylis. Feb. 24, 1870, he was married to Martha E. Harvey, who 
was born in June, 1846, and they had 4 children. The Doctor is a 
Trustee of Schools, a member of the State Medical Association, 
and of the Masonic Order. 



PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP. 

This township is situated more nearly in the geographical center 
of the county than any other. It is a full Congressional township 
and is offiaially known as township 5 south, and range 4 west of 
the 4th principal meridian. In an agricultural point the township 
ranks among the finest in this favored county. It contains a 
wealthy and intelligent class of agriculturists, who have made the 
very best of improvements throughout the township. 

We shall not dwell at length upon the history of the township, 
as we give an extended sketch of the town of Pittsfield, which 
largely embraces the history of the township; and we also speak at 
some length in the personal sketches of the leading farmers of this 
community. 

The pioneer who first located here was Joel Moore. He erected 
a little cabin on the northeast quarter of sec. 12; then came 
Ephraim Cannon and Moses Riggs, all of whom became promi- 
nent in the early history of the county, and located on sees. 20 
and 23 respectively. In 1833 a site was chosen in this township 
by a special commission of the Legislature for the location of the 
county seat, principally because of its being more nearly in the 
center of the county, and a desirable. and healthy location. At this 
place the principal scenes in the history of the township have been 
enacted, which we will now begin to chronicle. 

PITTSFIELD. 

Although but 47 years have passed since the town of Pittsfield 
was founded, it is difiScult to realize the changes that have been 
made in its appearance and surroundings since then, or that so 
much has been accomplished in so brief a period. Where now 
stand stately public buildings, school-houses and churches, spacious 
stores and business houses, busy mills and workshops, elegant res- 
idences, surrounded with evidences of refinement and culture, 
tasteful cottages, the homes of a thrifty and contented people, miles 
of well-graded streets and sidewalks, filled with all the busy life of 
an energetic and prosperous town, but a little over a generation 
ago was an unpeopled waste, the beauty of its site unknown save 
to an occasional hunter or the Indian nomads. Many are still 
living in the town in the enjoyment of a hale old age, who aided 
in the foundation of the new town and erected some of its first rude 



^50 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

buildings. Tliej have lived to see the log cabins replaced by large 
and substantial buildings of frame or brick, have seen the little 
town spread out from the nucleus around "the Square," until its 
well-built streets extend in all directions, and the little village has 
become an important business mart, the center of a thickly settled 
and wealthy community. 

ORIGIN OF PITTSFIELD. 

Having decided to locate the county-seat in the center of the 
county, George AV. Hinman, Hawkins Judd and Benjamin Barney 
were selected as commissioners, who in March, 1833, laid out the 
site of the town, purchasing the quarter section of land from the 
United States Government at a cost of $200. The first sale of lots 
took place May 15, 1833, 11 lots being disposed of on that day. 
Several lots were reserved for public purposes, and the block in the 
northeast corner of the town, immediately north of the present 
residence of Jas. H. Wheeling, was set apart asa burying-ground, 
and a number of interments were made therein, until the South 
Cemetery was opened, and later the West and Episcopal Cemeteries, 
in the western limits of the town, when the old ground was no 
longer used for its original purpose. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The location of the county-seat, and the natural beauty of the 
site, gave the young town a good start, and from the first its growth 
has been steady. It was named " Pittsfield," after the city of the 
same name in Massachusetts, whence many of its earliest and best 
citizens had come; and that infusion of New England enterprise, 
thrift, morals and culture has helped to give tone to its people, and 
aided in its subsequent career. From the earliest days, when no regu- 
lar system of schools was vet established, it is an evidence of the pub- 
lic-spirited liberality of the young men of the town, that they 
voluntarily contributed for the support of the schools first opened 
for the education of the children; and the place has always been 
noted for the fostering care bestowed on this important branch. 
The first school building was of wood, located on the west end 
of the lot now owned by Geo. W. Sanderson. It was a small afiair, 
and painted the regulation color, red; and many a man who has 
since won distinction at the bar, the forum, or in letters, learned 
the first rudiments within its noisy portal. As the town grew, ex- 
tended accommodations were needed, and several other small schools 
were started. Later the lower portion of the Christian Church was 
rented for a public school. In 1861-3 the public spirit found lull 
expression in the erection of the present spacious and beautiful 
building, one of the largest and best in the Military Tract. Here, 
with a graded system and a large and efiicient corps of teachers, 
pupils are instructed in all the ordinary branches, the High School 
department fitting students for college. A large clock with a fine 




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652 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

• 

bell attached, was placed in the dome sliortly after the completion 
of the building. 

The town also has a Library and Free Reading Room, organized 
by the ladies, and lieretofore supported by the subscriptions of the 
members. There are about one thousand volumes, many of them 
of a standard character, besides a number of papers and periodicals. 
At the election last year the citizens voted to levy a small tax to 
support the institution, and extend its field of usefulness. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

In 1842 the first newspaper was started by Michael J. JSToyes, 
and was called The Sucker. This was succeeded by the Free Press, 
started by Garbutt &, Abbott. Later it was edited by John G. 
Nicolay, now Marshal of the United States Supreme Court at Wash- 
ington, and at one time Private Secretary to President Lincoln, 
and afterward Consul at Paris. The Free Press was followed by 
The Journal., and it by The Old Flag, which is now published and 
is in a prosperous condition. These papers were Free-Soil, Whig 
and Republican, in natural succession. 

The Sentinel was the first Democratic paper, and was started in 
1845 by Turnbull & Smith. It was followed by the Union, in 
1840, and it by the Pike County Democrat, in 1857, which still 
flourishes as the organ of the Democrats of the county. Several 
other newspaper ventures were made, but they existed only for a 
brief period. The mail facilities now enable the people to secure 
promptly the daily papers from the larger cities, and a large num- 
ber are circulated. 

STREETS. 

Those who now admire the fine condition of the streets of the 
town, the easy grades, the long reaches of macadamized and grav- 
eled roads, and the miles of broad sidewalks, can hardly realize the 
primitive character of the thoroughfares that preceded them. The 
roads and streets were almost impassable in rainy weather, and the 
best efforts at sidewalks were eighteen-inch logs split in two and 
laid side by side, the round side down, and these only in the most 
favored localities. Elsewhere pedestrians did the best they could, 
and on dark nights they had a hard road to travel. During the 
past two years the corporation has spent about $10,000 in the im- 
provement of the streets alone. And now, with public lamps in 
all the streets, over a district about a mile and a half square, travel 
is safe and comfortable. 

THE PUBLIC SQUARE AND BUILDINGS AROUND IT. 

A description of the Public Square and the short streets imme- 
diately around it, in the early days, should prove interesting. 
Nearly all the old buildings have been pulled down or removed, 
and the few landmarks that still remain must soon meet the same 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 653 



fate. On the north side of the Square there were but four build- 
ings. A grocery or saloon occupied the corner where Shadel's 
meat market now stands; next west was Thomas Dickson's small 
frame store which long occupied the place of the present two-story 
brick edifice, and is still standing in the rear of its old site; next 
was the Court-IIouse, now Josepli Heck's store, and next a one-story 
frame, which was afterward enlarged, and is now occupied by 
Field's jewelry store. In the lower portion of the lot, where the 
Pittsfield House now stands, was the house of Michael McGuire. 
The first store on the west side was that of Green & Barber, the 
building now occupied by Clayton's hardware store; next was the 
store of Jacob Hodgen, who afterward built the first brick store in 
town; and next, near the south corner, the harness shop of Hamil- 
ton Wills. On the south side was the log store of Jonas Clark, 
which stood where Seeley, Lloyd & Co.'s big store now stands; then 
the store of Talcott & Co., and then the Mansion House, which 
was then but two stories high and having about half its present 
frontage. East of this was Mrs. Mary M. Heath's house. (This 
venerable lady, who is said to have been the first white child born 
in Cincinnati, O., is still living in the town, and is looked upon and 
respected as one of the few living links connecting the present with 
the past generation.) East of Mrs. Heath's was Frank Spencer's 
blacksmith shop. On the east side of the Square, and occupying 
the site of Winans & Platner's furniture store, was the residence of 
Miss Bush, and north of that J. U. Grimshaw's store. 

The Square itself was an unfenced playground, ornamented with 
a dense growth of hazel-brush. 

OTHER BUILDINGS. 

Scattered at some distance on the streets running from the 
Square were the dwellings of the citizens, none of them presenting 
much architectural beauty. The large two-story frame residence 
noW' occupied by Thos. Burt, was built by Col. Wm. Ross, when he 
first moved to the town. It was probably at that time the finest 
private dwelling in all the surrounding country, and its large 
rooms, wide halls and lofty ceilings were the admiration of all. In 
1847 Col. Ross built the large brick residence just east of town, 
where he resided up to the time of his death. Mr. Oran Green, a- 
hale and active veteran, still lives to boast that he carried all the 
mortar used in the erection of that fine building. 

JSTear where Hicks' stable now stands was Turnbaugh's Row, a 
block of four stores, "all on the ground," all occupied by the same 
firm, and filled with a miscellaneous stock. 

The building now occupied as a residence by Dr. Worthington, 
situated on one of the handsomest sites in the town, and surrounded 
by beautiful grounds, was intended for a seminary for young ladies, 
but for some reason the attempt to establish such an institution 
here was abandoned. 

Jas. Ward and Samuel Smith built and kept a livery stable north 



654 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

of the present postoffice. Between that and the corner of the 
Square was a deep hollow, overgrown with hazel brush. 

Fletcher *fe lluckaborn had a blacksmith and gun-shop back of 
Hunter's present shoe shop, Dorus Bates also had a blacksmith 
shop near his wa<i:on manut'actorv. 

Where Shibley's carriage factory now stands, was erected the 
lirst carding-machine. It was run by horse power, and was a 
ponderous concern, with broad wooden cog-wheels and beams. 
Here a child, who afterward lived to assume a noted manhood, 
had a miraculous escape from a horrible death. While the machin- 
ery was under full headway, he climbed upon the horse power, but 
slipped and fell. His head was caught between one of the broad 
spokes of the wheel and the timber of the frame. It was crushed 
nearly flat, but stopped the machine! 

The child recovered and grew up to serve his country gallantly 
and well. That was one of the many escapes of Major D. E. 
Bates. 

The first steam flouring-mill, now known as the " Old Mill," 
M'as built by Jonathan Frye and Stephen Gay in 1849, and for 
years was the largest in this section. The new mill was built in 
1870 by Shaw, Rupert, Adams & Chapman, and is a fine large 
brick building, filled with the best machinery. Both mills are 
doing a heavy business, and Pittsfield brands of flour command a 
high price in the markets of Xew York and Boston. 

The oldest building in the town was erected by William Watson. 
It is a small log store, and is now standing in the lot in the rear of 
the Mansion House. Mr. AVatson was soon followed by Messrs. 
R. R. Greene and Austin Barber, who built and occupied the store 
owned by W. H. Clayton. 

Mr. John U. Grimshaw had the first regular dry-goods store in 
town, near where L. Klemme's building now stands, but also car- 
ried a stock of miscellaneous goods. He was an Irishman by 
birth, well educated, and with a high sense of business integrity. 
He has been dead for some vears. 

PROMINENT CITIZENS. 

The name of Col. AVilliam Ross is intimately associated with 
the early history of Pittsfield, and with its advancement and pros- 
perity, up to the time of his death. He was its most prominent 
citizen, and aided nearly every enterprise. He was born in Mas- 
sachusetts in 1792, emigrated to this county in 1820, subsequently 
removino: to the new town of Pittsfield. A jjood sketch of his life 
is given in the biographical department of the history of this 
township. 

Col. D. B, Bush, also a native of Massachusetts, born in 1790, 
settled in Pittsfield a year after the town was laid out, and has been 
a prominent and active citizen ever since. He practiced at the 
Bar, and has held several ofiices. He is still remarkably healthy for 








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PITTSFIELD 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 657 

his years, and can be seen almost daily greeting his many friends 
with genial humor. 

Hon. William R. Archer, the veteran member of the Bar, is 
still in active practice. He was born in New York in 1817, and 
emigrated to Pittsfield in 1838. He has repeatedly represented 
this district in the State Senate, and is known and honored through- 
ont the State. He has a numerous family of sons and daughters, 
and the whole community call him friend. 

Mr. Samuel Crane, who conducted the Union House for many 
years, is another surviving veteran, who can be seen any morning 
in the week, basket on arm, doing his own marketing. He has a 
neat place in the west part of town, and is a noted gardener. 

Mr. Frank Keys, another of the early settlers, is about to 
remove to Logan count3^ He first engaged in store-keeping in 
Pittsfield, but later devoted his attention to farming and stock- 
raising, amassing a large property. He is of Scotch-Irish birth, 
and has all the energy and perseverance of that canny race. 

Squire Hickerson, who lives some distance east of town, was 
probably the first settler in that vicinity. He is still a very active 
man, and is now serving as Collector of Newburg township. He 
has a remarkable memory, and is a veritable chronicle of the early 
history of the town and county. 

James Ross is probably the oldest living resident of the town. 
He is a native of Ireland, and settled at Atlas in 1826. When 
Pittsfield was located he moved here, where he has since resided. 

Thomas Dickson, who is a native of the island of Orkney, 
removed from New York to Pittsfield in 1839. He acted as clerk 
in William Watson's store for some years, and then enaraged in 
business for himself. He is still an active business man, and gives 
promise to continue so for many years. 

Capt. W. N. Shibley, another Mexican veteran, who is still 
'cari-ying on his old business of carriage-making, was among the 
earlj^ settlers; and although he has had a career of considerable 
adventure, is as active as he was 30 years ago. He served through 
the Mexican war, and later spent many years fighting Indians on 
the Texas plains. He still has in his possession some of the scalps 
taken in his adventurous days, hideous trophies of border warfare. 

Hon. Henry Mudd, now a prominent citizen of Missouri, was 
among the earliest merchants of Pittsfield, where he conducted a 
successful business for many years. 

H. Atkinson, now the respected Yice President of the Pike 
County Bank, was an early comer. He came from Philadelphia 
and opened a tailor shop near the southwest corner of the Square. 
Afterward he engaged in the drug business, and later had a furni- 
ture and hardware store. 

Col. D. D. Hicks, the veteran Cashier of the First National 
Bank, has long been a resident of the town, and has been a suc- 
cessful business man and popular public officer. 

Dr. Campbell and Dr. Worthington were the first physicians 

38 



658 msToKY OF pike codnty. 

who settled here. Both were skillful ])ractitioiiers and energetic 
men. Dr. Campbell has been dead for some years, but Dr. Worth- 
ington is still living. Having acquired a large property, he has 
devoted his later years to the study of geology and kindred sub- 
jects, and has been visiting the Rocky Mountains for some time in 
pursuit of his favorite studies. Dr. Norris and Dr. Comstock 
came some time later, and both practiced successfully. They have 
been called from their duties for many years. The widow of Dr. 
Norris still survives him, and is enjoying a genial and graceful 
old age. Young in heart and joyful in feeling, she is respected by 
ail, and is especially loved by the young people, whose friend and 
confidant she is. 

Among the local celebrities w^hose subsequent career has been 
a subject of pride with this people, is Col. John Hay, now Assis- 
tant Secretary of State at Washington. He spent his boyhood 
here, with his uncle, Hon. Milton Hay, now of Springfield. His 
" Pike County Ballads " have associated his name with his old home, 
although he exercised more than a poet's license in some of the 
pictures he dre^v. The hero of " Banty Tim," the most forcible of 
the ballads, is still a resident of this town, but his name is not Til- 
man Joy. 

But probably the best known local character is Capt. Abe Butz, 
proprietor of the Oregon House. A native of Pennsylvania, he 
came West in early manhood, and has gone through a long life 
with philosophical cheerfulness. Noted for his patriotism, he 
observes with religious regularity all the National holidays, anni- 
versaries of battles, etc., and is an especial admirer of Gen. 
Jackson, for whom he played; and also assisted at the reception 
of Gen. Lafayette at Philadelphia on his last visit to this country. 
Mr. Butz is also noted for his kindliness of heart, the poor always 
finding in him a charitable friend. 

Mr. Metcalf opened the first tin shop in the town, and for a long 
time had a monopoly of that trade. L. Bennett had one of the 
first shoe shops, and Samuel Barber a tailor shop. 

Robert R. Greene and Austin Barber came from Marietta, Ohio, 
and settled in Pittsfield when it was laid out. Thej^ were con- 
nected in business for many years, the store of Greene & Barber 
being known throughout the whole tract. Both partners still sur- 
vive. Mr. Greene has been an invalid for some years, but Mr. 
Barber is as vigorous and active as many younger men. 

BRICK KILN, ETC. 

In 1843 the first kiln of brick was burned, by a man named But- 
ler, his yard being located west of the fair grounds. Later a brick 
yard was started on North Monroe street, where the Haskell prop- 
erty now stands. Since then the business has grown steadily, until 
this day, when brick, tile, pottery, etc., form an important item in 
the industries of the town. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 659 



HOTELS. 



The location of the Conrt-House here, with the consequent influx 
■of strangers during term time, made hotels a necessity at an early 
day. The Union House, kept by Samuel Crane, and the Mansion 
House, met the demand at first. Then the Kentucky House, now 
known as the Mansion House, was built. In 1870 the spacious and 
handsome Pittsfield House was built by a stock company. The 
three last named houses are still open. These, with Shibley's es- 
tablishment and the Oregon House, amply supply the town with 
hotel accommodations. The Union House was a frame building on 
the north side of the Square. The lower portion of the building is 
now occupied b}^ the stores of M. R. Peckenpaugh and Dober & 
Blades. 

MAIL FACILITIES. 

The first postoffice was in a small log building which stood op- 
posite the Episcopal Church, and was kept by Merrill E. Rattan. 
Mails arrived and departed only once a week, by horseback; and 
although communication with the outside world was limited, it 
was ample enough to meet the wants of the people. About 1845 a 
tri-weekly stage was run to Jacksonville by Hill & Watson, carry- 
ing the mails, and later, tri-weekly mails were extended to Win- 
chester, Beardstown and Quincy, J. Shastid and Jesse French being 
the contractors. They were afterward bought out by Thomas 
Burt, who continued the lines for some time. In July, 1853, 
the first daily mail was established between Naples and Hannibal, 
via Pittsfield, Uncle Davie Stanton and S. P. Dufiield being the 
contractors. Subsequently connection was made with the young 
and growing towns throughout the county, until now Pittsfield is 
in direct communication by mail and telegraph with all the outside 
world. 

SHIPPING. 

When the old Jacksonville & Naples Railroad was extended to 
Hannibal, and as the new line was located some six miles north of 
Pittsfield, it was feared it would retard the growth of the town. To 
prevent this possible result, in 1870 a branch line was built from 
Pittsfield to Maysville, connecting with the Hannibal & Naples 
line, and is now familiarly called the '*Bob-Tail." The road is oper- 
ated by the Wabash Railroad Company, and it is an evidence of 
the prosperous trade and importance of Pittsfield, that the Compa- 
ny's returns show the ''Bob-Tail" to be one of the best paying 
sections operated by that important corporation. 

For years after the settlement of the town, Florence, on the Illi- 
nois river, some twelve miles east, was the regular shipping point 
for Pittsfield, nearly all the goods being received and shipped by 
wagon to the steamboat's landing at that town. In 1861 a private 
corporation constructed a plank road, connecting Pittsfield and 



660 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNT"i . 

Florence. It was kept in good repair tor some years, and proved a 
great convenience, but the extension of lines in other directions di- 
verted a portion of the traffic, and it was afterward thrown open 
to the public, tn the early days, the settlers had not learned the 
economy of a division of business, or lacked the means and facili- 
ties. Then nearly every man who raised stock did his own slaugh- 
tering, the product being sold to storekeepers, who shipped it to St. 
Louis. Large quantities of grain and live stock were also shipped 
in the same way, and in a few years this trade became so important 
that a large amount of capital was invested in the business, and the 
warehouses of Pittsfield and Florence were filled with the products 
of the surrounding country. Now the facilities of transportation 
bv rail and river have given a different feature to the trade. Much 
of the wheat finds its way to the far Eastern markets in the form 
of fijur, while the shipment of grain, live stock and provisions is 
managed as separate lines of business. 

PROTECTION AGAINST FIRES. 

Although the town has never had a regularly organized fire com- 
pan)% an engine or apparatus, it has been remarkably exempt from de- 
structive fires. But few buildings have been destroyed by fire, and in 
each instance the citizens turned out and worked with such deter- 
mination that the fire was subdued before extending beyond the 
building where it originated. Although the town has been so for- 
tunate heretofore, the danger of fires is a subject of solicitude 
among thoughtful citizens, and it is probable that a company will 
be organized and properly equipped, in anticipation of future con- 



tinsencies. 



TEMPERANCE. 



For years there has been a strong temperance sentiment in this 
community, and the friends of the cause have repeatedly succeeded 
in electing an anti-license Board of Town Trustees. At the last 
two elections, however, they were defeated by a small majority, and 
four saloons have been licensed at a tax of $1,500 each per annum. 
During the temperance crusade some years ago, the ladies suc- 
ceeded in arousing public sentiment, and license |Was abolished. 
Later, when the Murph}'- revival was inaugurated, it met with re- 
markable success here, several hundred persons having enrolled 
themselves in the blue ribbon organization. Within the past few 
months the temperance people have organized a new society, and 
already accomplished much good. The present movement is more 
quiet in its character than the crusade or Murpliy revival, but it 
gives promise of accomplishing the end aimed at, — suppression of 
legalized traffic in liquors within the town. 

MILITARY. 

After the passage of the militia law by the State Legislature 
three years ago, two militia companies were organized in Pittsfield^ 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 661 

one, the Pittsfield Guards, and the other, the Pike County Guards. 
After a few months the Adjutant General ordered the consolidation 
of the two companies, which was done, the organization taking the 
name of the Pittsfield Guards. The officers are J. W. Johnson, 
Captain; W. Steinhauer, 1st Lieut.; and Geo. Barber, 2d Lieut. 
The company is uniformed and well armed, having a well appointed 
armory in Dickson's Hall. 

A notable day in the military annals of the town, and one long 
to be remembered, was the Annual Reunion of Army Yeterans 
held here in August, 1878. Preparations for the event had been 
in progress for many days, all classes of citizens vieing with each 
other in eflforts to make the celebration worthy of the occasion and 
of the town, and the result more than realized their highest ex- 
pectations. 

Daybreak of the eventful day was ushered in with a grand 
salute, and at an early hour the streets were thronged with an eager 
multitude, gathered from all the surrounding country. The build- 
ings around the Public Square and on the principal streets were 
decorated with flags and patriotic emblems, M'hile the Square itself 
presented a novel and most attractive appearance. On either 
corner decorated platforms were erected, on which were living 
groups of young girls and boys representing Liberty, the Army, 
the Navy, Justice, Industry, Commerce, Agriculture, etc., each 
figure in appropriate costume, and surrounded by implements and 
emblems illustrating the tableaux. Near the southwest corner of 
the Square a large platform was also erected for speakers and dis- 
tinguished guests, and literally covered with flags, evergreens, 
wreaths, flowers, pictures and statuary. But the most attractive 
quarter was the north and east sides of the Square, where were 
spread long lines of tables loaded wnth all the substantials and lux- 
uries a bountiful land aflTorded, while snowy covers, and glittering 
silver, china and glass, and a profusion of bouquets, festoons of 
floM'ers, etc., beautified the scene. These tables were in charge of 
the ladies, and as each tried to excel her neighbor in the luxury and 
elegance of her table, the result was such a banquet as was prob- 
ably rever before spread on a similar occasion. 

The Pittsfield Guards and the Pike County Guards, the two lo- 
cal companies, were under arms at an early hour, and acted as 
escort to the veterans and their families arriving from abroad. At 
10 o'clock the train from Springfield arrived, bringing Governor 
Cullom, Gen. Reese, ex-Governor Palmer and other distinguished 
visitors, with the Governor's Guard of Springfield as honorary es- 
cort, the Winchester Guards, and a long line of veterans in detached 
squads from Griggsville, Barry and other points. A procession 
was then formed, and after parading through the principal streets, 
mustered in the Square in front of the grand stand, where they 
were welcomed in an eloquent address by Rev. H. D. Clark, Pas- 
tor of the Christian Church, and himself a gallant soldier. Gov- 
ernor Cullom responded in an appropriate speech, paying a fitting 



662 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

tribute to the patriotism and gallantry of the citizen soldiery. On 
the platform were a number of distinguished veterans of the Re- 
bellion and the Mexican war, and a small group of honored heroes 
of the war of 1812. After appropriate music by the glee clubs and 
the bands, an adjournment was had for dinner. The immense 
crowd were billeted at the several tables, and were entertained with 
profusion, all being satislied, — men, women and children, — and 
enough left over to feed a brigade. After dinner there was a gen- 
eral interchange of greetings among old army comrades, and many 
an experience of the march, the battle-field and tlie bivouac re- 
newed and recounted. Speaking was then resumed, when Col. A. 
C. Matthews introduced Gen. Palmer in a neat address. The lat- 
ter was greeted with cheers and spoke for over an hour, giving 
many amusing anecdotes of armj^ life, all of which wej-e thoroughly 
enjoyed by the "boys." Short addresses were made by other 
speakers, followed by a parade and drill by the Governor's Guard, 
under command of Maj. E. S. Johnson. The remainder of the day 
was taken up in a general jollification, in imitation of camp life, 
and other amusements. As the evening shadows fell, the strangers 
from abroad departed amid the cheers of the people; the citizens 
returned to their homes, and so ended one of the most memorable 
days in tJie history of Pittsfield. 

PUBLIC HALLS AND SOCIAL MATTERS. 

The first public hall was in the Mansion House block. Before 
its erection the fun- loving folk held their dances and social gath- 
erings in the Court-House, and the halls supposed to be sacred to 
the disciples of Blackstone echoed to the sounds of merry-making, 
while an occasional Church fair threw the mantle of charity over 
all. The whole community was noted for its sociability, and 
pleasant gatherings were of frequent occurrence. The young men 
were also famous for their skill in athletic sports, foot-racing es- 
pecially being very popular, and many a youth who has since 
grown old and staid, has competed in contests of speed, on the 
" track," along the south side of the Square. The prizes usually 
awarded wo^ki not be sanctioned by the friends of temperance. 
Horse-racing also was very popular, and is still a favorite pastime 
with many. 

In 1845 a number of the j'oung men organized a full brass band, 
and thereafter furnished the music on the Fourth-of-July and other 
public occasions. Debating and literary clubs were also formed, 
and a taste for literature of a high order was developed and fostered. 

In the summer of 1846 an event occurred which marked a new 
epoch in the annals of the young town. This was the arrival of 
Van Amburgh's circus and menagerie. It was the first regular 
"show" that had penetrated so far among the outlying settlements, 
and its advent was hailed with wonder and delight by young and 
old, the people fiocking in from all the surrounding country to see 
it. Many a veteran who has lived to see scores of such exhibitions 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 663 

still remembers with pleasure that first introduction to the delights 
and glories of the saw-dust ring. This was soon followed by others, 
and shortly afterward regular dramatic companies visited the 
town, and were well received. Now there is no dearth of public 
entertainments, a good company rarely failing to draw well. 

THE MEXICAN WAR. 

From the close of the Indian troubles until the declaration of 
war with Mexico, the people of Pittsfield had no military experi- 
ences, but the promptness with which troops were raised on the latter 
occasion shows their military and patriotic ardor. Special messen- 
gers who bad been sent to Springfield hastened back with the news 
that volunteers were called for. A full company was organized in 
a few hours, most of the members being from Pittsfield and the 
immediate vicinity. They started at once for Springfield, arrived 
there the same night, and, reporting at headquarters, were mustered 
in as company Kof the 5th Regiment, Illinois Yolunteer Infantry. 
Nor had they any time to spare. Next day, Springfield was thronged 
with volunteers from the surrounding counties, who had to be re- 
jected. Company K had completed the quota. When organized 
the ofiicers of the company were : I. B. Donaldson, Captain; — 
Bostwick, 1st Lieut.; Emmet Hicks, 2d Lieut; and Wm. Kinman, 
3d Lieut. On the organization of the Regiment, Capt. Donaldson 
was promoted a field ufiicer, and Lieut. Kinman was made Cap- 
tain. The achievements of the gallant 5tli are a part of the history 
of the nation, and company K won its full share of the laurels- 
All the old ofiicers have answered the final muster save only Lieut. 
Hicks, who is still living in Pittsfield hale and hearty, and who 
with some of his old comrades in arms, fights over his old battles, 
and 

" Shoulders his cane, 

And shows how fields were won." 

The same military and patriotic spirit was manifested by the 
people in the breaking out of the Rebellion. Pittsfield promptly 
sent a large number of volunteers, who were on almost every battle- 
field of the South. No soldiers ever acquitted themselves more 
nobly than those who went from Pittsfield, 

COURT-HOUSE. 

Immediately after the town was laid out the first Court-House 
was erected, the order therefor being issued by the County Com- 
missioners in June, 1833. It was a frame building, located on the 
north side of the Square, and was not remarkable for size or style. 
It is still standing, and is now occupied by Joseph Heck as a store. 
The coming season a new brick building is to take its place, and 
the old landmark will be removed. The present Court-House was 
erected in 183S-9, and was in that early day considered a spacious 



6Q^ HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

and cotniiiodious building. The offices of the Circuit and County 
Clerks are in a tire-proof building west of the Court-lluuse. The 
handsome grounds which now surround it were then an uninclosed 
plat covered with hazel-brush. Tlie stately trees that now adorn 
the grounds were planted by some of the young men of the town, 
the young members of the Bar being prominent in the good work. 
Their tall stems and wide-spreading branches stand as monuments 
of their enterprise and public spirit, and those who now enjoy the 
grateful shade should remember with gratitude the thoughtful 
planters. 

PKOMINENT MEMBERS OF THE BAR. 

From the first organization of the county Courts the Bar has 
been noted for the distinguished men who have ornamented it. 
Within its walls some who have won national fame earned their 
earlier forensic laurels. Among its graduates vvere Col. E. D. 
BaKer, the brilliant orator, the cultivated gentleman, the statesman 
and the hero, whose brilliant life was untimely ended at the fatal 
battle of Ball's Bluff; and Col. Daniel H. Gilmer, the genial 
friend and able lawyer, who fell a sacrifice to his patriotism at 
Stone River; and Col. Jackson Grimshaw, a keen and able lawyer, 
irresistible in debate, now gone to his rest; and Maj. Sam Hayes, 
an able lawyer, a free-hearted and jovial companion ; and Archie 
Williams, and Dick Richardson, and Isaac JN^. Morris, and James 
Ward, and J. W. Whitney, are among the members of the Bar 
who have passed away. 

Here in the early day such lawyers as Lincoln, and Douglas, and 
Browning came to plead. Of the living representatives who have 
won distinction may be mentioned Hon. Milton Hay, now of 
Springfield; C. L. Higbee, Judge of the Appellate Court; Wm. A. 
Grimshaw, member of the State Board of Charities, and who has 
filled many positions of honor in the State; Wm. R. Archer, 
State Senator for many years; Col. A. C. Matthews, Member of 
the Legislature; Scott AV^ike, late Member of Cctngress ; Jas. S. 
L'win, one of the ablest lawyers in the State; Richard B. Atkinson, 
ex-County Judge, and the veteran D. B. Bush. There are younger 
members of the Bar who bid fair to emulate the example of their 
seniors. Jefferson Orr, the District Attorney, is now filling his 
second term, and has proved an efficient and industrious officer. 
Hon, Strother Grigsby, the County Judge, has long been identi- 
fied with the Bar. In his present position he has accomplished 
good work, and is the friendly adviser of all who appear in his 
Court. 

JAIL. 

The first ja'il was built near the site of the present town cala 
boose. It was not a pretentious building, but was sufficient for the 
wants of the county for many years. It was afterward sold, and was 
occupied as a tobacco factory, when it was destroyed by fire. The 





^^^^^ y, ^y^^ 



^ 




PITTSFIELD Tf 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 667 

present liaiidsoiiie jail, on the northeast corner of the Public 
Square, was erected in 1861. It is a substantial brick building with 
a double tier of cells, necessary offices, and residence for the 
Sheriff. 

But one execution has taken place in the Pittsfield jail, Bart. 
Barnes having been hanged December 29, 1871, for the murder of 
Mr. Gresham near Pleasant Hill. The execution was private, 
within the walls of the prison, but so great was the public curios- 
ity over the event that hundreds of persons from the surroundino- 
country crowded the streets around the jail. 

In 1878 an attack upon the jail was threatened, and at one time 
it- appeared as if it would result in serious loss of life. A Dr. 
Brown, of Milton, was found dead in his door-yard, witli a gun- 
shot wound in his head; and it was supposed he had been mur- 
dered. Some days before that he had been reported drugged and 
robbed, and a man named McDonald, a supposed tramp, had been 
arrested and lodged in jail, being suspected as one of the robbers. 
His trial was to come otf in a few days, and just before that event 
Dr. Brown was found dead, as stated, and it was thought that some 
friend or chum of McDonald had murdered him to prevent his ap- 
pearing against the latter. The friends and neighbors were in- 
tensely excited over the occurrence, and as the public had naturally 
become alarmed over the reiterated reports of outrages committed 
by tramps in other parts of the country, the excitement spread rap- 
idly. A rigid search was instituted for the supposed murderer and 
kept up for days, but bo one being discovered, the friends deter- 
mined to wreak summary vengeance upon the prisoner, McDonald. 
A number of them mustered a short distance from town, with the 
avowed determination to march in after nightfall, break open the 
jail, and seize and lynch the prisoner. It was impossible for the 
sheriff to remove him to another place of confinement, as the roads 
were watched; whereupon the authorities communicated with Gov- 
ernor Cullom, and by his authority the militia companies were 
called out, and a strong force placed to protect the jail. For the 
first few nights the alarm was kept up, but fortunately the prompt 
action of the authorities had the desired effect. No attack was made, 
and the excitement quieted down. The result of the trial, which 
took place a short time afterward, proved the man McDonald en- 
tirely innocent of the charge of robbing, and consequently he had 
no motive for^ the killing of Dr. Brown, and he was discharged. 
This was the first serious attempt of the people to take the law into 
their own hands, and the result of the trial will go far toward pre- 
venting a siinHar occurrence in the future. Had the attempt proved 
successful it is certain that an innocent man would have been sac- 
rificed. The citizens are proverbially law-abiding, and the McDon- 
ald emeute was as unexpected as it was unusual The conduct of 
the militia during the trying occasion elicited the praise of the 
community. 



66S HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Several attempts liave been made by prisoners to escape, at differ- 
ent times, and altliongh some of them have succeeded in cuttinf^ 
their way out, they have been recaptured after a short pursuit. 

CHURCHES. 

The liistory of the Congregational Church is intimately associ- 
ated with that of the early days of the town. It was organized 
with a membership of twelve, and first worshiped in the Court- 
House. Rev, William Carter was the first minister in charge, and 
devoted long years of faithful and earnest work. The first church 
building was erected in 1S38, but in a few years it proved too small 
for the conijregation. The Pastor, aided by Col. Ross and other 
members, decided to erect a larger edifice, and the present structure 
was built and dedicated in 1846. They were assisted in the good 
work by Eastern friends. A project is now on foot for the erection 
of a large new building, and it is probable that the work will be 
accomplished at an early day. Rev. W. W. Rose is the present 
Pastor, and is an earnest worker. 

The Christiiiii Churchy now one of the largest and most pros- 
perous in the city, was organized in 1839 with twelve members, 
the first Pastor being Elder W. 11. Strong. At first they wor- 
shiped in a small frame building which was afterward used as a 
school-house, and long occupied tiie lot in the rear of Judge Hig- 
bee's residence. It was afterward removed to the lot opposite 
Wm. Henry Harder's, and having been refitted nicely, it is now 
occupied by the German Lutheran congregation. The present 
Christian church was built in 1856, and has one of the largest 
audience rooms in the cit}^ with Sunday-school rooms, etc., in the 
lower story. The Church has no Pastor, Rev. H. D. Clark, the late 
Pastor, having accepted a call to a Church in Baltimore, Md, 

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at about the 
same date as the above Church. The first building was of brick, 
small and unpretending, and occupied the site of the present hand- 
some edifice. The progress of the Church was slow, but a few 
faithful ones worked on hopefully. The present building was 
erected in 18T6, at a cost of about $12,000. Miss Lucy Williams 
aiid Mrs. William Wills, two earnest Christian women, contribut- 
ing most of that sutn. The success of the undertaking, however, 
was largely due to the energy and perseverance of the Pastor, Rev. 
W. F. Gilimore, who commenced the work with small beginnings, 
but remained to see it completed and dedicated. The Church now 
has a large membership, is in a prosperous condition, and is 
blessed with an efficient minister, Rev. M. Auer, 

The Baptist Church was organized in 1839, and the house of 
worship WHS built of brick, and still stands upon its original site. For 
many years it was among the leading Church organizations in the 
town, but of late years it has not been so prosperous. It is now 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 669 

without a regular Pastor, but meetings are regularly held, and a 
call has been extended to a new minister. 

St. Stepheiis Episcopal Church was built in 1852, Hon Wm 
A. (rrimshaw being the prin3ipal patron. Kev. Mr. Little is the 
Kector of the Parish, and is a cultivated gentleman and minister 
Ihe farst Ixoman Catholic Church was built in 1850, Ptev Mr 
-Uempsey being the first Priest in charge. It was a wooden build- 
ing, winch was subsequently removed to make room for the new 
ciiurcii, and is now on a lot on the opposite side of the street, and 
used as J. H. Wheeling's auction room. The present brick build- 
ing was erected m 1869, and was remodeled during the past year 
and the steeple erected. The Church being the only one of that 
taith m the county, has a large membership, and is well attended. 
The present Pastor IS Rev. Father Hoven, a man of ability and 
energy. It is probable the ciiurch building will be enlarged at an 
early day, to accommodate the growing congregation. 

Ihe Freslytenan Church, wliich had been closed for some years 
was recently re-opened, with Rev. J. P. Dawson as Pastor The 
congregation still worships in the building first erected, and now 
gives promise ot new lite and usefulness. 

The German Methodist Church was not organized until 1869 
when the society was drawn together, and the present brick struc- 
ture erected. It is now in a very prosperous condition, bein^ out 
ot debt and vvith a united membership. Rev. M. Thalenhoist is 

A n^ ''/^ . ^^ P^'oving a very acceptable minister. 
T Ti ir ?* Latter-Day Saints was organized in 1862 by Elder 
Lytle Meetings have since been held at the houses of the mem- 
bers, but now the society is erecting a church building which will 
be completed and dedicated early in the spring 

The Hehre^vs number several families, but as yet have no reaular 
place ot worship. On the 11th of May, 1879, they organiz^ed a 
feabbath-school,ot which Mr. Albert Fishell is Superintendent, and 
rn^U -^j"'^^^';!^^^' Secretary. There are some 13 children on the 
rolls, and meetings are held m a room in the Odd Fellows building. 



SECRET SOCIETIES. 



In 1848 Pittsheld Lodge, No. 56, A. F. & A. M., was organized 
the first Master being Michael J. Noyes, for many' vears ayomT 
nentand respected citizen. Union Chapter No. 10, R A M was 

?8f 6"f M V^^P-I. ^^n'"'^? Commandery K. T. was organized in 
1876. F. M. Casal, E. C. The Masonic bodies are in a very pros- 
perous condition, the Lodge and Chapter owning a fine hall, and 

!nw w^'].^'7 •''"^^^ w \^J'^i"i'^g- The ofiicers of the Lodge 
n^wareW. B. Grimes, W. M.; Thos. Worthiiiffton ir S W -G 

18 H. P.; Wm^Steers^ E. K. ; J. A. Rider, E. S. Secretarv; of the 
Commandery, F. M. Casal is E. C. and Y. A. Grimes, Rec. 
PUf^ V 1 T ^r^^^:? ^^^e al^ajs been a popular order in this city. 
Pittsfield Lodge, No^95, was organized in 1851 with a small mein- 
Dership. Ihe first officers were Samuel Smith, N. G • R L How 



6Y0 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

ard, y. G. ; John Hawkins, Sec. and N. Kelley, Treasurer. It has 
since grown steadily, and now has a large number of members. 
Some years ago a German Lodge was consolidated witli the present 
body. The officers are J. L. Dobbin, N. G. ; J. H. McClintock, 
V. G. ; B. F. Fisk, Sec, and F. L. Shriver, Treas. Tlie Encamp- 
ment, wliich was organized Oct., 1865, is also in a good condition, 
but the increase in membersliip has been slow. The Odd Fellows 
own their hall, which is the handsomest in the town, being beauti- 
fully decorated and fnrnislied. 

The A. O. U. W. also have a very flourishing Lodge. It was 
organized in April, 1878, with a membership of twenty-five. Dr. 
C. II. Doss, M, W. It has grown steadily since then, the endow- 
ment feature ]n*oving a very popular one. The present officers are 
B. Ilirsheimer, M. W.; C. W. Itaybnrn, Rec. 

The I. O. M. A., a beneficial society also, was chartered about a 
year and a half ago. Its progress has been slow but steady, and it 
has good material among its membership. 

The Knights of Honor organized a Lodge in 1879, and have a 
good membership, mostly yonng men. These three last named 
societies meet in Odd Fellows Hall. 

BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 

As a part of the history of the town and township, we give per- 
sonal sketches of the old settlers and leadino: citizens. 

Isaiah Adams, farmer, sec. 26; owns 80 acres of land, worth $75 
per acre; is a native of New York and was born Jan. 5, 1806; 
came to this State in 1842, and settled where he now resides. Feb. 
14, 1833, he married Anna Lester, who was born in 1809, in Con- 
necticut; they are the parents of 7 children, 5 living,namely, Anna 
A., John P., Martha L., Bnell R. and Orilla S. ; INancy and Isaiah, 
dec. Mr. A. has been Road Commissioner. Is a member of the 
Congregational Church, and a Republican. 

Christopher Appleton, farmer and stock-dealer, sec. 11; P. ()., 
Pittsfield; is the owner of 175 acres of fine land, worth $75 per 
acre. Mr. A. is the son of Christopher and Elizabeth Appleton, 
natives of England, and was born Dec. 12, 1818; came with his 
parents to America in 1819 and settled in Pennsylvania, remaining 
17 years. They then moved to Missouri, and in 1872 to this 
connty. Mr. Appleton handles about 100 head of cattle per year, 
and raises hogs and other stock. He was married in Missonri in 
1845 to Charlotta Stennett, born in Virginia in 1827, and they 
have had 2 children, only 1 living, — Anna E., now wife of J. S. 
Sellsbery. Mr. A. is a Baptist, and an Odd Fellow. 

Hon. William R. Archer, Attorney at Law and State Senator, 
was born in New York city April 13, 1817; his parents were Rich- 
ard P., a merchant, and Jane (Alcock) Archer, a native of Ireland. 
His preliminary education was obtained at Flushing, L. I., whence 
he removed to New York city, where he studied law under John 



HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 671 

L. Lawrence, and Nvas admitted to the New York Bar Feb: 23 
1838. May 10 of the same year he settled in Pittsfield, where in 
Angust following he was admitted to the Illinois Bar and soon had 
an extensive practice; in 1847 he was a member of the State Con- 
stitutional Convention from Bike county, in which capacity he 
evinced sterling qualities; that was a trying time, as the question 
of township organization was then beginning to agitate the people. 
Mr. Archer was Circuit Clerk and Recorder from 1856 to I860.' 
He was then elected Eepresentative in the State Legislature on the 
Democratic ticket with Benj. F. DeWitt, and represented the 
counties of Pike and Brown; in 1869 he was again elected to the 
State Constitutional Convention, which met the following year, 
and in 1872 was elected to the State Senate from the 38th District' 
comprising the counties of Pike, Scott and Calhoun; in 1876 he 
was re-elected to the same position, his present term expiring next 
November. He was a member of the Joint Commission appointed 
by the Legislature of "'877 to ascertain the damages arising to pri- 
vate property in lands by the construction of dams on the Wabash 
and Illinois rivers; this Commission consisted of 2 Senators and 3 
Representatives, and they held sessions from July 9, 1877, to De- 
cember 10 of the same year, at Springfield. Out of $185,000 dam- 
ages claimed, the Commission awarded about $30,000, to pay which 
an appropriation was made by the last session of the Legislature. 
Subsequently Mr. Archer discovered a law passed in 1847,'affectino- 
claims entirely disconnected with the work of this Commissioii; 
which law had been obsolete for 10 years, and not brought forward 
m the revisions. It was a statute of limitations which had the 
effect to bar over $2,000,000 of claims presented to the Court of 
Claims. (This court consists of the Chief Justice of the Supreme 
Court and two Circuit Judges.) This statute, with a written aro-u- 
ment in brief, Mr. A. presented to the Attorney General, and'' at 
his request he argued the case before the Court, which sustained 
the statute, and thus barred over $2,000,000 of the claims. For all 
this service Mr. A. did not receive a single dollar. Mr. Archer 
has recently been nominated for Governor of the State bv several 
influential newspapers, and the Old Flag, an opposition paper in 
politics, says that Mr. A. is too good a man to be set up bv a mi- 
nority party, simply to be knocked over. 

Feb. 1, 1838, Mr. Archer married Miss Anna Maria Smith 
daughter of Jonas Smith, a former resident of Long Island N Y ' 
she died Sept. 26, 1859, leaving 7 children, 5 of whom are'liv'inc^' 
he was again married Dec. 15, 1860, to Henrietta E. Sergeai?t' 
daughter of Col. Aaron Sergeant, of New York city, and thev have 
had one child. 

Samuel Atwood, farmer, sec. 25, owns 240 acres of land worth • 
$60 per acre; was born in Virginia in 1821; came to Pike county 
1854, and settled near where he now resides. In 1851 he was mar- 
ried to Eliza J. Chaffy, who was born in Ohio in 1831; thev are the 
parents of 10 children, of whom 6 are living,— William T., James 



672 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

A., Charles E., Alia A., Nannie M. and Samuel F. Mr. A. is a 
Democrat; his father was in the war of 1812. 

Austin Barber, retired farmer, residence, Pittsfield; was born 
in Ohio in Oct., 1809; his lirst occupation was tliat of clerk in a 
dry-o-oods store; came to Illinois in 1833 and settled in Pittsfield; 
he established one of the first dry-goods houses here, which business 
he continued until 1841, then went to Florence for 5 3'ears, then 
returned to Pittsfield again and purchased a farm, comprising 150 
acres of fine farm land one mile from Pittsfield; he carried on farm- 
ing until 18Y0. In 1838 he married Caroline Johnson, who was 
born in Missouri in 1819; they are the parents of 6 children, 3 boys 
and 3 o-irls; the 3 girls are deceased. The sons all served in the 
late war, Mr. A. is a member of the Christian Church, and a Re- 
publican. 

Edward F. Binns, County Clerk, is a son of Randolph and 
Elizabeth (McGlosson) Binns, both natives of Virginia. They 
were among the pioneers of this county, having emigrated here as 
early as 1835. Edward F. was born in this county, Jan. 23, 1841; 
he passed his boyhood days upon the farm and attended the com- 
mon schools; at the age of 23 he embarked in business for himself, 
beginning at that time to buy and ship stock, cattle, hogs, sheep 
and horses. These he shipped mostly to the Cliicago market. He 
then eno-ao-ed in the mercantile business for a period of a year and 
a half. He has held the ofiices of township Collector and Assessor, 
and in 1877 was elected to the responsible position which he now 
holds. In 1868 he was united in marriage with Orpha Norton, 
who was born in Indiana in April, 1840. To them were born 3 
children, — Louisa, William S. and Bertha. Mr. B. is a member of 
the Masonic fraternit}', and an active and prominent member of the 
Christian Church. 

K W. Blades, of the firm of Dober & Blades, grocers, established 
bv E. W. Blades ; the co-partnership was formed in 1879 and is 
one of the most reliable and successful firms in Pittsfield. Mr. B. 
is a native of Delaware and was born in 1834. He came to this 
county in 1856 and located at Barry, where he remained until 1876, 
durino- which time he was engaged in the dry-goods business. His 
present location is on the north side of the Public Square, Pitts- 
field. He was elected Sheritt' in 1876 and served with credit until 
Mr. Kellogg, the present Sheriff, was chosen. He was married 
July 24, 1856, to Phoebe A. Hammond. 

James F. Blake, farmer, sec, 14; P. O., Pittsfield; was born in 
this county in 1844; was married in 1865 to Miss Melinda Richards, 
a native of this county, who died in 1876, leaving one child, Elnore. 
His present wife, Caroline Rookerd, is also a native of this county 
and was born in 1854; they have one child, Edward; they are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church, and Mr. Blake is well known through- 
out the county as one of Pike's enterprising farmers. 

Henry Blei. farmer, sec. 25; is a native of Ireland, born in 1826; 
came to America in 1845 and settled in Calhoun county, 111., the 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 673 

same year, and remained 16 years; came to this county in 1864; 
owns 140 acres of land worth $50 per acre. In 1852 he married in 
Calhoun county; his wife died in July, 1877, leaving a family of 8 
children, of whom 6 are living. Their names are, Fred, Henry J., 
Katie E., Emma J., Frank L. and Charles E. Mr. B. is a Demo- 
crat. P. O., Pittstield. 

Rev. Wm. Carter', for many years Pastor of the Congregational 
Church of Pittstield, w^as an eminent man. He was born at New 
Canaan, Conn., Dec. 31, 1803. His parents were Ebenezer and 
Rhoda (Weed) Carter. He graduated at Yale College in 1828 and 
subsequently at the theological school of the same institution. He 
and several fellow students soon became the founders of the Illinois 
College at Jacksonville, 111., and Mr. Carter himself took charge 
of the Congregational Church at Jacksonville, the first church of 
this denomination west of Ohio (1833). This church prospered 
greatly under his pastoral care, but in 1838 he resigned the charge 
and soon afterward became pastor of the Congregational Church of 
Pittstield, 111., where he continued until 1868, laboring acceptably, 
not only at this place but also at Summer Hill and Rockport. He 
died Feb. 2, 1871, at Pittstield, and his death was mourned by 
the whole community. During his life he was also a member of 
the Board of Directors of the Chicago Theological Seminary, was 
one of the organizers of the General Association of Illinois, and 
held many other responsible positions. He is regarded as the 
father of the Cono-reo^ational Church at Pittstield. His widow is 
still living in Pittstield. 

Dr. F . M. Casal, physician and surgeon, was born in Balti- 
more, Md., Sept. 20, 1812; emigrated in 181S to Palmyra, Mo.; 
educated in the public high school in St. Louis, Mo., and Washing- 
ton University; graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 
1864; also attended Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York city; and, after 
spending three and a half years on the Pacitic ocean, he located in 
Pittstield in the summer of 1868, where he has since remained in 
medical practice. He is a member of the Adams County Medical 
Society, and of the Illinois State Medical Society. The Doc- 
tor has also been a member of the Town Board for three years, 
and President of the Board two years. In the Masonic order, 
he is Past Master of the Lodge of Pittstield, No. 56, High Priest 
of Union Chapter No. 10, R. A. M., and Eminent Comman- 
der of Ascalon Commandery, K. T. Aug. 9, 1870, Dr. Casal 
married Amelia, daughter of B. H. Atkinson, of Pittstield, 
and his children are/. Mary, born Nov. 28, 1871; Annie, Jan. 27, 
1874; and Isabel, August 24, 1877. 

Isaac A. Clare, County Surveyor, son of Moses F. and Mary 
(Brown) Clare, natives of Kentucky, was born in this county Sept. 
5, 1835. At the age of 16 he devoted his time and attention 
to civil engineering, for which profession he had received a thor- 
ough education. In 1875 he was elected County Surveyor of Pike 



674 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

county, and snbsequently re-elected, and holds the ])osition at the 
present time. He was married in this county in 1870, to Rebecca 
Welch, a native of AVaterdale county, Ala., who was born in 1847. 
Tliey have liad a family of three children, two of whom are living. 
Their names are Moses N. and Alma. Allen is deceased. Mr. C. 
is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, a Uni- 
versalist in reliojion, and politically a Democrat. 

Moses F. Clare^ l3lacksmith, Pittsfield, is a native of Kentucky, 
where he was born Oct. 28, isil; came to this county and set- 
tled at Atlas as early as 1832, where he remained until 1835, 
when he moved to Pittsfield, being one of the first settlers 
here. He attended the first sale of town lots. May 1, 1833. He 
learned the blacksmith's trade in St. Louis. In June, 1833, in this 
county, he was united in marriage with Maria Brown, a native of 
Kentucky. They are the parents of 4 children, 2 living, — Isaac 
A. and Moses II. Those deceased were, Francis O. and Henry T. 
Mr. C. is a member of the Masonic order, and Mr. and Mrs. C. are 
members of the M. E. Church. 

Thomas Clarkson^ farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 29, owning 180 
acres of land, was born in England May 28, 1820; raised on alarm; 
married in England in 1844, to Fanny Rodgers, born in England in 
1818; they are the parents of 4 children. Mr. Clarkson came 
to the United States in 1851, settling in this county ; P. O., Pitts- 
field. Mr. C. is a Republican. 

0. G. Cline is a farmer by occupation, though at present he is 
Superintendent of the Connty Poor, this being the second term he 
he has held the ofiice, lie owns 100 acres of land in Martinsburg 
tp., sec. 3, valued at $40 per acre. He was born in Scott county, 
111., March 26, 1843; married in Pike county in 1849, Lucretia 
Melton, who Avas born in Virginia. They have 4 children — Leon 
Lester, Glenn M., Alverdia and Fred K. "P. O., Pittsfield. 

Howard Cohenotir, farmer, sec. 1; P. O., Pittsfield; was born in. 
1851, in this county, and is a son of Jacob and Jane Cohenour, na- 
tives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Pike county in 1836, where 
they remained until their death. April 2, 1872, Mr. C: married 
Mary A. Cop, who was born in Iowa Dec. 29, 1852. They are the 
parents of 4 children, vizj Jacob, Gertrude E., William- and Ira 
S. His grandfather on his father's side, was in the war of 1812. 
Mr. C. belongs to the M. E. Church, and is a Democrat. 

Alhert C'oZtjy, blacksmith, is a native of Kentucky, born in 1829, 
and is a son of Wm. B. and Elizabeth (McClane) Coley, the 
former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Kentucky. He 
came to this county in 1853, first settling in Atlas tp., and in 1867 
moved to Wisconsin, where he remained 4 j^ears, then came back 
to Pittsfield, where he has since resided. He learned his trade at 
the age of 27 years, which he has always followed. In 1857 he mar- 
ried Mary A. Sanders, a native of Kew York, born in 1832, and 
they have had 6 children; 2 are living, Minnie J. and Charles A. 
The names of the deceased are Lucy, Ella. George and Abigail, 



Ci 








i 





PITTSFIELD TP 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, 



677 



Mr. C.'s father was in the war of 1812, for whicli he received a 
pension through life. Mr. C. owns 3 lots in Pittsfield, one with shoo 
and 2 with dwelling houses. ■^' 

Jaim>i^ Cosgrove, farmer, sec. 4; P. O., Pittsfield; was born in 
Ireland m 1812, and came to America in 1849, settling in Hart- 
lord, Conn., until 1865, when he moved to Pennsylvania where he 
followed teaming. Two years afterward he settled in this county 
and ollowed farming 3 years. By frugality and energy he was 
enabled to purchase his present farm in this tp., where he has 
since made his home. In 1836 he married Miss Marcraret 
McDermott, a native of Ireland, and they have 7 children,— iTllen 
Joseph, Christopher, Dora, James, Bridget and Thomas. Mr 
• C. IS a member ot the Catholic Church, and a staunch Democrat* 
James Coulter, \^xxn^v,%^^. 19; was born in Ireland Marched 
1829, brought by his parents to the United States in 1831, and at 

m\ ^^\ Tin l''^'"?j^^ H^ ^^""'^- ^"g- 5' 1859' ^^ married 
Mary Jane White. His father, John Coulter, resides on the farm 

now owned and occupied by his son James. Mr. C. owns 101 
acres of land, worth $50 per acre. He has been School Director 
tor 9 years, and is a successful farmer; is a Democrat. P O 
Pittsfield. ^ . v^., 

William Coulter, farmer, sec. 19; was born in Tuscarawas 
county, O and came to Pike county. 111., in the spring of 1853 
Jan 9, lb68, he married Miss Lydia Hoskin, and they have 6 
children namely: Laura, Anna, Eliza, Minnie M., Letitia and 
Charles Sherman. Mr. C. owns 160 acres of land worth $50 per 
acre. Mr Utakea great pride in raising good stock; also raises 
considerable wheat and corn, which he disposes of at home market 
in politics he is a Democrat. P. O., Pittsfield. 

A. G. Crawford, attorney, is the second son of J. G. Crawford 
who settled in this county in 1830, where the subject of this sketch 
was born m 1854. He was educated in the Blackburn University 
at Carlmville, and began the study of law in the office of the 
State s Attorney at Pittsfield. In 1875 he entered the law school 
at Chicago, at which institution he was graduated the followincr 
year. In 1876 he married Mary E., daughter of Dr W C 
Doan, who died in Oct., 1877. Mr. C. is yet young in years, and 
in the practice ofhis profession, but his natiye ability and energy 
will insure him success. " ^"^ 

1 ^if Y\^-Sr'^.^ ^^^'""^^ Superintendent of Schools, was 
bornMarch 12 1848,in Wheeling, W. Ya., son of Charle^ and 
Margaret (Hughes) Crow, the former a native of Pennsylvania and 
the latter ot Virginia, who settled in Wheeling in 1845. but emigrated 
to Huron county Ohio, when the subject of this sketch was very 
young; m 185/ they removed to Clark county. Mo., and in 1869 
to Macon county, 111 Mr. Crow's mother died two years ago, and 
his father resides in Sullivan, 111. At the age of 17 W H left the 
parental domicile to take care of himself, and graduated in 1872 at 
Eureka College, Woodford Co., 111. , and was ordained a minister of the 



678 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Gospel in the Christian Church, shortly after which he became 
Pastor of the Cliristian Church at Barry, this county, lie com- 
menced preaching, however, in Macon county, in 1866. Since 
1878 Mr. Crow is by [election, (\)unty Superintendent of Schools. 
In 1869 Mr. C. married Miss N. Clark, a native of Illinois. 
Residence, Pittsfield. 

John Curless, sr., farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Pittsfield: is a native of 
Ohio, and was born in 1825; came to this State in 1851 ; was mar- 
ried in Ohio in 1845, to Elizabeth Girton, who was born in Ohio 
in 1828. The}' have 7 children, viz.: George, Timothy, Sarah A., 
John, Stephen, Thomas and Jesse. Mr. C. is a Methodist, and a 
Democrat. His parents were natives of New Jersey. 

John Cu?'less, jr., farmer, owning 3 acres of land with a nice 
dwelling ; he is a son of Abiah and Anna (Plill) Curless. He is a 
native of Oiiio, and was born in 1854; came to this State in 1860; 
was married in 1878 to Emily F. Dell, a native of this State, born 
in 1860; they have one child, Ina Pearl, born Oct., 1879. Mr. 

C. is a Republican. 

Osboni Davis, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Pittsfield ; owns 160 acres 
of land, worth $35 per acre; was born in Pennsylvania in 1821; 
came to Illinois in 1845, located the same year in Pittsfield, where 
he has since resided; was married in this county about the year 
1847, to Susan Troutlett, who was born in Ohio in 1825. She is 
deceased. He was married a second time, namely, to Miss Louisa 
Troutlett, also a native of Ohio. They have 10 children, only 4 of 
whom are living. 

Thomas Dickson c§ Son^ dealers in dry-goods ^ad clothing; the 
senior member of this firm came to this coirnty in 1837, and for 
14 years worked at the tailor's trade. In 1850 he visited the 
Rocky Mountains; after returning, he clerked for Ross & Gay, 
and Watson & Abbott. Subsequently he formed a partnership with 
W. Abbott. Three 3'ears afterward Watson retired, and Gay was 
admitted to the firm. In 1860 the firm dissolved, and he opened 
his present place. His son was a participant in the late war, and 
was admitted as partner in business with his father in 1872. Mr. 

D. is a native of Scotland, where he was born in 1815, and is the 
oldest living merchant in Pittsfield. 

Thomas Dilworth, farmer, sec. 32; P. O., Pittsfield; owns an 
interest in 160 acres of land, worth $60 per acre; his brother 
George, and sister Faith, are equal partners in this property. They 
are all unmarried, and live on the place together. They have raised 
a girl named Mary E. Carroll; they emigrated to this county with 
their mother in 1850, where they have since resided. All are 
Democrats. 

J. L. Dohhin, attorney at law, office over Harder's drug store, 
west side of the Square. Will practice in any of the courts of the 
Eleventh Judicial Circuit, and attend properly to all legal business 
entrusted to his care. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 679 

(j. H. Doss^ physician, was born in Franklin, Simpson Co., Ky., 
Feb. 19, 1834, and began the study of medicine with liis father, a 
resident physician at Hopkinsville, Ky. Two. years afterward he 
came to Illinois, and completed his studies in the office of Dr. A. 
Bowman, at Carrollton, 111. He first began practice at Fayette- 
ville, Greene Co., 111., where he was successfully engaged for 5^ 
years, when he moved to Manchester, Scott Co., and followed his 
profession until he came to this county in 1876, where he has since 
made his home. In September, 1856, he married Margaret A. 
Thrasher, a native of Griggs ville, and they have 9 children, the eld- 
est a graduate of Bennett Medical College, Chicago. The Doctor 
was made a charter member of the Illinois State Eclectic Associ- 
ation in 1868; also served as Treasurer in 1871 and 1872, and filled' 
the ofiice of President in 1873; was also a charter member of the 
Eclectic Medical Association, organized in Chicago in 1870, and 3 
times represented this State to the National Eclectic Association. 
He has given much attention to farming and stock-raising, and 
owns 180 acres of land 3|- miles from Pittsfield, where he has estab- 
lished a breeding farm for horses; he has some fine blooded stock. 
Prominent among them are 2 Hambletonian colts (stallions), "Pich- 
ard " and " Radiator;" the former a chestnut sorrel, white hind 
feet, 16 hands high, and weighs 1,200 pounds; foaled June 24, 
1874; bred by S.^W. Wheelock, Moline, 111. " Eadiator"— color, 
bright bay, 16 hands high, star in forehead, weighs 1,300 pounds, 
foaled May 31, 1874, and bred by same person. The pedigree of 
the above named stallions descends from the great trotting families 
of Kentucky. They have a natural gait, and show a flattering rec- 
ord of speed, etc. ; are high-mettled and full of life, yet kind and safe 
to handle. 

Augustus Doio, miller, was born Oct. 9, 1841. He began active 
life as clerk in a dry-goods store, which business he continued to 
follow until 1863, when he enlisted in the army, serving in the 
Paymaster's Department 3 years. In 1872 he came to Pittsfield 
and embarked in the milling business in company with C. P. 
Chapman, and they now conduct one of the largest mills in the 
State. Mr. D. was married in this county in 1865 to Jennie S. 
Weinand. She was born in New Jersey in 1841 and died in 1870. 
Mr. D. was then married, in 1872, in St. Louis, to Judith W. Mor- 
ton, who was born in Massachusetts in 1840. Harry A., born in 
April, 1877, is their only child. 

E. P. Dow, dealer in coal, wood and lime, is a native of Tol- 
land county. Conn., where he was born in 1848; came to this 
county in 1865, and engaged in the mercantile business: was mar- 
ried in 1874 to Miss Florine Hicks, and is the father of 2 children. 
In 1878 he established himself in his present business, where he is 
enjoying a fair trade. 

John Duran, a retired farmer, was born in Hamilton county, 
Maine, Jan. 16, 1800. His parents were John and Jane (Davis) 
Duran. He came to this county Nov. 18, 1831, and settled in 



680 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

ISewburg tp.; was married in 1825 to Miss Rhoda Aun Riggs, of 
Cincinnati, Ohio, and they have had 12 children, 6 boys and 6 
girls, 10 of whom are living, Mr. D. was Road Commissioner for 
25 years in Newburg tp. : is a member of the M. E. churcli, also of 
the Masonic Lodge.' P. O., Pittslield. 

O. T. Edwards, proprietor of the Pittsfield House, was born in 
Tennessee, March 25, 1814; he emigrated with his parents to Ill- 
inois in 1828, and settled in Sangamon county, where he resided 
until 1835, when he came to this county and settled in Pittsfield, 
where he engaged in teaming. Two years afterward he was elected 
Constable, and appointed Deputy Slieriff' under Col. Seeley, in which 
capacity he served for several years. In July, 1839, he married 
Miss Eliza M. Allred, a native of Tennessee, where she was born 
Oct. 29, 1822. They had 1 son and 1 daughter. Mrs. E. died 
July 30, 1842. Tlie following year he married Miss Angeline 
Davis, a native of Kentucky, wiiereshe was born in 1821, and t^^ey 
had 3 children. She died Sept. 28, 1853. His present wife, Delilah 
(Goodwin) is a native of this State. Mr. E. was elected Sheriff of 
Pike county in 1854 and served 2 years, when he purchased a 
farm in Newburg tp., and followed farming a short time, then en- 
gaged in hotel-keeping in Pittsfield, and was proprietor of stages 
and mail contractor. In 1862 he organized Co. A, 99th 111. Inf , 
and participated in many of the principal battles of the war. After 
a year of service he was compelled to resign on account of poor 
health, and he was honorably discharged. Returning to his family 
he became proprietor of a hotel at Naples, Scott Co., and at Griggs- 
ville, Pike Co. In 1869 he, with other enterprising citizens, formed 
a stock company and erected the Pittsfield House, which has since 
been under his supervision. It is one of the largest and best kept 
hotels in the West. 

Charles A. Elliott, of the firm of Gano, Shriver & Elliott, dry- 
goods dealers, Pittsfield, is a son of Abner and Ruth (Wells) Elliott,, 
the former a native of Yirginia and the latter of Kentucky. Charles 
A. is a native of the Buckeye State, where he was born in 1854; 
he came to this county in 18Y2, and embarked in the mercantile 
business in Pittsfield in 18T9. 

George Ellis, f'cii'mev, sec. 32; P. O., New Hartford; owns 80 
acres of land worth $50 per acre; he was born in this county, April 
5, 1850, and was married in this county in 1871, to Amanda Mc- 
Clintock, also a native of this county, born in 1852; they have 2 
children, Orville and Ethel. Mr. E. has been School Director, and 
is a Republican. 

Aaron Eiidei'hy, farmer, sec. 3; P. O., Pittsfield; was born in 
Pike county in 1855, is a son of Conrad and Jane (Moore) Enderby, 
natives of North Carolina and early settlers of this county, and 
grandson of Joel Moore, the first settler in Pittsfield tp., where he 
passed a life of usefulness. Mr. Enderby resides on the homestead 
with his parents, and owns a farm of 120 acres worth $35 per acre. 
The family are members of the Christian Church. Mr. E. is un- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 681 

married and lends his industry to the care of the homestead and his 
aged parents. 

Gano^ Shriver c&T-'ElUott, dealers in dry-goods and clothing. 
This is tiie largest house of the kind in Pittsfield, and is a consolida- 
tion of the firms of Gano and Shriver Brothers. The firm has had 
an experience of 26 years in New York city, and Felicity, Ohio, 
and at present carries a stock of $40,00C, with an average sale of $85,- 
000 per year. The store is 100 feet in length by 25 in width, and 
two stories high, all occupied. A custom tailoring department is con- 
nected with it on the upper floor, well stocked with goods. This 
firm has been identified with the mercantile interests of the city for 
many years, and possesses the energy, enterprise and reliability of 
business men. 

D. H. Gilmer^ deceased, was born in Kentucky, Sept. 10, 1814; 
came to this county at an early day, and was the partner of Milton 
•Ha}' in the practice of law at Pittsfield. In 1861 he enlisted 
as private in the 38th Reg. I. Y. I., and received promotion to the 
position of Colonel of that Regiment. He was killed at the battle 
of Chicamauga, Sept. 10, 1863. He was at one time Prosecuting 
Attorney in this county. In 1844 he married Miss Louisa M. 
Quinby. Six years after his death she was appointed Postmistress 
of this city, and executed the important duties of the ofiice until 
her death, in 1869. She was succeeded by her daughter, Lizzie 
Oilmer, the present incumbent, who fills the position satisfactorily. 

George Gooud, farmer, sec. 33, owns 80 acres of land, worth $50 
per acre. He is a native of England, came to America in 1836, 
settling in New York, and came to Pike county in 1862; was mar- 
ried in this county in 1864 to Charlotte Cressnol, also a native of 
England, and born about the year 1843, and died in 18Y5; they had 
2 children, — one living, Philip R. He then married Amanda E. 
Pringle, born in New York city in 1854; they have one child, named 
Elizabeth. Mr. Gr. is a Democrat. 

John Gooudy farmer, sec. 33, owns 80 acres of land, worth $50 
per acre; is a native of England, and was born in 1830; came to 
America in 1836, and settled in New York, where he was married 
in 1856 to Alice Pringle, also a native of England, where she was 
born about the year 1843. They have had 6 children, — one liv- 
ing, namely, Susanna. Mrs. Gooud had 2 children by a former 
husband; tlieir names are Mary A. and Sarah J. Mr. G. is a Demo- 
•crat. 

Strother Grigshy^ County Judge, born in Page county, Ya., in 
1819, came to Illinois in 1838, and settled in Adams county, where 
he engaged in teaching school for 4 years, then came to this county 
and followed the same calling for 10 years in Pleasant Yale tp. He 
subsequently settled in Pittsfield and soon after was called by the 
people to till the office of County Treasurer. He also served 4 
years as County Clerk, and is serving his present position the second 
term. He has also given time and attention to various other offices 
with which he has been identified. In 1845 he married Miss Amanda 



682 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Parkis, a native of Missouri, who died, leaving 4 children. His 
present wife, Missouri E. Reel, is a native of Jacksonville. 

Wm. B. Orimes, Depntv County Clerk, was born in White Co., 
111., Nov. 25, 1828; in 1834: his parents moved with hira to this 
county; in 1850 he went to California and remained two years, 
meeting with good success; on his return to this county he located 
at Milton and built the Urst saw-mill in that place; was in the 
lumber ])usiness about one year and then followed the tinware trade 
until 1869, when he was elected County Clerk. Mr. G. is now 
Deput}'^ County Clerk, has been Supervisor of Pittsfield tp., and 
Chairman of the Board one term. The past four years he has also been 
Grand Lecturer in the Masonic order, and is now Grand Examiner 
and ex-ojjicio Grand Lecturer. Mr. Grimes has had a good educa- 
tion, line musical talent, and has held about all the local offices in 
his township. In 1853 he married Amanda A. Shock, who died in 
1861, leaving three children ; in 1862 Mr. G. married Nancy J. 
Greathouse, and they have 3 children now living. The children 
are, Delia, born in 1857, now the wife of Mark Hanes ; Ira 
A., born in May, 1859, is clerk in Lindsey & Co.'s grocery; both 
the latter are in Pittsfield ; Henry W., born, 1861, died at the age of 
about 5 months; Ida, born in 1863, Alice in 1865, and Laura in 
1875. 

Hon. Wm. A. Grimshaw^ attorney at law, is the son of William 
Grimshaw, who was an early and distinguished historian, hav- 
'ing written and published the first History of the United States^ 
a Histor}'' of South America, of England, of France, a Life of Na- 
poleon and other works, besides compiling histories of Greece, Rome, 
etc. It is said that at one time he had an income from his works 
of about $4,000 a year. He died in 1851. Wm. A.'s mother was 
Hai:riet, a native of Charleston, S. C, and daughter of James Milli- 
gan, a Captain in the Pennsylvania line in the American Revolu- 
tion. Mr. Grimshaw was admitted to the bar at 19 years of age, in 
Philadelphia, and in May, 1833, he arrived in Pike county, 111., 
and in November following he received license from the Supreme 
Court to practice law. This year he was also appointed Adjutant 
of the 17tli Illinois Militia, and he often held with his Colonel, 
Benj. Barney, regimental and battalion trainings in this county. 
Mr. G. has probably held more commissions from State Governors 
than any other citizen of Pike county, — from Govs. Reynolds, Yates^ 
Oglesby, Palmer and Cullom. Although a Whig in early day and 
Republican since, he has generally as a candidate for office run ahead 
of his ticket and sometimes been elected, even in a Democratic dis- 
trict. In 1847 he was elected delegate to the Constitutional Con 
vention, the only Whicj along with the three Democrats, Messrs. 
Archer, Montgomery Blair and Harvey Dunn, and was the author 
of that provision in the Constitution against dueling. He also 
favored such measures in that body as caused an advance in the 
State credit, the Illinois and Michigan canal bonds, for example, 
going up from 18 to 65 during the session of the Convention. Mr. 



HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 683 

G. was also a delegate to both conventions which nominated Lincoln 
for President, and to other conventions ; was also a personal friend 
of Douglas, praising him for his support of the Union cause. As 
an attorney Mr. Grimshaw has been eminent, defending suits for 
the Sny Levee Commissioners, the T., W. & W. and C. & A. E,. E,. 
Cos., and the Mississippi Bridge Company at Louisiana, Mo. For 
14 years, ending in 1857, he was in partnership with his brother, 
the late Jackson Grimshaw. He owns line farms, takes great in- 
terest in the welfare of the county, has been President of the Ag- 
ricultural Society, the Antiquarian Society, etc., etc. ; has been 
Trustee of the State Institution for the Blind, and is at present a 
member of the State Board of Charities. 

We noticed some interesting old books in Mr. Grimshaw's library, 
as, Zes Reports de Sr. Creswell Levinz^ in three parts, printed in 
London in 1702; Law Commentaries or Reports of Edmund Plow- 
den, printed at London in 1779 ; Les Reports des Divers Special 
Cases argue c& adjuge en le Court del Bank Leroy et Auxy en 
le Co. Ba. & V JExchequer, etc., printed in London in 1714, — all 
these in the Gorman or Law French language ; also a copy of the 
Jurisconsult Exercltationes in which is contained that noted senti- 
ment, "The air of England is too pure for slavery to breathe." 

William S. Grimshaw., druggist, original house of J. U. Grim- 
shaw, grandfather of the present proprietor, who established him- 
self here in 1835, his drug-store being the first in the city. He 
died in this city in 1848 and was succeeded by his son, T, C. Grim- 
shaw, who conducted the business until 1868, when he sold out to 
Thomas Williamson and removed to the homestead. Subsequently 
the store fell into the hands of Adolph Fisher, who disposed of the 
stock to Wm. S. Grimshaw in 1876. The house carries a stock of 
$5,000, with average sales of $15,000 per year. It controls a large 
trade, and is one of the prosperous firms of the city. 

Patrick Halpin, proprietor of marble 3^ard, Pittstield, came 
to this county in 1850, established his present business in 1856, 
where he has a fair trade. 

G. H. Harder., druggist, succeeded J. H. Crane in 1871. At 
present he carries a stock of $5,000. He came to this county in 
1851, and here he has since made it his home. He was married 
in 1872 to Miss Susan Lorgby, by whom he has one child, Frank. 

Henry Harder.^ carriage and wagon manufacturer, is a native of 
Columbia county. New York, where he was born in 1822. When 
of age, he settled in Berkshire county, Mass., where he married 
Miss Mary E. Griffin, a native of Renseilaer county. New York. 
He came to this county in 1851 and supervised the wood depart- 
ment of the Batesman factory until he erected his present building 
in 1869. The building is 2 stories high, with blacksmith and paint 
shops and store-room connected. He at present employs 6 men; 
has a large stock on hand, and contracts a fair trade. Mr. II. has 5 
children. 



684 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Adayn Harshman, fanner, sec. S; P. O., Pittsfield; owns 20 acres, 
worth $60 per acre; is a native of Ohio, born in 1832; came to this 
State in 1840; was married in 1857, in this count}-, to Lucy J. Mc- 
Cune, who was born in tiiis State in 1836 and died in 1858, leaving 
1 child, Ilamer; was again married in 1860, to Esther Aarbaw, who 
was born in this State in 1840. They have 4 children, Chandler, 
Lawrence, Leonora and Eliza. Mr. IL has been Clerk of the 
School Board 15 years, and is a Republican. 

Josejjh Heck, grocer, baker and confectioner, was born in Durmers- 
heim, Grossherzogthum Baden, Oberaiut Rastadt, in 1822; emi- 
grated in 1846 and settled in Quincy after a residence in Philadel- 
phia 2 years. His first home in this county was in Perry tp., 
where he resided until 1855, when he came to this city and opened 
his present establishment. He carries a stock of $15,000 to $18,000, 
and is one of the oldest houses in the citj-, occupying the old court- 
house. 

John Helme was born in Barnacre, Lancashire, England, Dec. 
13, 1822. His grandfather, John Helme, was a native of the same 
place, where he died; his father, Wm. Helme, came to America in 
1842, via New Orleans and lauded at St. Louis in 1843, accompanied 
by our subject, then 20 years of age. They arrived in Pike county 
in April of the same year; both were carpenters and builders by 
trade, and the lirst work i\\Qy did in this county was to make rails, 
a work they were wholly unaccustomed to. After being in the 
county about |3 years, John Helme married Amelia Wassell, a na- 
tive of England. The next year he settled on 40 acres of land, 
given to him by his father-in-law, located on the N. E. of 
sec. 24, Derry tp., built a frame house 18x24 feet, cultivated 25 
acres, and fenced the whole piece. Since that time he has been ex- 
tensively engaged in farming. He has held the plow and driven 
the team for breaking over 1.000 acres of new land, 600 acres of which 
he himself put under cultivation. He now owns 447 acres, having 
sold several hundred acres. His residence is on N. W. j of sec. 30, 
Pittsfield tp., the home farm consisting of 420 acres in one body. 
He raises on an average 100 to 140 acres of wheat, and about the 
same of corn, and feeds from 100 to 200 head of cattle per year, also 
150 sheep. Mr. Helme is the largest buyer and dealer in cattle and 
hogs for shipment there is in the county, shipping to the Chicago 
and Buffalo markets, on an average, 150 car loads per year, 40 of 
these being cattle, and 110, hogs. 

He was formerly a AV^hig, but is now a Republican ; has been 
School Director over 20 years. He and wife are both members of 
the Christian Church of New Hartford. He is also a Mason. 
Mrs. H. died Dec. 24, 1857, leaving 5 children, — William, Eliza- 
beth, John A., Amelia and Susan. The latter died at the age of 
20 years. Mr. H. married his present wife, Hannah Ann Shinn, 
daughter of James Shinn, of Salem county, N. J., March 10, 1859, 
and they have 6 children, — Charles E., Matthew E., Sarah E., 
James, Mary and Lena May. 








PITTSFIELD Tr 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 687 

Mr. Helme has made all the improvements on his home fiirm; 
has built a commodious frame house, 32 by 54, and a fine barn 
with a rock basement 8 feet high. The barn is 45 by 60 feet with 
20 feet posts, and is one of the most convenient barns in the 
county. His father followed farming in this county many years, 
and died in 1865, in Derry tp. 

In 1850 Mr. H. made a trip to California, worked in the mines 3 
months, and returned with $2,500, which he invested in 200 acres 
of land. He was 4 months making his overland trip, and the same 
time returning by the Pacific via Nicaragua, Central America and 
New Orleans, being 10 weeks on the ocean. AVe give Mr. Helme's 
portrait in this book. 

Col. D. D. HicJcs, cashier of the First National Bank at Pitts- 
field, was born in Bennington Co., Yt., Aug. 12, 1812; while very 
young the family removed with him to New York State, where 
they remained till his mother died; they then resided in Yermont 
until 1830, then in New York State again until 1838, when they 
emigrated to Pittsfield, 111., near which place the subject of this 
sketch taught school two years; after spending a few months in 
the East, he clerked in a store in Pittsfield till 1842, when he was 
appointed Deputy' Sheriff by Ephraim Cannon ; after serving four 
years in this capacity he was Sheriff for four years ; subsequently 
he served four years as County Treasurer, and from 1850 to 1852 
he followed merchandising; in 1865 he went into the First 
National Bank as clerk and teller, and in 1867 was elected cashier 
of the institution. His father, Truman Y., was a celebrated phy- 
sician, a member of the New York Legislature two terms, and for 
a time was Judge of Warren county, N. Y. His mother's maiden 
name was Barbara Hayes, a native of Yermont. Oct., 1842, he 
married Mary Jane Burbridge, of Pike Co.; Helen M. was their 
only child, who died at the age of 18; Mrs. H. died in March, 
1844; in May, 1845, he married Julia Ann Burbridge, cousin of 
his first wife; of their 7 children all are living in Pittsfield, 
namely, Frances, now the wife of George Barber; Barbara E., wife 
of Henry R. Mills; Bobert Truman, assistant cashier in the First 
National Bank; Fiorine E., wife of E. P. Dow; Emma, wife of 
Harry Higl)ee, Esq., Laura M. and James W. 

Patrick Higgins, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Pittsfield; born in 
County Down, Ireland, in 1827; came to America in 1848, and 
settled on his present estate the same year, which was then an 
unbroken wilderness. Here he erected a rude hut composed of 
poles and grass, in which he lived 6 months; he has a farm of 160 
acres, well cultivated, and valued at $75 per acre. He was mar- 
ried in this tp. to Miss Margaret Heed, a native of Ireland, and 
who died in 1877, leaving 7 children, all now living. Mr. H. is 
one of the early settlers of this town and county, and well known 
and respected by all. He is a Democrat. 

Henry Hoskins, farmer and stock- dealer, owns 140 acres of land 
worth $50 per acre. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Brown) 
Hoskins, natives of Ireland, and was born in this State, Dec. 18, 



tiSST" HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

1842. In Oct., 1866, he married Bridget Carney, a native of Ire- 
land, born April 6, 184-1. They are the parents of 6 ciiildren, viz.: 
John, Charley, Catharine, Elizabeth, Henry and Isaac. Mr. H. 
has been Scliool Director 5 years, and belongs to the M. E. Church. 
Ilis father's father was in the war of 1812. Mr. H. deals exten- 
sively in cattle, hogs and sheep. 

John Hughes, farmer, sec. 27; P. O. Pittstield; owns 120 acres 
of land, worth $60 per acre; he is a native of Ireland, born in 
1820, and came to America in 1840; settled in Pennsylvania, 
where he remained 3 years; then was in Missouri 2 years, then 
came to this count}' in 1845, where he has since resided. In 1850 
he married Jane Donnelly, a native of Ireland, born in ]820. They 
are the parents of one child, born in 1855. They are both Catho- 
lics, and Mr. II. is a Democrat. 

Joseph Huntei\ boot and shoe maker; born in Edinburgh, Scot- 
land, in 1833, and emigrated to America in 1852. Same year was 
married to Miss Martha Hunter, by whom he has 9 children. 
Opened his iirst place of business in 1869, where he is conducting 
a good trade. Is a member of the School Board and City Council, 
taking an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the 
county. 

F. IF. Hursernan, boots and shoes. Associated himself in the 
business circles of this city in 1871, soon after his voyage from the 
fatherland, Germany, where he was born in 1855. Carries a stock 
of $3,000, with average sales of $5,000 per year. He is one of the 
active young merchants of the city, and made happy by a lucrative 
trade. 

James S. Irwin, attorney, Pittsfield. The subject of this notice 
was born in Woodford county, Ky., March 23, 1820. He gradu- 
ated at Center College, Ky., with the class of 1838, and in the 
winter of 1839 attended one course of medical lectures at Lexing- 
ton. In March of the following year he moved to Jacksonville, 
111., where he commenced the study of law in the office of Brown 
& McClure, and Jan. 1, 1842, he received license to practice law. 
He immediately removed to Mount Sterling, where he remained 17 
years, with the exception of a short period, in the practice of his 
profession. In the year 1849, like many others, he caught the 
California gold fever, went to the golden shore and remained till 
the spring of 1852, when he returned to Mount Sterling, a wiser if 
not a richer man, and resumed the practice of his profession. In 
the year 1844 he was married to Miss M. P. Giberson, formerly of 
Pennsylvania, and to whom four children have been born, two boys 
and two girls. By a sad and unfortunate accident one of his soils 
was killed by a gunshot wound while hunting, and the other died 
while in the prime of life, and giving promise of a brilliant career. 
Mr. Irwin has confined himself steadily to his profession, taking no 
very active part in politics, and lias no desire tor office. In 1856 he 
was one of tke Fillmore Electors, and was in the Electoral College 
in lb72, where he cast his vote for Grant and Wilson. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 689 

Jan. 1, 1861, Mr. I. moved his famil}^ to Pittsfield, where he has 
since resided. By close attention to business, by trying to do his 
duty to his friends and patrons, he has acquired a fair and reputable 
practice, and a sufficiency of this world's goods to place him in 
comfortable circumstances. He was one of a fomily of 16 children, 
all of whom are dead except one sister and five brothers. Of the 
survivors, the sister is the wife of Col. G. M. Chambers, of Jack- 
sonville. The eldest brother, William, is a farmer in Brown 
county, 111. ; the next older, Stephenson, is a farmer of Kansas ; 
and two brothers are physicians. 

D. E. James & Co., dry-goods dealers, Pittsfield; began business 
in the spring of 1878; the firm are active members of the business 
fraternity of Pittsfield, and control a large and reliable trade. 

Henry James^ farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Pittsfield; was born in Eng- 
land in 1817: came to America in 1851 and stopped in Cincinnati 
one year, then came to this county, where he has since resided; he 
has bought, sold and improved 5 difierent farms, and now owns 80 
acres worth $50 per acre. He was married in England in 1S50, to 
Jennette Francis, a native of Scotland, born in 1818, and they are 
the parents of 3 children, only one living, Thomas F., Alice M. 
and Wm. G., deceased. Mr. James has been Road Commissioner 6 
years, and served several years as School Director. He is a mem- 
ber of the I. O. of O. F., an Episcopalian and a Democrat. 

T. F. James, farmer, was born in Louisiana Kov. 24, 1851 ; came 
to this State with his father in 1852 and settled in this county, 
where he still resides; was married to Margaret Wilson, a native of 
this county, and who was born Dec. 21, 1854. They are the parents 
of 2 children, Jennette, born Dec. 24, 1875, and Elizabeth, Dec. 1, 
1877. Mr. James owns 60 acres of land worth $50 per acre. 

Benjamin Jellison, farmer, owns 60 acres of land worth $60 per 
acre; is a native of Maine, born Jan. 24, 1804; came to this county 
in 1844; was married in Maine May 7, 1827, to Mary Wyman, who 
was also born in Maine, and they are the parents of 5 children, 
only 3 of whom are living: Hiram, Charles H. and Mary. Delilah 
and Henry are deceased. Mr. S. is a member of the Baptist Church, 
and a Democrat. 

J. W. Johnson, attorney at law, was born in Lewis Co., Mo., 
Nov. 24, 1845; was brought up at Palmyra, Mo., where he received 
a good education, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1869; 
came to Pike county. 111., in 1870; taught school at Eldara and 
New Canton for two years: came to Pittsfield in Sept., 1873, where 
he has since remained, most of the time in the practice of law; is 
now in partnership with J.S.Irwin; from 1873 to 1877 he was 
acting Superintendent of Schools of this county. Dec. 18, 1867, at 
Palmyra, he married Miss M. Y. Nicol, daughter of Henry and 
Catharine Nicol. The subject of our sketch is a son of Don Q. and 
Elizabeth A. (Rogers), the latter of Norfolk, Ya., whose parents emi- 
grated West with her in her infancy. Mr. Johnson's children are 
Nina E., born July 25, 1869; Leta J., born Aug. 16, 1871; Eliza- 



690 niSTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

beth A., Dec. 9, 1S74; Albert Sidney, Feb. 21, 1878, and James 
Irwin. Oct. 2, 1879. 

J. W. Jones, farmer, sees. 8 and 9; P. O., Pittsfield; is a native 
of Hamilton Co., 0., born in 18 IS, and is a son of Jonathan and 
Ann (Wilmington) Jones, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, 
respectively. Mr. Jones is a gunsmith bj trade, which occupation 
he followed in Mount Sterling, Morgan county. In 1843 he settled 
in Pike county near his present home, which at that time was but 
a wilderness; he was married in this county to Miss Martha A. 
Preble, a native of Ohio, and who was born in 1827. They have 
had 7 children, all of whom are living: Mary, Eliza, Ann, Celestia, 
Harvey P., Clara and John J. Mr. Jones is one of Pike's enter- 
prising farmers; lias served as Supervisor one term, and Road Com- 
missioner 7 years. lie had the lirst horse-plow used in tiie State, 
and relates many interesting incidentsjof early life. Politically he 
is a Green backer. 

Timothy Kane was born in Ireland June 1, 1840, son of Corne- 
lius and Catherine (Quinlan) Kane. He came to America July 4, 
1857, and to this county the following summer ; has resided in 
this tp. ever since. March 1, 1864, he married Miss Ellen 
McElroy, of this county. She was born in 1842. They have had 
8 children, 6 boys and 2 girls; 3 boys are dead; the children liv- 
ing are Patrick, John, Joseph, Mary and Jane. Mr. Kane owns 
110 acres of land, most of which is under cultivation, and worth 
$40 per acre. Both are Catholics, and Mr. Kane is a Democrat 
and Greenbacker. P. O., Pittstield. 

Nathaniel Kellogg^ farmer, sees. 21 and 22, is a native of Massa- 
chusetts, born in 1824; remained there until 1854, when he 
married Miss Sarah M. Brown, daughter of Oliver and Lucy 
Brown, born in the same State in 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg 
came to Pittsfield in 1854, where they now reside. Mr. K. is the 
son of Charles and Mrs. P. (Foot) Kellogg, the former a native of 
Massachusetts, born in 1782, and died in the same State in 1853, 
the latter also a native of Massachusetts, born in 1787; she came 
to Illinois with her son, D. F. Kellogg, and died at his house in 
1868, at the age of 81 years. Our subject is a well-to-do farmer. 
P. O., Pittsfield. 

Theodore Kellogg, Sheriff, son of Ira and Lydia Kellogg, who 
settled in Naples, Scott county, in 1833. His father was the first 
pilot on the Illinois river; came to this county in 1835, and 
selected a home near Perry, where he died in 1856. The sul)ject 
of this biography was born in Genesee county, N. Y., in 1825. 
He carried the mails between Quincy and Perry for 5 years, and 
was proprietor of the hotel at the latter place. In 1860 he mar- 
ried Miss Sarah J. Cockill. He moved to Pittsfield and assumed 
the proprietorship of the Pittsfield House, and the following year 
was elected to his present office, which he ably fills. He is highly 
respected by all. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 691 

Dr. J. H. Ledlie^ physician and surg^eon, was born in Dublin, 
Ireland, Feb. 14, 1883 ; graduated at the Royal College of Physi- 
cians and Surgeons in that city in 1854, when he emigrated to 
Pittsfield, 111., where he has remained ever since in the practice of 
his profession, except the 4 years he was surgeon in the 99th regi- 
ment of Illinois volunteers in the last war; during his service in 
the army he was promoted to the position of Staff Surgeon and 
Medical Director of the 13th Army Corps, and finally Surgeon in 
Charge of the General Hospital at Jefferson City, Mo.; he was 
mustered out as Lieut. Col. in November, 1865, when he returned 
to Pittsfield. He is a member ot" the Adams County Medical 
Society, and of the American Medical Association. Dr. Ledlie 
has a very large practice, and one of the largest and best arranged 
offices in the country. April 4, 1856, in Brooklyn, N. Y., he 
married Elizabeth Betterton, a native of England, and their chil- 
dren are Elizabeth B., born April, 1857, Ann F., born in 1859, and 
died when about 6 weeks old, James C., born in 1861, and died 
Nov., 1878, and Mary H., born in 1863. 

J. C. Leiois, druggist. This house was opened in 1877, being a 
copartnership of Lewis & Hyde, who carried on a lucrative trade 
for 15 months, when the firm dissolved. Under its present man- 
agement it carries a stock of $4,000, with average sales of $30,000 
per year, and is the finest and largest drug store in the county; it is 
located on the north side of the Public Square, Pittsfield. The 
subject of this sketch was born in Scott county, 111,, in 1849, and 
was married in Jan., 1878, to Miss Fannie Ray, a native of this 
county, and daughter of John and Margaret (Huber) Ray. They 
have one child, whom they have christened Ray, born April 13, 
1879. Mr. L. is a member of the Christian Church. 

J. C. Lindsay^ of the firm of Lindsay & Silvernail, grocers, Pitts- 
field. The business here was originally carried on by H. H. Thomas, 
passing into the hands of his successor, J. C. Lindsay, in 1876. 
In 1879 Alfred Silvernail was admitted to the firm, and the 
concern is doing a thriving business. Mr. L. is a native of High- 
land county, O,, where he was born in 1842. 

William Lor ett., farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Pittsfield; is a native of 
Vermont, born May 6, 1808; was married in Connecticut in 1829 
to Sarah Graham, and they are the parents of 14 children, 10 girls 
and 4 boys; the latter were all in the late war. Mr. L. owns 195 
acres of land worth $40 per acre; his father was in the war of the 
Revolution. He belongs to the Baptist Church, and is a Democrat. 

James Manton, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Pittsfield; is a son of John 
and Elizabeth Manton, both natives of England, where the subject 
of this sketch was born Jan. 2, 1815. He came to America in 1854, 
and settled in this county. Fourteen years prior to his comino- to 
America hewas united in marriage with Miss Charlotte Hamerton 
Shets, who is also a native of England. To them have been born 14 
children, 10 of whom are living, — William, Thomas, George, Ma- 
ria, Lucy A., James, Nancy, Anna, Lizzie and Fannie. The de- 



692 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

ceased are Rachel, Mary A., Emma and Charles. Mr. Manton is 
one of the lar^^est farmers and land-holders in this county, owning 
825 acres of land, valued at $55 per acre. When he came to Amer- 
ica he was the possessor of hut $15, and by energy, application and 
business tact he is able to rank among the solid men of Pike county, 
and as one of the leading and prominent citizens of the county we 
■give his portrait in the pages of this volume. 

Hon. A. C. Matthews, attorney at law and Representative from the 
38th District, was born in Pike county, 111., in 1833; brought up on a 
farm; graduated at Illinois College, Jacksonville, 111., in 1855; was 
admitted to the bar in 1858; was the last commanding officer (Colo- 
nel) of the 99th 111. Vol. Inf. in the late war; from 1869 to 1875 
was Collector of Internal Revenue in the 9th District of Illinois, 
but, resigning this position, he was appointed Supervisor of Inter- 
nal Revenue, which place he also resigned July 1, 1876, when he 
returned to the practice of law; but in November following he was 
elected as a Representative in the State Legislature, receiving 12,- 
600 votes, and in 1878 was re-elected by 5,563^ votes. 

Azariah Mays, farmer, sec. 32; P. O., New Hartford; is a na- 
tive of Ohio, born in 1827, and was married there in 1848, to Miss 
Rebecca J. Davis, who was born in Aug., 1828. They are the pa- 
rents of 3 children, — Marcellus. EUie, now wife of Edward Dun- 
nino;, of this county, and William. Mr. M. came to this county in 
1864; owns 100 acres of land, worth $60 per acre. He was in the 
late war, in Co. C, 49th Reg. O. I., and served 2 months, and 
was discharged in consequence of disability. He is a Republican. 

J. H. McClintock, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Pittsfield; is a native 
of this county, born April 28, 1839; is a son of William and Bar- 
bara (Ribble) McClintock, natives of Tennessee and Indiana, re- 
spectively. Aug. 28, 1874, he married Catharine Duffield, who 
was born in Indiana, March 7, 1845, and they are the parents of 6 
children, 5 living; their names are Alice, Wm. F., Lucinda A., 
James L., Barbara C. and Paul. Mr. M. holds the office of Col- 
lector at the present time, and is a member of the Christian Church, 
and an Odd Fellow. 

Edward MoCoughey, farmer, sec. 11; owns 120 acres of land, 
worth $50 per acre; is a native of Ireland, born in 1819; came to 
America in 1844, and settled in Rhode Island; was married in 
New York in 1850, to Anna McCormick, also a native of Ireland, 
and was born in June, 1830. They have had 2 children, one liv- 
ing, — Patrick P. The name of the deceased was Sarah. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. McC. are members of the Catholic Church. 

Jordan McSpawn, carpenter, is a native of Kentucky, where he 
was born in 1816; he came to this State in 1888; tlie same year he 
was united in marriage with Mary Badgely. a native of Pennsylvania, 
where she was born in 1819. To them have been born 7 children, 
6 of whom are living. Mr. McSpawn has served as Constable four 
years, and Deput}' Sheriff two terms. He is a member of the 
Christian Church, and politically a Republican. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 693 

H. R. Mills, dealer in books and stationery, Pittsfield, is a na- 
tive of Ohio, where he was born in 1S53; in 1869 he was nnited in 
marria_2;e in this connty with Miss Barbara, daughter of D. D. and 
Julia (Burbridge) Hicks. Their two children are Arthur H. and 
Frank W.. Both he and his wife belong to the Church of the Lat- 
ter-Day Saints. Mr. M. has lield the office of Town Clerk two 
terms. Politically he is a Bepublican. 

James Mirrielees <& Co., grocers, Pittsfield. The copartnership 
of this house was formed in 1867, and the firm carry a stock of 
IS,^^©, with annual average sales of $20,000, and enjoy increasing 
trade. Mr. M. is a native of Scotland, and was born in 1840; 
crossed the ocean to America in 1863, and settled in.^^ Louis, 
where he resided until he came to this county in 186Tr 

Rufus M. Murray, County Treasurer; was born in Kinderhook, 
Pike county, in 1837; is a son of Eleazer Murray, who settled in 
that tp. in 1832, and died in 1852. Jan. L, 1868, 'Mr. Murray mar- 
ried Elizabeth, daughter of Squire Wilson, of Kinderhook. He has 
filled many local offices in his native tp., where he resided until 
called to fulfill the duties of his present position. He is one of 
the reliable men of the county, and has many warm friends. 

C. L. Ohst, photographer, was born in Saxony, Germany, in 
1832; emigrated to this country in 1849 and settled in Baltimore, 
Md., where he engaged in decorative painting. Subsequently he 
removed to York, Pa., and to this county in 1857; the same year 
was married to Miss Elizabeth "Wildin, and they have one child. 
He established himself in his present business in 1859 and is en- 
joying a fair trade. 

Jeff Orr, State's Attorney, located in Pittsfield Feb. 26, ISlSv 
and entered upon his profession the same year. Nov. 7, 1879, he 
married Ella M. Yates. He is a hard student of the law and wed- 
ded to his profession; is permanently located in Pittsfield, where he 
expects to devote the remainder of his life to his vocation. Ella 
M. is reading, and will take a thorough law course, to assist her 
husband in his profession. Mr. Orr is a native of Harrison county, 
Ohio. 

C. W. Patterson is a native of Berkshire county, Mass., and was 
born Jan. 9, 1829; was married Sept. 10, 1848, to Mary Y. Carpen- 
ter, a native of the same county, by whom he has 2 children. He 
is a blacksmith by trade and followed this occupation for 10 years 
after settling in Pittsfield; he subsequently officiated as Deputy 
Postmaster 2^ years, and assisted as clerk in the store of J. B. Wal- 
mouth until elected Justice of the Peace, in which capacity he has 
served for 10 successive j^ears, the duties of which he has always 
discharged to the satisfaction of the public. 

Marcell^is Peckinpaw, grocer; inaugurated himself in business 
on the west side of the Square in 1873, in company with John 
Boj'd, in the sale of tobacco, etc. Eighteen months afterward the 
firm dissolved, and Mr. P. carried on a successful trade under his 
own name; subsequently he formed a partnership with J. C. Lind- 



()94 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 

say, to whom he afterward sold, and in 1878 he purchased a new 
stock and opened his present place; lias a stock of $2,000. 

William Pence, farmer, sec. 1 ; P. O., Pittslield ; was born in 
Preble county, O., in 1839 ; was married in 1S66 to Miss Sarah 
Little, and they have 2 children, Thomas A. and Ida M. Mr. P. 
came to tliis county in 185G and settled in this tp., where he has 
since made it his home and owns 70 acl'cs of land valued at $60 
per acre. In ])olitics he is a Democrat. 

G. S. Pennington, ticket and station agent, Pittsfield; born in 
Greene county. 111., in 1841, where his father, Joel, settled in 1839. 
Ten years afterward the family came to this oMy where Mr. P. en- 
gaged as clerk in the Circuit Clerk's office, where he remained for 
some years. Subsequently he entered the Illinois College, at Jack- 
sonville, for the study of law, and at the breaking out of the Re- 
bellion received an appointment as clerk in the disbursing office 
at Springfield, and was promoted to Chief Clerk, serving until the 
close of the war; returning home he was appointed to his present 
position in 1869, and the same year married Miss Annette Stout, 
who died, leaving one child, Frank. His present wife is Maggie, 
daughter of James Sutton, of Springfield. 

George B. Purhitt is one of the early and prominent citizens of 
Pike county. He is the son of Henry and Mary W. (Tucker) Pur- 
kitt, the latter of whom is still living at the advanced age of 91 
years. His father lived to the age of 92. George B. is a native 
of Massachusetts, where he was born in 1809. . He came to Illinois 
in 1831 and settled in Jacksonville, where he attended college as a 
companion of Gov. Yates. The following year he came to Pike 
count}'. In 1836, in Morgan county, he was united in marriage 
to Harriet Provost, a native of New York, where she was born in 
1819; she died in 1860; by this union two children were born, one 
of whom, a son, is living. He was again married in 1865, this 
time to Mrs. Phimelia Garbutt, also a native of the Empire State, 
and was born in 1816. Mr. P. is a member of the Congregational 
Church, and is one of the earlv and honored citizens of Pike 
county. 

William H. B after y, farmer, sec. 21; P. O., Pittsfield; owns 160 
acres of land worth $40 per acre; he is a native of this county, 
born Jan. 27, 1844; was raised on a farm, and had but limited 
means to commence active life with, but by industry and economy 
has obtained a good property. He has been Deputy Sheriff", dis- 
charging his duties acceptably. Was married in this county in 1868 
to Nancy E. Mottley, who was born in this county, Dec. 2, 1843. 
They are the ])arents of 5 children, viz: John, William, Thomas, 
Robert E. and Clarence. Mr. R. is of Irish descent. 

Jason A. Rider, Circuit Clerk and Recorder, was born in Barn- 
stable county, Mass., in 1834; came West with his parents in 1852, 
locatinor at Griggsville, Pike Co. Durinj; most of the years from 
1852 to 1864 he was engaged in steam-boating, as clerk, with his 
brother, Capt. Rider. In 1858 he married Miss Jennie E. Cree,. 









PITTSFIELD TP 



v^ 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 697 

wliose family were early settlers in the county. From 1864 to 
1873, was engaged in the mercantile business at Griggsville; in 
1874 was elected Justice of the Peace in that town, which office he 
held until elected to his present position in 1876, which position 
he fills with entire acceptability to the public. He has 5 children 
the oklest of whom, Samuel W., is Deputy Clerk. ' 

J. Willis Boherts, Justice of the Peace, was born in Martins- 
hurg tp., this county, Oct. 13, 1854, son of J. S.Roberts, editor of 
1/ie Umon, and Justice of the Peace in Pittsfield; Auo- ]0 1868 
became to Pittsfield; 1873, etc., he taught school two te^'rms in this 
county; from June, 1875, to May, 1877, he spent most of the time 
if I'i^^^^^ county, and since then has been again a resident of Pitts- 
field. Mr. Itoberts has a good education, is Clerk of Pittsfield 
lown Board ol Trustees, and Sept. 19, 1878, he was elected Justice 
ot the Peace, Mdiich position he now holds, his place of business 

nT^on^ii'.'' north side of the Public Square. He was married 
Oct. 30, 1879. 

Charles Rogers, farmer, sec. 31 ; P. O., New Hartford ; owns 102^ 
acres ot land worth $50 per acre ; is a son of David and Elizabeth 
(Sargent) Rogers, the former a native of North Carolina and the 
latter ot feoutli Carolina. He was born in Pike county in 1841 • in 
1862 he enhsted in the war in Co. A, 99th Reg. I. V. I.; served 8 
months and was mustered out in Missouri; was married in Pike 
county m 1867, to Harriet West, a native of England, who was 
born in 1842 Their children are David R. and Anna M. Those 
deceased are Ellen and William. Mr. R. belongs to the Masonic 
order, and is a Republican. 

Col. Fmi?m-, deceased, was born April 24, 1792, in the town 
oiMonson, Hampden county. Mass. His father, Micah Ross, in 
\l-ib wTr *^-^?^"sfield, Mass. Upon the declaration of war in 
IblJ, William Ross obtained a commission as Ensign in the 21st 
regiment United States Infantry, commanded by Col. E W Rip- 
I\o?o 7^^ ^^^" ^^^®^' o^^ered on recruiting service. In the s'pring 
ot 1813, he was directed to unite his men with those of his brother 
Capt. Leonard Ross, of the same regiment, at Greenbush N Y ' 
and was subsequently dispatched to join the command of Major 
Aspinwall, about five hundred infantry of the 9th Regiment who 
had been ordered to take up a forced march for Buffalo, then 
threatened by the enemy's forces. Arrived at Utica, the troops 
were met by an express, informing them of the capture and de- 
struction of Buffalo, and directed their immediate march to Sackett's 
Harbor. Accordingly, proceeding to Oswego, on Lake Ontario, 
they embarked m fitty open row-boats, and set out for the harbor- 
but hardly had they made Stony Island than they heard the roar 
ot cannon, and discovered the British fleet, M'ith gun-boats and In- 
dian canoes in the rear. They at once attempted to run the gauntlet 
ot the enemy s armed vessels, and, rushing amid the fire of the o-tm- 
boats, twenty-five of their own frail craft succeeded in reaching? the 
harbor, the remainder being captured by the British. Captain Ross 



698 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

and the young Ensign were among the successful ones. The next 
day took place the memorable battle of Sackett's Harbor, in which 
the brothers led about one hundred men, and in which 500 Ameri- 
cans drove back 1,300 British. Ol' the detachment commanded by 
the Rosses, one-third was either killed or wounded in the conflict. 

Soon after this battle, the Ilosses were transferred to the 40th 
Regiment, infantr\% and ordered to the seaboard, where the Captain 
took command of Fort AV^arren, in Boston Harbor, and William 
Ross was detached to Marblehead, to drill the troops of that post, 
and subsequently removed to the Gurnet fort, near Plymouth, Mass., 
where he remained till the close of the war. He then returned to 
Pittsfield, and set up the business of a blacksmith, hiring work- 
men, however, as he possessed no knowledge of the trade himself. 

In the summer of 1820, as s])oken of elsewhere in this book, in 
company with four brothers, and a few other families, lie started 
for what was then known as the Far West — the State of Illinois. 

For awhile the prospects of these settlers were very flattering^ 
but afterward sickness and death entered their ranks. Col. Ross 
lost his first wife, one brother, and seve.ral of the compan}^ the first 
year. Subsequently, the Colonel visited New York, and married a 
Miss Adams, of that State, after which he returned to Illinois, laid 
out a town embracing his first location, and named it Atlas, which 
afterward became the county-seat of the county. There had 
previously been established a postoftice, called Ross Settlement, 
but this designation soon gave way to the one now adopted by the 
Colonel, who soon commenced improving a farm, and built a mill, 
which was much needed at the time. His efforts were now fol- 
lowed by the blessings of a kind Providence; and though he arrived 
in Illinois a poor man, he speedily, through economy and untiring 
energy, began to realize an increase of property and popularity. 
He became Judge of Probate for the county of Pike, which office 
he held for many years, enjoying the imbounded confidence of the 
people. He also served as clerk of the Circuit and County Courts, 
and filled with credit many minor offices, among which were 
Colonel of Militia and Justice of the Peace, in all of which he won 
the esteem of his fellow-citizens. 

In April, 1832, at the commencement of the Black Hawk war. 
Col. Ross was ordered by the Governor to raise a company out of 
his regiment forthwith, and join the forces at Beardstown. He 
received the order on Friday, and on the following Tuesday pre- 
sented himself at the rendezvous, in Beardstown, with double the 
number of men designated in the requisition. He was selected as 
aide to the commanding general, served with much popularity 
throughout the campaign, and then returned once more to private 
life, devoting himself to building operations and the improvement 
of the county where he resided. Prosperity still smiled on his 
every effort. In 1835 he was elected to the Legislature of Illinois, 
and while a member of this body procured the passage of a law 
peculiarly adapted to the Military Tract, which afterward proved 



HISTORY OF PIKK COUNTY. 699 

of great importance to that section of country. Col. Ross was 
subsequently chosen to the Senate several terms, serving five or 
six sessions in that body. 

In private life the Colonel was a warm friend, and willing, more- 
over, to forgive his enemies. Punctual in his business relations, 
governed by strict integrity, and zealous in all his labors, he won 
the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens in every walk. 

As early as 1833, it became evident to the people of Atlas that 
the county-seat would at no distant day be removed to some point 
nearer the center of the county. Col. Ross joined heartily in this 
movement, and advanced to the county authorities the money with 
which to enter the land upon which Pittsfield is now located. 
The County Commissioners — Col. Barney, George Hinman, and 
Hawkins Judd — did the Colonel the honor to ask him to name the 
new county-seat, which he accordingly did, calling it Pittsiield, in 
honor of his old home in Massachusetts. In this beautiful place 
he erected a dwelling-house, 1835. It is safe to say that no public 
enterprise in the county ever escaped his observation, or was com- 
pleted without his aid. 

During the dark days of our late civil war, though incapacitated 
for the field by an almost total loss of sight, he used his influence 
and his purse to raise men to defend the flag. He assisted largely 
in getting up the 99th Illinois regiment, and other organizations 
of troops raised in Pike county. We give Col. Ross' portrait in 
the pages of this volume. 

H. G. Scanland, Pittsfield, was born in Gallatin, now Carroll, 
county, near the mouth of the Kentucky river; came to this county 
in 1817 and settled in this city. During the Rebellion he was ap- 
pointed to the important position of master of transportation at 
Cairo, which office he so well filled that upon his resignation he 
was presented with a beautiful and valuable solid silver service in- 
scribed '' Capt. R. C. Scanland, by his man3' friends. " Leaving 
Cairo he returned to Pittsfield and engaged in merchandising until 
1870, when he accepted the agency of the Continental and other 
insurance companies, and has since made that line a specialty, and 
the large business done attests his devotion to it. He has paid in 
losses over $25,000 in Pike county. Mr. S. was married to Miss 
S. A., sister of Hon. H. T. Mudd, of St. Louis, who lived but a short 
time after marriage. He was then married to Miss S. J., daughter 
of A¥illiam Watson, who died, leaving a son and a daughter. His 
present wife was Miss C. S. Wicks, a native of Syracuse, New York. 

R. S. Sellee, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., Pittsfield; owns 47 acres of 
land worth $50 per acre; was born in Missouri April 11, 1858; 
married in this county in 1877, to Emily C. Willsey, and they have 
1 child, Mary E., born Jan. 13, 1878. Mr. S. is a Democrat. 

Benjamin Sello7i, farmer, sec. 27, owns 80 acres worth $50 per 
acre; was born in England July 28, 1818; came to America with his 
father in 1821, and to this county in 1836; in 1861 he enlisted in 
Co. D, 3d Reg. Mo. Inf. and served 2 years; was in the battle of 



YOO HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Arkansas Post, sie^e of Vicksbnrg, and several others. He was 
first promoted to Orderly Sergeant and then to 1st Lieutenant; 
served 2 years and was honorably discharged. He tlien organized 
a Reg. of colored troops, and was appointed 1st Lieut. He was 
married in this county in 1848 to Miss Harriet — who was born in 
Ireland in 1816, and they have -4 living children, — John, Harriet, 
William G. and Charlotte Maria. Mr. S. has held the offices of 
Assessor and Collector, etc. He is an Episcopalian. P. O., Pitts- 
field. 

Dr. T. W. SJiastid, physician and surgeon, was born in Sangamon 
county, 111., near Petei sburg (near where Abraham Lincoln once kept 
a grocery), Aug, 26, 1831, son of John G. and Elizabeth B. (Ed- 
wards), the former a native of Kentucky and a fanner, and the 
latter of Nortli Carolina. When T. W. was 47^ years of age the 
family moved to Pittsfield, where Mrs. S. died Dec. 8, 1863, and 
Mr. S. Feb. 5, 1874. The subject of this brief biography was edu- 
cated in his boyhood in Pittsfield, and subsequently received his 
medical education with Prof. John T. Hodgen of Pittsfield, and 
at McDowell's College, which was the medical department of the 
Universit}^ of the State of Missouri at St. Louis. After graduating 
he first settled at Pleasant Hill, practicing there for o^ years, in 
partnership with Dr. John A. Thomas for about 3 years; since then 
he has practiced at Pittsfield, where he is now Examining Surgeon 
for CL S. pensioners. Aug. 2, 1860, he married Mary F. Edwards, 
by whom he had one son, Wm. Edwards, March 12, 1863. Oct. 1 
1865, he married a second time, taking Louise M. Hall, and their 
children are, Thomas Hall, born July 19, 1866, Jon Shepherd, 
Jan. 20, 1870;. and Joseph Calvin, April 13, 1877. 

William Shiiin. The founders of the Shinn family in America 
were 3 brothers, who emigrated from England, their native country, 
about 150 years ago, 2 of them locating in New Jersey near Phila- 
delphia and 1 in Virginia, where they reared families; they were 
prominent, respectable peo]>le, many of them being in the ministry, 
■ principally Methodists. The subject of this sketch descended 
from the New Jersey branch of the family. His father, Daniel 
Shinn, is the first of the family that located in Pike county, and 
is counted as one of the earliest and most respected of Pike 
county's pioneers. On his arrival here in 1820, he located near 
the present town of Atlas. He brought into the county at that 
time the first wagon that ever came within its boundaries ; about 
2 years afterwards he bought a farm of 160 acres on the N. W. \ 
of sec. 12, Atlas tp., on which he immediately erected a small log 
house, into which he moved with his wife and 6 children. He was 
married in the State of New Jersey to Mary Haskett, who was of 
Scotch descent, and the 6 children born to them l)efore they came 
to this county, were all born near Cincinnati, Ohio; their names 
were Benjamin, John, Eliza, Mary, Hannah and Phoebe. The first, 
third and last, are the only ones now living. 

The farm above mentioned was wholly in a wild state, in the 



HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 701 

midst of heavy timber, no improvements of any kind, and conse- 
quently he had more to contend with than many in a new country, 
but he was endowed with that indomitable energy and perseverance 
so necessary to the pioneer, and went bravely to work; his means 
were limited, and with a large family to support, it was no small 
merit to obtain success. He was a man of strong religious convic- 
tions, generous and affable to all. He was the first to open the 
house for religious worship, Methodist meetings being held there 
for 10 years. He was prosperous, and gave his sons between 700 
and 800 acres of land; he died in March, 1852, and his wife in Sept., 
1849; they had a family of 13 children, 7 of whom were born in 
this county,— Nancy, Lydia, Henry, William, Daniel, Asa, and an 
infant, deceased. Of these 7, only Nancy, Lydia and William are 
living. 

W?n. Shimi,^ the subject of this sketch, was born in this county 
Jan 7, 1827; his early education was obtained in the old-fashioned 
log school-house, with split logs or puncheons for seals and desks. 
He was principally employed on his father's farm during his boy- 
hood, where he acquired habits of industry and application necessary 
to success. 

June 27, 1816, he married Mary Jane Lytle, at the residence of 
her father, Andrew Lytle. Mr. and Mrs. S. had 5 children, 4 of 
whom are living,— Elizabeth, now married to Wm. Gay,of Atlas tp., 
Albion, married to Lucy Woolfolk, also living in Atlas tp., Wm. D. 
and Mary, who live with their parents, and Daniel, who died at the 
age of 6 years. Mr. Shinn followed farming until 1850, when he 
went to California, it being the height of the gold excitement. After 
an absence of nearly a year he returned, having met with fair suc- 
cess. He went the overland route, and remembers well talkino- with 
companions of the impossibility of the railroad ever going through 
that vast country. He again resumed farming, and has fallowed it 
ever since.^ He has been prominently identified with the business 
interests of Pike county, as an extensive buyer and shipper of cattle, 
hogs and sheep, for the Chicago and St. Louis markets. He has 
been engaged in this business for 30 consecutive years, is now one 
of the largest farmers in Pike county, having some 1,200 acres of 
farm land, raising, on'an average, 200 acres of corn, 150 acres of wheat, 
and handles 150 head of cattle, and from 400 to 500 head of sheep,' 
turning off each year from 125 to 140 fat sheep. About the year 
1860 he bought his present residence and farm on sec. 32, Pitts'field 
tp., then consisting of 110 acres. To it has since been added so 
that there are now 530 acres. 

Mrs. Shinn's father, Andrew Lytle, and his wife, Elizabeth (Wag- 
oner) Lytle, were early settlers in this coujity, dating back to 1837. 
He was a native of Ross county, O., and his wife of Maryland. 

Augustus Simpldns was born in Marion county, Ind^, in 1833* 
came to this countj^ in 1856, and settled on a farm" in Martinsburg 
tp. Three years afterward he went to Rockport and engaged in 
merchandising, where he remained until 1870, when he^vas ap- 



702 HISTORY OF PIKE BOUNTY. 

pointed Deputy Sheriff, and two year i afterward was elected Sheriff. 
Before the close of his term he leased tiie Mansion House, which 
he kept for 14 months, then sold out, opening his present ])lace of 
business. He was twice elected constabit; in this city, and Super- 
visor in Marti nsburg tp. and Atlas, also a member of the Town 
Board for 3 years, and has always taken an active interest in county 
affairs. In 185 i he married JSancy J. Francis, and they have 5 
living children. 

J. A. Smithy stock-dealer, is a native of Ohio, where he was born 
in 1833; was reared upon a farm and adopted that as his profession, 
which he followed until 1861; he then embarked in the mercantile 
business. He erected a large mill at Time, this county, in 1867, 
which he conducted for 4 years. He now owns 3 houses in that 
town and 160 acres of land in Hardin tp., an interest in a warehouse 
at Montezuma, etc. He buys and ships cattle, horses, hogs and 
sheep, and is a large and liberal purchaser. He came to this county 
in 1853, and 2 years later was married to Mary Dinsmore, a na- 
tive of this State. She was born in 1838, and died in 1871. To 
them were born 4 children. He was married in 1873 to L. H. 
Allen, who was born in Kentucky in 1838. Leslie is their only 
child. 

Jeremiah Pence, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Pittsfield; was born in 
Rockingham county, Ya., in 1807; is a son of William and Chris- 
tina (Sellers) Pence, of that State. He was married in Ohio in 
1832, to Margaret A. Brawly, a native of North Carolina; he came 
to this county in 1837, and the following year he selected the site 
of his present home, which, from an unbroken wilderness, has been 
transformed to a well cultivated farm, comprising 185 acres, valued 
at $40 per acre. Mr. P. is one of the oldest settlers of the county, 
and a staunch Democrat. Of his several children 3 are living. 

Dr. Ahner F. /S^«^«Cd/*, farmer, sec. 7 ; P. O., Pittsfield; son of 
Isaac and Khoda (Beadsley) Spencer, the former a native of New 
York, and the latter of Connecticut. Abner F. is a native of Con- 
necticut, and was born July 11, 1823; emigrated to this county in 
1852, and settled in tiiis tp. Dec. 12, 1850, he married Mary E. 
Sanders, a native of Kentucky, and who was born in 1833, and they 
have had 9 children, 7 living, namel}-: James S., Mary E., now 
wife of Miles Cox, of Kentuckv, Elizabeth P., Lewis L., Martha 
B., Abner F. and Abgora. Those deceased are Frank and Isaac. 
The Doctor commenced his medical studies in 1846, graduating at 
the Sterling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, in 1849, and com- 
menced practice the same year and continued it until 1862. He 
now owns 160 acres of land worth $50 per acre. In religious faith 
he is a Swedenborgian, and in politics is a Republican. 

F. _Striihinger, Pittsfield, was born in Abbotstown, Pa., in 1832; 
came to this county in 1863 and settled 9 miles west of this city, 
where he engaged in farming, and working at his trade, plastering. 
Subsequently he visited his native State and returned to this city 
in 1866, and the following year opened the market now occupied 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 703 

by Mr. Sirapkins. The next year he established himself in his 
present business. 

Jaooh Strauss, of the firm of Strauss Brothers, merchants, west 
side of the Square, Pittsfield, where they carry a large stock of dry- 
goods, clothing, etc. Jacob was born in February, 1843, and came 
to America in 1853 and settled in New York, where he remained 
4 years, during which time he clerked in a dry-goods store; in 1863 
he came to this county and embarked in business, where he has an 
extensive and increasing trade, carrying a large stock, and employ- 
ing four salesmen. In 1873 he was united in marriage at^ Cincin- 
nati with Minnie Herman, who was born in 1853, in his native 
country in Europe. They have two children, Emanuel and Samuel. 

William M. Thompson, teacher, was born Oct. 19, 1846, in Car-/ 
roll county, Va., and is a son of Raleigh Thompson, of Livingston 
county. Mo. He was a soldier in the Confederate army, and since 
that time worked by the month to obtain money to defray his ex- 
penses wliile attending school in Pittsfield. He taught 3 years at 
Fairview school-house near Pittsfield, and is now teacher of Inde- 
pendence School, Hardin tp., and is very successful as a teacher, 
and one of the most prominent teachers of the county. 

Augustus Tromhold, blacksmith, Pittsfield, is a native of Ger- 
many, born Nov. 22, 1847; came to America in 1849, remaining 7 
years in New York, thence to Iowa, and in 1869 to Pittsfield, where 
he has since resided. He was married in Brown county in 1873 to 
Miss L. C. Bitter, a native of Ohio, born in 1854, and they have 3 
children: Anna, George J. and Charles A. Mr. T. is a member of 
the Lutlieran Church, and is a Democrat. In 1863 he enlisted in 
an Iowa Cavalry Reg't, serving one year. 

Willia7n Watson, born in Chester Co., Pa., Feb. 26, 1798, son of 
Archibald Watson of that State, who emigrated to Missouri in 1818, 
and settled in Louisiana. Ten years after, he moved to St. Charles, 
where he passed the remainder of his days. The subject of this 
sketch was married at Galena in 1828, to Miss Diadema McQuigg, 
a native of Oswego, N. Y., where she was born in 1802. After 
marriage he returned to St. Charles, and in 1833 came to this city, 
and settled temporarily in a small hut or shanty, then located on the 
present site of the city Square, being the first settler of Pittsfield. 
Same year lie erected a dwelling south of the Mansion House, where 
he opened a small stock of goods. Two pilgrims named Greene 
and Barber were boarders in the family at that time. This edifice 
«till stands the test of time and as a living monument to his decay- 
ing memory and declining years. Five 3'ears later he built the Man- 
sion House, which he conducted successfuUv for 14 years. His 
mercantile pursuit of 21 years was crowned with prosperity, and 
he retired from the active field of life with considerable wealth, so 
that liis old age can be spent in reaping the reward of a well di- 
rected industry. He was atone time Judge of the Probate Court, 
and served as County Treasurer 4 years. He is residing with 
only living child, Ellen, wife of Bev. Dr. Barrett, deceased, as 



704 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

of the pioneers of Pike county, a worthy and venerable citizen. We 
give the portrait of Mr. Watson in the pages of this book. 

Jaines Wassell, fanner, sec. 31; is a son of William and Su- 
sannah (Gray) Wassell, natives of England; who came to America 
in 1830, where the subject of our sketch was born in 1835. His 
parents brought him to this county in 1837. In 1857 he married 
Sarah E. Mather, who was born in Morgan county, this State, and 
after becoming the mother of G childi-en, died. Tiie names of the 
children are Mary, William, Elmer, Grant, Georgia and Arthur. In 
1879 Mr. W. married Emma Bentley, a native of this county, who 
was born in 1850. He is a member of the Christian Church, and 
a Republican in politics. 

Hon. Scott Wike, attorney at law, was born April (>, 1834, near 
Meadville, Pa., son of George and Ann (Grubb) Wike, natives of 
Pennsylvania, who came to Quincy in 1838, and to Pike Co. in the 
spring of 1844. Mr, George Wike still resides near Barrj', where 
he formerly was a woolen manufacturer at the " Barry ^V^oolen 
Mills." The subject of this sketch studied law one year at Har- 
vard University, was admitted to the bar in 1858, and Oct. 8, 1859, 
he located in Pittsfield and commenced the practice of law; in 1862 
and 1864 he was elected Representative in the State Legislature 
from Pike and Scott counties; and in 1874 he was elected lo Con- 
gress. He commenced the practice of law alone, but afterward 
formed a partnership with Milton Hay and A. C. Matthews, then 
with C. L. Higbee until 1861 and then was alone again until February, 
1879, when he entered into partnership with Mr. Matthews and 
Harry Higbee. 

George Wilder, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Pittsfield; born in York 
Co., Pa., in 1827; married Caroline Keener, a native of the same 
State, by whom he has 4 children; came to this Co. in 1857, and 
settled on his present estate, consisting of 160 acres well cultivated 
land, valued at $100 per acre. This farm and improvements may 
be considered the finest in this tp. The house is a two-story frame 
building, with all modern improvements, and occupies a sightly 
eminence above the road, commanding a fine view of the surround- 
ing country. This farm is now open for purchase, and a bargain 
for a first-class farmer. 

John H. Wlldin, artist, Pittsfield, was born Feb. 14, 1844, and 
is a native of Pennsylvania, and a son of John and Mag'dalene 
(Stubinger) Wildin. Until 19 years of age he followed farming; 
came to Illinois in 1S53, and settled in this county, and for the 
last 8 years has been practicing his profession. In 1876 he mar- 
ried Hester McFadden, who was born in Missouri in 1850. Polit- 
ically he is a Democrat. 

William Elza Williams was born in Detroit township near 
the town of Detroit, this county. May 5, 1857. He is the second 
child of David Anderson and Emily Adeline Williams, both of 
whom were reared in Pike county, and the offspring of hardy pio- 
neer settlers. His great-grandfather j9a^(3/';ia, Williams, came 



HISTORY OF PIKE COONTY. 



705 



to this country from England previous to the Kevolution, and 
fought for his adopted country throughout that war, and was 
at the surrender of Yorktown, and also was a soldier in the war of 
1812 from North CaroHna. The grandfather, John Anderson Wil- 
liams, was born in Maryland in 1799, and removed with his father 
to Korth Carolina wdien but a small boy, w4ience he came to Illi- 
nois with a large family in 1834. He settled on sec. 32, Detroit 
township, where the subject of this sketch was afterward born. 
With the assistance of a large family he opened up an extensive 
farm and became a wealthy and influential citizen. He was a de- 
voted member of the Baptist Church, a firm supporter of Jackson 
and Douglas, and died in 1876 at a ripe old age, in Sedalia, Mis- 
souri. David Anderson Williams, the father, was born in North 
Carolina in July, 1832. He was first married to Miss Martesia 
Scanland, of Pittsfield, who died the- following year without off- 
spring. On the 10th of May, 1854, he was married to Miss Emily 
Adeline Hayden, of Newburg, his present wife, and the mother of 
the subject of this sketch. He is now living on the old home 
place, a good and respectable citizen and neighbor. He proudly fol- 
lows in the footsteps of his ancestors, a firm and unswerving Demo- 
crat. The mother is a daughter of Louis Elza Hayden, a resident of 
Newburg township, and was born in JSTovember, 1837, in Pike county. 
Her father, who came to Illinois from Missouri in 1834, was born in 
Kentucky in 1809, and is still living, a spry, active old man 71 years 
of age. His grandfather, Elisha Hayden, was the son of English pa- 
rents and was born in Virginia in 1755. He was a Revolutionary 
hero from his native State, where his body now lies. His son, Elisha 
Haj'den, the great grandfather of tlie subject of this sketch, was 
born in Virgin ia, removed to North Carolinti and afterward to 
Kentucky, w^iere he entered the military service and fought gal- 
lantly through the war of 1812. 

W. E. Williams is now a practicing attorney in Pittsfield. He 
was reared on a farm with the privileges of a district school four 
months in the year, from which he entered Illinois College at Jack- 
sonville, at the age of 19. He immediately became a member of a 
college society, and from the first exhibited great powers as a de- 
bater, and was among the first scholars in school. During his last 
collegiate year he commenced the study of law, and Aug. 12, 1878, 
entered the law office of J. W. Johnson at Pittsfield, and became a 
close student. After the formation of the firm of Irwin & John- 
son with Jam.es S. Irwan the following year, he remained under the 
instructions of both until March 5, 1880, when he passed a success- 
ful examination before the Appellate Court, 1st District, at Chicago. 
On the 24th of August, 1879, he was married to Miss Maggie 
Gallaher, of Pittsfield, daughter of James Gallaher, editor of the 
Old Flag^ and was born in N. Y. City June 11, 1857. 

Ahner Y. Wills, whose portrait may be found in this volume, 
was born Feb. 14, 1849, at Summer Hill, this county, and is a son 
of the well known Wm. R. Wills, sr. Mr. Wills Is at present one 



706 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

of the largest fanners in Pike county, having about 1,100 acres of 
land. lie raises annually on an average 200 acres of wheat, 300 
acres of corn, and turns off about 300 sheep, of which he keeps 
high grades, and thorough-bred stock of all kinds, and in which he 
is ciuite extensivelv enoj-ai^ed. He is also an extensive dealer and 
trader in land, etc. His own residence is on the southwest quarter 
of sec. 21. 

March 22, 1868, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Helme, 
daujjhter of John Hehne, and they have a family of 6 children, 
namely, John, William, Emily, Mille, Melinda and Emmet. 

Charles Wills, barber, Pittslield; born in Germany in 1840; 
■came to America in 1854, stopping in St. Louis, Mo., where he 
remained until he came to this city in 1868, when he established 
himself in business. In 1863 he married Elizabeth Stueck, a 
native of Germany, and they have 5 children. Mr. W. is an enter- 
prising man, and has a fair trade. 

Willicwi R. Wills, sr., whose portrait we give in this volume, 
w^as born in New York in 1810; at the age of 8 his parents moved 
to the Buckeye State, where they remained 11 years; when 19 years 
of age he started South in company with a younger brother, A. V. 
Wills, and arrived in New (3rleans, where they remained for sev- 
eral months; AV. R. then returned North, locating in Pike county, 
where he worked as a laborer for six years. He was united in 
marriage with Miss Sarah M.Coles in 1836. She was born in 
New Hampshire in 1810; after his marriage he commenced farm- 
ing on a rented farm in Atlas tp. His wife died in July of the 
same year. Being thus left alone in the world, he sold out what 
effects he had, and went East. Here he remained about ^. months; 
he then returned to 'Pike county and engaged in trading in various 
ways until 1838; in that year he married Miss L. D. Scott, who 
was born in the Empire State in 1812, and was brought to Illinois 
in 1818. Three years thereafter he purchased a farm near Summer 
Hill, sec. 12, Atlas tp. He remained there for six years, and then 
sold his farm and bought a valuable tract of land on sees. 20 and 
21, Pittsfield tp. He owned at one time at least 4,000 acres of land 
in this county, and had at his decease about 2,000 acres; and he 
died Aug. 6, 1872, leaving a widow and three children, the former 
of whom resides in Pittslield. The children are, — William R., jr., 
Abner Yine and Lucy, who married Jerome D. Chamberlain, and 
now resides in Franklin county, Kan. 

Mr. W. held a commission as Lieutenant in the Black Hawk 
war. This commission, as well as the sword he used, is in the 
possession of his son, Win. R.Wills, jr. He filled the office of Jus- 
tice of the Peace in this county, and always took a prominent part 
in its politics. Perhaps few men had more influence, in moulding 
the political sentiment of the public than he. He was formerly a 
Whig, but after the organization of the Republican party he voted 
with it. l)uring the war he took an active part in furnishing 
means, encouraging enlistments, etc., for its prosecution. Owing 



HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 707 

to the prominent and finn position he took in tliese matters he 
gained many enemies among the opposition — so bitter indeed at 
times as to draw ont threats against his lite; but he at all times 
fearlessly followed the path of duty and patriotism. He was for 
many years a member of the Odd Fellows' order, and that society 
made the arrangements for, and attended his funeral. 

Mr. W. was one of the most prominent traders in stock and 
lands, and one of the largest farmers that ever lived in Pike 
county. It is stated upon good autiiority that $25 was about the 
extent of his capital when he was 30 3'ears of age. At his death, 
aged 62, he was estimated to be worth $140,000. 

Mrs. Wills is a devoted member of the Methodist Church, super- 
intending the Sunday-school for 15 years previous to her husband's 
death. She gave $3,000 toward the erection of their church. 

William R. Wills, ]v.^ was born Oct. 27, lS-i4, at Summer Hill, 
Pike Co., 111., and is a son of Wm. R. "Wills, sr., whose sketch is 
given above. He obtained his education principally in the com- 
mon schools, but graduated at the Bryant & Stratton Commercial 
College at St, Louis. July 23, 1868, he married Elizabeth J. 
Wells, daughter of Robert and Mary Wells, of Pittsfield. She 
was born in this county Aug. 27, 1850. Five children have been 
born to them, one of whom is deceased. The names of those liv- 
ing are, Lucy E., Charles H., Orion R. and Isidora I. Ida was the 
name of the deceased. 

Mr. Wills now resides on sec. 20, this tp., where he is exten- 
sively engaged in farming, owning about 820 acres of land. He 
has turned his attention, especiall}^ for the past 6 years, to the rais- 
ing and breeding of fine stock, such as Short-horn cattle, Cotswold 
sheep, Berkshire hogs and fancy fowls, selling and shipping them 
throughout the Western States. At present he has a herd of 
about 60 Short-horn cattle, all of which are thorough- bred, and 
some of them imported. 

Mr. W. is a Director in the Pike County Agricultural Society, 
and one of its most active and enterprising members. He is also 
Director and Treasurer of the Pike County Mutual Fire Insurance 
Compan3'. It has been in activ^e operation during the past few 
years, meeting with a fair degree of success, not having cost the 
policy-holders over 15 cents on the $100 for a period of four years. 
He is also a Director in the First National Bank of Pittsiield, and 
in ever}' public enterprise he takes 3, leading part. He is a mem- 
ber of the Odd Fellows' society of Pittsfield, and politically a 
Republican. As one of the leading citizens of Pike countj^, we 
present to our readers the portrait of Mr. Wills. * 

Barnett J.WilUey, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Pittsfield; was born 
in the State of New York in 1835; and is the son of Barnett Will- 
sey. In 1840 he was brought by his parents to this county, who 
settled on the present estate, now consisting of 240 acres, valued at 
$50 per acre. Here he has lived ever since, except that from 1854 
to 1857 he was in California, in the mining business, in which he 



708 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

was successful. At his home his vocation has always been farming, 
and in this occupation has been prosperous, being now one of the 
most enterprising and substantial farmers in the community. He 
also deals in stock to some extent. The past year he erected a fine 
two-story framojiouse, with L; also a large frame barn, etc. The im- 
provements on this place are excelled by few, and the farm itself is 
in a most fertile district. In 1858 Mr. Willsey married Elizi Jane 
McClintock, a native of Indiana, and they have 3 children living, — 
Emily Alice, Ciiarles L. and James O. ; one child, Mary E., is de- 
ceased. We give Mr. Willsey's portrait in this volume. 

Jatnes G. W'dlsey. The first of the Willsey family who came 
to this county was a parent of the subject of this sketch. They 
were natives of New York and emigrated to Ohio in 1837, where 
they remained until 1840, when they joined the tide of emigration 
westward and found a location on sec. 34, Pittstield tp. Their names 
were Barnett and Cornelia (Kizer) Willsey. Upon this section 
the}^ established themselves, where Mr. Willsej lived until his death, 
which occurred in 1858. He was buried on the old home farm. 
His widow still resides at the old homestead. James G. was born 
in the State of New York, Feb. 28, 1830, and was therefore about 
10 years of age when his parents came to this county, with whom 
he remained until about 1851, when he married Miss Melinda Rog- 
ers; she was born in Greene Co., 111., in 1830, and was the daugliter 
of David and Fannie Rogers, early settlers in Martinsburg tp. The 
former died in 1871; his wife two years afterward. 

Immediately after James G. Willsey's marriage he settled on 40 
acres of land which his father gave him, where he remained until 
1854, when he selected and purchased the northwest quarter of sec. 
34, Pittsfield tp., which is one of the most fertile sections in this 
county. At that time this land was in a perfectly wild state ; not 
an improvement of anv kind had been placed upon it by the hand 
of man. It was a line, rolling prairie, interspersed here and there 
with patches of scrub oak and hazel-brush. The first land culti- 
vated on this farm was in the summer of 1854, when Mr. W. em- 
ployed a man to break 40 acres, which he did with oxen. This he 
sowed in wheat that fall. The next season he planted this piece in 
corn, and broke another 40 acres for wheat. This land, as fast as 
broken, was surrounded with an eight-rail fence, Mr. W. hauling 
the rails for the same from the south part of Martinsburg tp., a 
distance uf eight miles. In 1857 he erected a log cabin, on the 
north part of his farm, 16 feet square. It contained two rooms, one 
above and one below. Into this cabin he moved his family, and 
althongh rather tight quarters during the busiest seasons, found 
room and accommodations for as many as nine hired hands besides 
his own family. During the years 1868-9 the balance of the 160 
acres was fenced and put under cultivation, with the exception of 
50 acres which he has never plowed, but which he set aside for 
pasture for stock, there being several never-failing springs of pure 
water on this. Mr. W. ascribes much of his success in the raising 



v 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 709 

of stock, especially liogs, to this pasture, and the fact of tlieir always 
being able to procure pure spring water. He states that during the 
worst seasons of cholera, when hogs all around him were dying, he 
lost very few. 

In 1860 Mr. W. built his present residence. It is a frame stru c 
ture, two stories in height, the main part 18 by 32, L 14 by 28; it 
is one of the finest farm residences in the county. The out-build- 
ings are all of the modern construction and lirst-class in every way. 
Mr. W. has devoted much attention to floriculture, and has a fine 
greenhouse in addition to his i-esidence, in which he has hundreds 
of choice plants, including exotics, etc. Take it all in all, the sur- 
roundings and improvements of tliis home farm render it one of 
the finest and most pleasant in the county. 

Seventeen years ago he purchased the southwest quarter of 
sec. 27. It was partly improvod^ and he has brought it into a 
high state of cultivation. The winter of 1879-'80 he erected on 
this place a very fine residence, which in point of construction and 
modern conveniences is equaled by few. From the observatory on 
this dwelling one of the finest views of the surrounding country 
can be obtained, extending to the west, to Louisiana and Hannibal, 
a distance of 20 miles, and southeast to a distance of about 24 miles. 
Mr. W.'s only child and son, William Riley Willsey, who was born 
in July, 1853, now resides at this place. 

As a relaxation from active business, to which he had applied 
himself with scarcely an intermission since he was a boy, in 1875 
Mr. Willsey decided on making a visit to the Pacific slope to see 
the country and visit numerous relatives, also with some idea of 
locating there, if the golden shore should prove preferable to his 
old home. With the above objects in view, in company with his 
wife and son, he started on this trip, via the Union Pacific P. R. 
to San Francisco, where several days were agreeably spent in 
viewing the metropolis of California, when he departed by the 
steamer "J. L. Stephens" for Portland, Oregon, and from there 
to Oregon City, where he remained some ten days, and also visited 
the State Fair at Salem;, then took passage up the Columbia river 
to Wallula, Washington Territory. This river he describes as fur- 
nishing the most beautiful scenery he ever beheld. From Wallula 
they took the cars to Walla Walla, where his sister, Mrs. Richard 
Wells, resided. At this place the party remained some four weeks, 
visiting and viewing different parts of the country, Mdien they 
started on their journey homeward, via the Columbia to Portland, 
where they took the cars to Harrisburg ; they then traveled by rail 
to Roseburg, then to the northern terminus of the Oregon and Cali- 
fornia Railroad; from this place they were obliged to travel 270 
miles to |Reading. During this stage trip, which lasted six days 
and six nights, it rained continuously. On several occasions the 
coach was mired down, taking much time and all hands to release 
it. The fatigue of this journey waS so severe that a passenger, an 
old man, became temporarily insane. Our party, however, arrived 



710 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

safely at Reading, wliere they took the railroad for San Francisco ; 
then took the (J. P. R. II. for home, where they arrived abont four 
months after they had left. Thej' were thoroughly satisfied with 
the trip, and also satisfied that they found no better place than at 
the old homestead in Pike. They traveled between 5,000 and 
0,00<) miles, 1,000 of which were on the Pacific Ocean. 

Mr. Willsey's ])ortrait will be found in this volume. 

William B. Willsey, farmer, sec. 34 ; P.O., Pittsfield; is the 
owner of 50 acres of land worth $50 per acre; is a native of this 
county and was born Aug. 24, 1851; was married in this county 
Aug. 9, 1870, to Miss L(,)ese W. Iloyt, a native of Yermont, and 
who was born June 11, 1847. They are the parents of 3 children, 
namely, — Charles H., born May 26, 1871, Ora C, Jan. 2, 1873, and 
Eva M., Jan. 1, 1876. 

WilliamW. WiUsey, farmer, sec. 34; P. O,, Pittsfield; is a son of 
Barnett and Caroline (Kizer) Willsey, natives of New York; is a 
native of this county, and was born in 1848. In 1868 he married 
Frances J. Rolnnson, also a native of Missouri, and was born in 
1848. They have 3 children,— Perry A., Almira M. and ISTancy C; 
both Mr. and Mrs. W. belong to the Christian Church. Mr. W. 
owns 80 acres of land worth $60 per acre, and is a Democrat. 

ConradWinand^ blacksmith; born in Germany in 1838; came to 
America in 1854 and settled in Xew York, where he remained 4 
years; came to Pittsfield in 1859; married in this county in 186S to 
Hannah Purset, a native of Pike county, born in 1848, and their 3 
children are Lewis H., Franklin C. and Bertie E. In 1861 Mr. W. 
enlisted in Co. K, 2d Heg. Ill, Cav., and served 3 years; was in 
several hard-fought battles; had a horse shot from under him by a 
musket ball without injury to himself. He owns one lot with good 
dwelling and shop; is a member of the M. E. Church, and a Re- 
publican. 

Isaac Winatis, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Pittsfield; was born in 
Essex, now Union Co., N. J., in 1829. Is a son of Jonas and 
Sarah (Stiles) Winans, of that State. The family came to this 
count}^ in 1846, and settled south of Pittsfield, where his mother 
died in 1858. His respected father lived until 1878. The subject 
of this sketch was married in 1851 to Miss Sarah ^yebster, a nativ^e 
of Massachusetts, by whom he has 8 children: Norman W., William 
M., John S., Isaac, jr. ; Jonas L., Elmer R., Emma P. and Horace 
G. Mr. AY. has a farm of 400 acres valued at $40 per acre, and is 
one of the enterprising men of Pike county, and a Republican. 

Thomas Worthitigton, M. D., was born near Knoxville, Tenn., 
June 10, 1808, and is a lineal descendant of the AYorthington and 
Calvert (or Baltimore) families of England and Maryland. Plis 
father having died soon after his return from service in the war of 
1812, Dr. Worthington removed to Illinois at an earl}^ day, and 
soon afterward saw service in the Black Hawk war. He graduated 
at the Medical College of Cincinnati, O., and settled in Pittsfield 
for the practice of his profession, in 1835. His success as a pJiy- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 711 

sician was verj great. In the year 1837 he was married to Amelia 
J., youngest daughter of CoL Andrew K. Long, of Baltimore, Md. 
In addition to his professional duties, he has taken an active inter- 
est in politics, when questions of great public interest were involved, 
and twice represented his district in the State Senate. In this 
body he was an earnest advocate of the " two-mill tax," and his ex- 
ertions largeljf contributed to save the State from repudiation. 
From being a " Free-Soil Whig," he became one of the first and 
most earnest members of the Republican party in Illinois. To the 
support of its principles, and other causes in which he was inter- 
ested, he brought powers of eloquence and a breadth of information 
which have rarely been equaled in the State. Having by great 
industry accumulated a considerable property, he is enabled to 
spend the greater part of his time in the invigorating climate of 
the Rocky Mountains, and in the pursuit of the favorite study of 
his later years — geology. His investigations upon this subject 
have been conducted principally in the field, in almost all parts of 
the United States, and have been of especial value in reference to 
the " Glacial Period." He contemplates publishing their results in 
book form. Dr. Worthington has long ranked as one of the most 
intelligent, upright and respected citizens of his county and State. 

Thomas Worthington^ jr., a son of the above, was born in Spen- 
cer, Tenn., June 8, 1850; graduated with distinction at Cornell 
University, Ithaca, N. Y., in 1873, and at the Union College of 
Law, Chicago, in 1877. He was admitted to the bar in September 
of the latter year, and is now practicing his profession in Pitts- 
field. 

Edward Yates, attorney, Pittsfield, was born in Pike countv, 
Sept. 21, 181:6. He is a son of George and Maria (Hinman) lates, 
the former a native of Kentucky, and born Jan. 17,1807; he was 
the second son of Samuel Yates, a native of Virginia, who emi- 
grated in a very early day to Kentucky. Geo'rge Yates, who was 
born in Barren Co., Ky., in 1807, came to" Illinois as early 
as 1823, and spent one year in Washington Co. From there he 
moved to Morgan Co., settling near IN'aples, which is now in 
Scott Co. In the spring of 1833 he crossed the Illinois river into 
Pike Co. and settled on sec. 6, Griggsville tp., where he resided 
until his death, which occurred at Griggsville, Aug. 13, 1878.. 
When at the age of 18 he started out in life to do for "himself. 
He hired to a gentleman by the name of Thomas Smith for $8 
per month, one-half in trade. He worked for 3 months, when he 
was taken sick. The elder Yates was one of those persons who made 
of life a success. He was charitable and liberal, yet accumulated 
considerable property, owning at one time about 1,300 acres of 
land under a high state of cultivation. His family of children, 
all of whom are respected for their enterprise, genial and social 
qualities, were a great comfort when in his declining years. He 
was a man of Christian integrity, high moral principle, beloved 
and estee;ned by all who knew liim. He was plain and unDstenta- 



712 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

tious in his manners, a kind neighbor, a loving father and a faith- 
ful friend. He was greatly missed and deeply mourned, not only 
by his family, bnt by a large circle of friends and neighbors. 
Especially was he missed by the little Church (Hinman's Chapel) 
of which he was a member and pillar. His funeral, which took 
place at this church, was largely attended. The sermon was de- 
livered by Elder J. P, Dimmitt, and his remains were laid at rest by 
the side of his wife, who preceded him to the spirit world about ten 
years. 

The children of the elder Yates are, Nancy Catharine, now 
the wife of Jerome W. Rush, of Fairraount tp.; Wm. H. lives 
in Griggsville, and in company with his brother Monroe, owns 
the old homestead. Wm. H. is a Director in the Grigo-sville 
Bank; Emeline, the wife of J. W. Fisher, President of the Chil- 
licothe Savings Bank, and resides at Chillicothe, Mo.; Ellen M., 
now the wife of Jefferson Orr, Pittsfield. Martha F., who lives at 
the old homestead, and Edward, the subject of this sketch. 

Edward Yates, whose name heads this sketch, attended the Mc- 
Kendree, Jacksonville and Quincy Colleges, receiving a collegiate 
education. He chose the legal profession for his life labor, and 
was admitted to the bar Dec. 29, 1869. He began practice with 
the late Hon. Jackson Grimshaw, at Quincy. In 1871 he moved 
to Trenton, Mo., where he practiced until January, 1875, when he 
returned to his native county and located at Pittsfield. He asso- 
ciated himself in his profession with Jefferson Orr, present State's 
attorney. As a criminal pleader and prosecutor Mr. Y., although 
a young man, has few superiors in Illinois. He is energetic, and 
possesses the happy faculty of making friends wherever he meets 
his fellow men. 



-7 










-^^^--^^e^c 




PITTSFIELD Tr 



MARTINSBURG TOWNSHIP. 

The surface of this township is generally rolling, and beantifiillj 
timbered. From the eminence of some of the knolls in the north- 
ern part a grand and magnificent view meets the eye from every 
quarter. For miles either way during the growing season the eye 
beholds verdant fields dotted over with fine farm residences, school- 
houses, etc. Before the hand of man had subdued these lands, and 
when the prairies and woodlands were in their virgin state, the 
scenery from these eminences must have been supremely charming. 
With its green, flowery carpet, its undulating surface, skirted by 
beantiful and refreshing groves that more definitely mark the 
boundaries, it must have presented to the eye of the lone traveler 
or new settler a scene most beautiful and sublimely grand. No 
doubt Fisher Pett}^, the first settler of the township, was attracted 
by the beauty of its scenery, the fine timber, and the high, rolling 
land and running water. These were important things to be con- 
sidered by the pioneer in making a selection for a home. When 
Messrs. Petty and Nicholson came here to look up a location, this 
land had not yet been ofl:ered for sale by Government. They were 
the very advance of the on-coming westward flight of civilization. 
Mr. Petty came in 1825 and located on sec. 15. As years passed, 
the groves received the in-coming settlers until about 1850, when 
all the tijnbered farms were beiny; worked. About that time some 
of the more enterprising pushed out upon the prairies. It is not 
now remembered who was the first to be so adventurous. 

Others of the early pilgrims to this locality were Joseph and 
Robert Goodin, Wm. Binns, Isaac Hoskins, Wm, Butler and Rob- 
ert Richardson, most of whom were well-known in the early history 
of the count}'. Among the older settlers now living are Ira Bris- 
coe, Moses Conner, Mr. McClintock and others. 

The first children born in the township were Wm. Ward and 
Nancy Shinn. The former went to Texas, where he met his death 
by hanging, in 1862. He was a loyal Union man, and because he 
w^ould not join the rebel army, was hanged by a band of outlaws. 
The first marriage was that of George Williams to Miss Nancy 
Nicholson, Rev. David Hubbard officiating. The first preaching 
was done by elder John Garrison, of the Christian denomination, 
and the first sermon was at the house of Robert Goodin. 

41 



716 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

The pre:iclicr» of the ^^ospel soon sono-lit out and found the 
pioneers in their new homes, as above mentioned. Nor were they 
long without the school-house and " master." The former was a 
rude log cabin, and the latter fully as rude, the refractory pupils 
thought, and not well versed in our more modern studies. Both 
schuol-house and master, however, were well ada{)ted to the times 
and the then existing surroundings. The first school-building was 
erected on sec. 7, in 1827, and the first school taught by Mr. Morrow. 

The first church structure was erected by the Presbyterians on 
sec. 18, in 1839. It was known as the Bethel Church. 

The townshi]) contains two towns, five churches and eight sc.hool- 
liouses. The system of education adopted by a majority of the 
schools of this township is up to the high standard of any part of 
the county. Of some of the leading teachers we speak in the de- 
partment of personal sketches given in connection with the his- 
tory of the township. 

Six-Mile creek, with its small and numerous branches, traverses 
the western part of the township from north to south. There are 
several small creeks which water the eastern portion. The soil is 
underlaid with a heavy bed of limestone, and is better adapted to 
raising wheat and fruit than general farming. 

VILLAGES. 

Martinshimj. — During the speculative period, when towns 
sprung up all over the State, this village was ushered into exis- 
tence among the thousands of others. It was laid out by William 
Freeman and John Kingsbuiy, Aug. 24, 1836. It is located on 
sees. 22 and 27, and at present has a population of'about 200. It 
contains one general store, a blacksmith shoji, two churches, a 
school- house, etc. The churches are of the Christian and Baptist 
denominations, both of which have been founded for several years, 
and are in a pi'osperous condition. 

Hew Hartford. — As a rival to Martinsburg, and at about the 
same time that that place was founded, this little village was laid 
out. It is in the extreme northwestern corner of the township, 
and in the midst of a fertile and well-im|)roved part of the 
county. It was founded by Isaac Iloskins, Abner Clark, John 
Shinn and Nathan Brown. The latter kept the first store, and 
Mr. Rathburn was the first blacksmith. The first postmaster was 
Wm. Grimes. It now has two stores, two cooper shops, a black- 
smith shop, a school-house, and two churches. There is one resi- 
dent physician. The place contains now about 100 inhabitants. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at New Hartford was organ- 
ized about 1840, by Rev. Mr. Troy, who was afterward thrown 
from a horse and killed. There were at first about 15 members. 
They erected a house of worship in 1850, which is still used by 
the Society. Services each alternate Sunday, by Rev. Mr. Drake, 
Pastor. Present number of communicants about 75. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 717 

The Christian Church at this place was lirst organized March 
19, 1851, with tlie same number of souls that went into Noah's 
ark, by Elders James Burbridge and David Roberts. The society 
built a church in 1856. Since the organization there have been 
added to the conorea'ation 116 males and 172 females. Present 
number of communicants, 100. Services each Sunday. 

BIOGRAPHIES. 

In justice to the pioneers, to those who have opened up and de- 
veloped this township, and those who have taken a prominent part 
in the history of this community, we give a department of per- 
sonal sketches as a portion of the history of the township. 

Willard Andrews^ deceased, was born in Massachusetts in 1813, 
the son of Alanson and Phoebe Andrews, natives of the Bay State; 
received a common-school education; in 1846 he married Cornelia 
Brockway, who was born in 1825 in New York State. Mr. An- 
drews came to this county in 1839, settling in Atlas tp., and came 
into this tp. in 1850. By trade he was a carpenter, but he also 
carried on farming, on sec. 6. He died Dec. 6, 1872, leaving a 
widow and children. Tiie youngest son carries on the farm. Mrs. 
H. is a member of the M. E. Church. P. O., New Hartford. 

A. F. Barnd, nurseryman, sec. 27; P. O., Martinsburg; was 
born in Perry county, O., in 1815, and is a son of Christian and 
Mary Barnd ; was educated in the common schools, and in the 
spring of 1847 emigrated to this State, locating in McLean 
county, where he resided until 1861; he then came to Pike county, 
settling in this township, where he practiced medicine a number 
of years; he has now been in the nursery business for about 10 
years. He has a fine nursery, comprising all varieties of fruit 
trees and plants. The Doctor also still attends to professional 
calls to some extent. 

A. M. Bradhum^ farmer, was born in Ohio, Nov. 1, 1827, and 
is a son of Mark and Mary (Keatley) Bradburn, natives of Ohio; 
was educated in the common schools of Ohio; in 1853 he married 
Emily Jameson, and all their eight children are living; one daugh- 
ter is married. David N. is a teacher. Mr. Bradburn came to 
Pike county in 1864. In Missouri he was in the " Shirt-tail " 
militia, and he lost money while in that State. He has made all 
he has by hard work since he married, now owning 132 acres of 
land. In politics he is a Democrat. P. O., Pittslield. 

Ira Briscoe^ farmer, sec. 28, where he owns 240 acres of land; 
P. O., Martinsburg; was born in Washington county, Ky., in 1798, 
the son of Edward and Peggy Briscoe; his father was born in Vir- 
ginia, and his mother in Ireland; he received his education in the 
subscription schools which were kept in log school-houses in 
.pioneer times in Kentucky, with greased-paper windows, uuid-and- 
stick chimneys, etc. In 1818 he married Miss Polly Crump, who 
was born in Yirgiiiia in 1799; in 1834 he came to Pike county, 



718 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 

settling on the place where he now lives; he has been a farmer all 
his life, but is now living in retirement. P. O., Martinsburg. 

Jasper Brohiw, agriculturist, sec. 17; was born in Somerset 
county, N. J., Aug. 12, 1828, and is a son of Abraliam and Sarah 
Brokaw, deceased; he worked with his fatlier in the wood-yard 
until 18 years of ajje; came to Eastern Illinois witli his parents 
in 1844, and in 1851 located in Pike county, and this year also he 
married Miss Martha Maroon, daughter of Wm. Maroon, deceased, 
and they liad children, namely, William, George, John, Sarah, 
Martha and Charley. Mrs. B. died in March, 1863, and Mr. B. 
the next year uiari'ied Mrs. Amelia Toothaker, and they have had 
6 children: Liona, Priscilla, Albert, Elmer, Cora A. and Eva V. 
Mr. B. is a farmer, making wheat-raising a specialty. His brother, 
Uriah, served over a year in the late war, where he lost his life. 

John L. Ciinnoti, djooa^ed, was born in Pittsfield tj)., this 
count}', March 31, 1834, and was the son of Ephraim and Dorothy 
Cannon, dec; was reared on a farm and received a common-school 
education. Nov. 9, 1854, he married Mai-garet A. Goodin, daugh- 
ter of Hardin Goodin, of Martinsburg tp., and their 4 children 
were Charles E., Sarah E., William H. and Henry O. Mr. C. was 
a respected member of the Christian Church for 18 years previous 
,to his death, whicli occurred at Hot Springs, Ark., Nov. 5, 1877. 
He was a valuable member of society and a kind husband and 
father; he was a good-natured man, and patient; during his last 
illness he suffered untold misery and pain, yet he bore it all with 
Christian fortitude and patience. 

James Diiffield was born in Chester District, S. C, Dec. 12, 
1796; educated in a subscription school; brought to Indiana hy 
his parents when a boy, where he resided until a man grown; 
came to this county several years ago and engaged in farming and 
raising stock. He now resides on sec. 3, at the advanced aofe of 
84 years. Of his 6 children 5 are living. He .was a soldier in the 
war of 1812, and fought under Gen. Jackson. 

Lucinda A. Dyer, nee Thompson, New Hartford, is the wife of 
Eli Dyer, and they were married in 1840. Of their 9 children 5 
are living, — Thomas W., Franklin W., Mary E., William H. and 
John K. Mr. Dyer was a farmer prior to the late war, in which 
he served 4 years ; his son Franklin was also in the war, and was 
wounded at the battle of Pilot Knob. The Dyer family, while 
residing in Missouri, were Union people, and suffered many 
wrongs at the hands of rebels and black-legs. Mr. and Mrs. Dyer 
are both natives of Fairfax county, Ya., and he was slave overseer 
in Maryland for four years; in 1854 they came to Pike county. 
Mo., and in 1864 to this county. Mrs. Dyer is proprietor of the 
best store in New Hartford, which is conducted under the firm 
name of T. W. Dyer tfe Bro. They carry a stock of $1,500, con- 
sisting of dry-goods, hats and caps, boots and shoes, groceries, 
hardware, glass and queensware, and in fact, everything usually 
kept in a first-class general store. Prices the very lowest. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, 719 

David (y(?6>6?m, farmer, sec. 4; P. O., Pittsfield; was born in this 
county in 1846, tlie son of Hardin and Rebecca Goodin, the former 
a native of Tennessee and the latter of Indiana; he was married in 
1870 to Miss Jearaes, who was born in Missouri in 184T; their two 
cliildren are Benjamin F. and William H. Mr. Goodin commenced 
life in very limited circumstances, but he has been very successful 
as a farmer, now liavins^ 180 acres of land. He and his wife are 
members of the Christian Church. 

J. W. Qvdbael^ farmer, sec. 19, was born Dec. 14, 1840, in Mon- 
roe county, Ind,, and is a son of Samuel and Margaret Grabael, the 
former a native of Virginia and the latter of North Carolina. At 
the age of 20 our subject came to this county and for a time lived 
near Summer Hill. In 1865 he was united in marriage with Miss 
Maria Stebbins, a native of this tp. and whose father was among 
the first settlers of the county. The following year Mr. G. located 
in this township. Mr. and Mrs. G. are the parents of 4 children, — 
Mary E., Herbert, Frank and Laura. Both he and his wife are 
members of the Congregational Church at Summer Hill. During 
the last winter Mr. G. unfortunately met with two men from whom 
he purchased the right of territory of this county to sell the " Practi- 
cal Grubber and Stump-Puller," giving his note for the payment 
of over $3,000, with the understanding, however, that they would 
keep the note until he could make the money by selling the ma- 
chine; but they dis:egarded this understanding, and immediately 
disposed of the note, causing Mr. G. great financial embarrassment. 

/. M. Ilolloway. The subject of this sketch was born in High- 
land county, O., Dec. 9, 1850, and is a son of Isaac and Ellen 
Holloway, deceased, who came to this county in 1857; our subject 
was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He 
was married Feb. 22, 1872, to MissKittie Petty, daughter of Alvin 
Petty, of Hardin tp. They have 4 children, — Nora. Adda, Emma 
and Athel. Mr. H. resides on sec. 18, this tp., and is engaged in 
farming and the raising of stock. 

Horace Hoskins was born in Atlas tp., this county, July 3, 1832, 
and is a son of Isaac Hoskins, so well known in the pioneer days 
of Pike county, and who is now deceased. Mr. H. was reared on a 
farm and is now engaged in agricultural pm-suits. March 6, 1851, 
he was united in marriage jwith Miss Lucinda Loutzenhiser, by 
whom he has had 13 children, 9 of whom are living: William, 
Marshall, John M., Mary J., Isaac, Emily, Orlando, Alice B. and 
George B. McClellan. Mr. H. served 3 years in the late war, in 
Co. G, 99th 111. Inf., and participated in the battles of Hartsville, 
Mo., where he was wounded, siegu of Yicksburg, etc. He was 
present at the surrender of Mobile, and was honorably discharged 
Aug. 12,1865. 

George James was born in Lincolnshire, England, Aug. 12, 1836, 
and is a son of George and Elizabeth James, deceased. He was 
educated in England, and came to this county in 1851 ; he went to 
Nebraska in 1865, where he remained two years, as salesman for 



720 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Rolfe & Terry, wliolesale merchants in Nebraska Git}'. He was 
engaged in Government freighting for some time; he went from 
Nebraska City to the Black Hills, where ho worked on the North- 
ern, Pacific Railroad during its construction; he returned to Hlinois 
in jannarv, 1869, since which time he has followed farming, on sec. 
3, this tp. June 14, 1861, he married Miss Mary J. Andrews, 
daughtei- of Willard G. Andrews, and of their 8 children the fol- 
lowing 5 are living: Salome, Alicia, Willard G., Fred and 
Gracie Lee. 

JoliiiW. Lynch, teacher of Highway school, was born in Putnam 
county, Ind., Feb. 19, 1843, the son of Casclton and Miriam Lynch, 
the latter deceased. He was educated mostly in Pittsfield, and 
began teaching in 1869; is now teaching the second year at High- 
land. In 1878 he married Louisa Brown, by whom he has one 
child, Jennie. As a teacher Mr. Lynch is particularly successful. 
His pupils keep excellent order and are full of the spirit of learn- 
ing. He teaches on the latest normal methods, and his school- 
room is a pleasant place for both teacher and pupils. 

James H. McCory is a native of Indiana, his parents being John 
and Betsey (Warnian) McCory; he was educated in the common 
schools of Indiana, and by occupation is a farmer; has lived with 
his father all his life, who also is a farmei'. He has run a thresh- 
ing-machine for 16 seasons. He came to Pike county in 1875; is a 
member of the Christian Church, and in politics is a Democrat. 

Joseph McDade, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Summer Hill; was born 
in this county in 1846, and is a son of William and Sarah McDade, 
the former a native of Butler county, Ky., and the latter of Indi- 
ana; when 7 years old he went to Indiana, returning at the age of 
9, then settled in Western Missouri, in 1866, then in Scott county 
in 1868, and then back to this county in 1878. In 1871 he mar- 
ried Betsey Ann McDade, who was born in 1835, in this county, 
and they have two children— Laura A., dec, and Sarah E. Mrs. 
McDade was the mother of 5 children when she married the sub- 
ject of this sketch. Their names are John P., Franklin, Charles, 
Mary and Nancy. Mr. McDade is a successful farmer, owning 120 
acres of land, all fenced. 

Peter McOuire, farmer, sec. 8; P. O., Summer Hill; was born 
in Ireland in 1823, the son of John and Catharine (Hughes) Mc- 
Guire, natives of Ireland. In the common schools of that country 
our subject was educated; in 1851 he married Alice Carrabry, and 
they have two sons and three daughters. They came to the United 
States in 1849, landing in New York, and came to Pike county in 
1854. When he first came here he was worth about S18, but has 
now 172 acres of land. In politics he is a Greenbacker. 

Michael McKanna, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Martinsburg; was 
born in 1855 in county^ Tyrone, Ireland, son of Patrick and Ann 
McKanna. At the age of 15 our subject emigrated to the United 
States with a friend, locating first in Rhode Island; thence to New 
Orleans, where he remained 12 years, and 1849 to this county. In 



HISTORY OF PIKE CuUNTY- 721 

1834 he inarried Miss Catharine Median, also a native of Ireland, 
and they had 6 children. Mrs. McK. died in 1844; Mr. McK. 
a^ain married in New Orleans, in 1845, Miss Bridget Sheridan, also 
a native of Ireland, and they have had 8 children. Mr. McK, was 
formerly a bleacher in print works, but for the past 30 years has 
followed farming. He and his wife are members of the Catholic 
Church. 

/S. O. Mlllsi\ farmer, sec. 16: P. O., Summer Hill; was born in 
1817 in Athens county, O,, and is a son of Jacob S. and Sally Mil- 
ler, natives ot Maryland; educated in the subscription school. In 

1847 he married Martha Beuiiss, a native of Massachusetts, and 
she died in 1851. In 1853 he married Asenath McCord, who was 
born in 1824, in Massachusetts, and they have had 2 children, 
George B. and Corn E. Mr. Miller followed tailoring for 24 years, 
but since 1852 has followed farming, with good success; has now 
132 acres of good land, well improved. He came to this county in 
1845. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and Mrs. M. is a 
member of the Congregational Church. 

J. C. Moore, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Summer Hill; was born in 
Maine, the son of William and Margaret Moore, natives also of the 
same State; came to Pike county in 1856, settling in this tp. In 

1848 he married Rachel Randolph, who also was born in Maine, in 
1824, and they have had 8 children, — Marcellus, Josephine and 
Theodosia. Mr. M. has traveled a great deal; transacted business 
for a period of 25 years in British America and in Bangor, Me. 
Since he came here he has followed farming with good success, now 
owning nearly 300 acres of good land, well improved, but when he 
first set out in life he had but very little. He is a member of the 
Congregational Church. 

James Posteii, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., New Hartford; was born 
in Morgan county, O., May 16, 1821, and is a son of Joseph and 
Mary (Johnson) Posten, who were natives of Virginia, and of En- 
glish ancestry; educated in the common schools of Ohio, and came 
to Pike county in 1843; in 1849 he married Rachel Lyton, and 
t\\Qy have had 2 children. Mrs. P. is a member of the M. E. 
Church, and he is a Democrat. 

W. M. Shanton,fsirmev, sec 6; P. O., Summer Hill; was born in 
Ohio in 1841, the son of William and Elizabeth (Twiford) Shanton, 
natives of Ohio and of German descent. He came to Pike county 
in 1842. In 1865 he married Anna Thompson, and tliey have one 
son and three daughters. Mrs. S. is a member of the M. E. 
Church, and Mr. S. is a Democrat. 

Conrad Shornhart^ farmer, sec. 14; P. O., Martinsburg; was born 
in 1813 in Germany; emigrated to the United States in 1836, set- 
tling in Indiana; in 1849 he married Mary Fisher, and they have 
6 children, viz : Harry, Mary, Margaret J., John, Sarah and 
Willie. He settled in this county in 1852, where he still resides, 
engaged in farming and the raising of stock. 



722 FHSTORV OF PIKE COUNTY. 

J. N. Slade, teacher of the New Hartford school, is a son of Dr. 
Slade, ot New Hartford, and has been teachinoj most of the time 
for 10 years. He was educated in the common schools, and in the 
State Normal University at Normal, 111. He has recently had to 
encounter a vexatious variety of text-hooks, but now has the pro- 
cess for overcoming the obstacle under good headway. At the 
Jackson school he taught four terms in succession, and is desired 
to return. He was born July 7, 1850, in Crittenden county, Ky., 
and was brought by his mother to this county in 1852, his father 
having preceded them about six months. April 17, 1879, he mar- 
ried ^Nliss Anna Moore, daughter of Kobert Moore, of Louisiana, 
Mo., and. born in Fittsfield, Aug., 1855. 

/ Humiphrey D. JIarlow, dacefi&ed, was born in Albemarle county, 
Va., Jan. 20, 1800, and was the son of Daniel Harlow. He was 
raised on a farm but early learned the use of tools, and for several 
years after he settled in life he worked in wood work of various 
kinds, in connection with farming. In religion he was a prominent 
member of the Baptist Church, and was always respected for his 
consistency and zeal in the Master's cause. He died Feb. 7, 1880, 
at 6 p. M. He was married twice during life, and his second wife 
was Mrs. Amilda (McKinney) McCoy, by whom he has one child, 
Elizabeth, now Mrs. Nathan Zumwalt. Mrs. Harlow has 2 chil- 
dren living, and Mrs. Zumwalt has had 12 children, of whom 10 
are living. She has also 14 grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. H. 
emigrated to this county in 1S36, and suffered the privations of 
pioneer life. 

J. W. Varney was born in Clermont county, O., May 25, 1842, 
and is a son of J. N. and Matilda Varney, of Hannibal, Mo. He 
came to this county in 1859, and in 1861 he married Rebecca Con- 
ner, daughter of Moses Conner, who now resides with Mr. Yarney, 
in his 81st year. Mr. Conner is a well known pioneer. Mr. and 
Mrs. Yarney have had 7 children, of M'hom 5 are living, namely, 
William, Moses, Charles, John and Luetta. Mr. Yarney has car- 
ried on coopering in New Hartford for 20 vears, and is now doing 
a good business, employing from 6 to 9 hands. 



PLEASANT HILL TOWNSHIP. 

This township consists for the most part of broken land. The 
bluffs bordering the Mississippi valley extend northwest and 
southeast through the township, dividing it into two triangles ; 
one of these is known as the Hill Triangle, the other the Bottom 
Triangle, 

The township was first settled in March, 1821, by Belus and 
Egbert Jones, brothers. They located on sec. 25, where they 
erected a log cabin and made other improvements. Here they 
kept the first tavern of Pike county, and here, too, the first liquor 
was sold in the county. At the very first meeting of the County 
Commissioners' Court, and the very first business which it trans- 
acted, was to grant these brothers license to sell liquor. They also 
engaged in stock-raising, but were very much annoyed by wolves 
and other wild animals. Eo;bert Jones lived and died on the old 
homestead, and Belus died at Hamburg, Calhoun county. 

The next settlement in the county was made by James W. Whit- 
ney and Thomas Proctor, both prominent characters in the earl}' 
history of Pike county, and of whom we speak in former chapters 
in this work. They located on the northeast quarter of sec. 27, 
early in the month of March, 1825; in May of the same year Paul 
Harpole, of Ramsay Creek, Mo., came over and rented ground of 
the Joneses, raised a crop, and the following autumn brought his 
family over and settled on the southeast quarter of sec. 35, where 
he resided until his death. In the fall of 1825 Samuel Brewster 
began a settlement on the southeast quarter of sec. 7. The next 
settlement was made by Thomas Barton and Uriah Holland, in the 
spring of 1826. They first rented land of the Joneses, and the fol- 
lowing fall settled on sec. 22, near the ford on Bay creek. These 
settlers came from Pike county. Mo., and the settlements that im- 
mediately followed the above were made ]u-incipally by people from 
Pike and Lincoln counties. Mo. 

These early pioneers of this township had other annoyances be- 
sides those given by the wild animals. These were by the treach- 
erous and troublesome Indians, who were here in large numbers. 
The farms here were first opened by ox teams, and the first wagons 
consisted of wooden wheels, sawed from logs. They had their hard 
times in other ways. They had to grind corn in a homin>' block 



724 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

and in hand-mills at tirst; a horse-mill was afterward erected on a 
stump near Pittstield. The first mill of any note was operated by 
water power, and was erected by Elisha Harrington in the iall and 
winter of 1S27, on the 8. W. ^ of sec. 8. The power was obtained 
through a race cut across from a bend in Six-Mile creek. This 
mill superseded in a great degree the hominy block and spring- 
])ole, the hand and horse-mill. 

Regardless of these hardships and inconveniences, the pioneers 
of this township were noted for their benevolence and hospital itv. 

The lirst school was taught in the spring of 1828 by Wm. Howell 
in a private house, and the next two terms of school were taught 
by Mr. Bailey. The first school-house was erected in 1832, on 
sec. 23. 

The iirst sermon was preached in the house of Thomas Barton, 
by Rev. Steplien Ruddle, a Christian minister, in 1826. Every 
man, woman and child in the settlement went to hear this sermon. 
Elder Ruddle and his brother were carried away by the Indians 
when the former was 14 years of age, and kept until he was 30. 
The people of the Baptist faith erected the first Church in the 
village of Pleasant Hill in 1855. The first Justice of the Peace 
was Felix Collard, and the first Supervisor was Thomas Collard. 

PLEASANT HILL. 

The village of Pleasant Hill is very pleasantly located on sees. 
16 and 21, and is on the line of the Chicago & Alton R. R. It was 
laid out by Eli and Charles Plubbard and John McMullen, in 1836, 
and was incorporated in 186'>, Dr. John A. Thomas being its first 
president. It contains a postofEce, stores, blacksmith shop, etc. 

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. — The Marti nsburg Church, 
from which the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church emanated, was 
organized pursuant to previous agreement on Saturday, Feb. 
15, 1845, at the school-house in Martinsburg. After an ap- 
propriate sermon by Elder David Hubbard, the members pro- 
ceeded to organize by choosing Joseph Bakw Moderator, and 
Jacob Capps, Clerk, pro tern. The number of members that 
constituted the Church at that time was only 16. Jacob Capps 
was invited to assist Rev. Hubbard in constituting them a Church. 
They then unanimously adopted a series of Articles of Faith and 
Rules of Decorum, which the Pleasant Hill Church has since 
adopted, with some modifications. 

After the above Cyhurch was organized it prospered under the 
pastoral care of Elder David Hubbard until Feb. 22, 1851, when 
Jacob Capps and the Pastor held a series of meetings at Martins- 
burg, and were abundantly blessed. Fifteen members were added 
to the Church. The meeting was then removed to Pleasant Hill 
and continued there for several days and nights, during which 
time 21 more joined the Church. The Church then continued 
under the pastoral care of Elder Hubbard until Tiiursday, week 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTy. 



Y25 



before the 4th Saturday in April, 1852, when a protracted meeting 
commenced at Pleasant Hill. The meeting was conducted by 
Elder J. F. Smith, of Missouri, and Elder Hubbard, and 2o more 
were added to the Church, which made a majority of the Church 
who resided at and near Pleasant Hill. In 'consequence of this 
there was a call meeting at the school-house at Pleasant Hill to 
devise a plan for establishing a branch of the Martinsburg Church 
at Pleasant Hill. A petition was sent to the Martinsburg Church, 
signed by 37 members. In response to the petition it was decided 
best for the members to remain together as one Church, but meet 
twice per month instead of once, at Martinsburg on the 4th Satur- 
day in each month, and at Pleasant Hill on the 2d Saturday, the 
Church when in session at Pleasant Hill to have the same power 
to ^transact any business, as at Martinsburg. 

The Church flourished under the above" arrangements, and un- 
der the pastoral care of Eldei- Hubbard until the Sj^ring of 1853, 
when the much esteemed Pastor left, with several other prominent 
members, and removed to Oregon Territory. However, destitute 
as the Church was, it had another protracted meeting at Pleasant 
Hill, in August, 1853, conducted by Eider Ingmire, from Pittsfield, 
and Smith and Music from Missouri, and another glorious revival 
was experienced, during which 23 more were converted. 

The Church now continued under the pastoral care of Elders 
Ingniii-e, Music and Landrum, until the sprfng of 1857. 

The members near Pleasant Hill wishing to be constituted an 
independent Church at Pleasant Hill sent a petition to the mother 
Church at Martinsburg, which was granted May 4, 1857; where- 
upon the following persons received letters of dismissal for that 
purpose: 



*G. W. Gregory. 
*Wm. Mitchell. . 
*Susau Mitchell. 
Joseph D Brooks. 
Mary .J. Brooks. 
*Lawson Turner. 
*Susan Turner. 
*John Lapp. 
*Frauces Lapp. 
*Jacob Emmert. 
Eliza Emmert. 
Mary Collard. 
*John Sapp. 
John A. Thomas, 
*Sarah E. Thomas. 
E. T. Gresham. 
*Elenor Gresham. 

Those marked * 



NAMES. 

Sarah Simpson. 
Eliza J. Venable. 
Redman Crews. 
*Winny Crews. 
Ann E. Crews. 
*G. W. Bybee. 
Rhoda C. Bybee. 
*Jacob Wmdmiller. 
Sarah Windmiller. 
*Wm. Jackson. 
Frances Triplett. 
Jacob Turnbaugh. 
*Smith W Leek. 
Wm. E. Smith. 
Mary Smith. 
Elijah Antery. 
L. C- Lewis. 
Elizabeth Davis. *John 

are dead. 



Susannah Lewis. 
S. H. Lewis. 
David Wilson. 
Isaphena Wilson. 
Keziah Lewis. 
Lauretta Smith. 
Daniel Grossman. 
Nathan Allison. 
Mary Ann Taylor. 
Abigail Turnbaugh. 
Margaret Craigmiles. 
John N. Collard. 
Mary A. Collard. 
G. W. Branson. 
*Lydia Sinkleir. 
*Wm. Cannon. 
Joseph S. Davis. 
Sinklear. 



At the April meeting, after letters to the above persons were 
granted, John A. Thomas was appointed to prepare the Articles of 
Faith and Rules of Decorum, and advised to copy from the Church 



726 



HISTORY Op- PIKK COUNTY. 



book of the Martinsburg Churcli. Arranorements were also ma<3e 
for constituting at the next meetino; in May (1857), and M. M. 
Modisett and Albert Mitchell from Missouri vvere invited to attend 
and assist in organizing and constituting the Church. 

The following are the Articles of Faith upon which this Church 
was organized and constituted at Pleasant Hill, the 2d Saturday 
in May, 1857: 

ARTICLES OF FAITH. 

Art. 1. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the infallible 
word of God. 

Art. 2. That tliere is but one only true God, and in the Godhead or divine 
essence, there are Father, Son, and Holy-Ghost. 

Art. 3. That by nature we are fallen, depraved creatures. 

Art. 4. That salvation, regeneration, sanctification and justification are by 
the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, and the operation of 
the Holy Spirit. 

Art. 5. That the saints will finally persevere through grace to glory. 

Art. 6. That believers' baptism by immersion is necessary to the receiving of 
the Lord's Supper. 

Art. 7. That the salvation of the righteous and punishment of the wicked 
will be eternal. 

RULES OF DECORUM. 

Rule 1. — The business of the Church to be done the 3d Saturday in each month 
(unless otherwise determined by the Church), beginning at 10 o'clock. Every male 
member failing to attend shall be accountable to the Church for such neglect. 

Rule 2. — A Moderator and Clerk to be chosen by a majority of the voi'-es pres- 
ent until others are chosen. The Moderator is to preside in the Church while at 
business; he is to keep order, but always under the control of the Church; he is 
to withhold his own opinion until all other members who wish to speak have spoken 
(except by request of the Church). He shall take the voice of the Church when 
called on for that purpose. 

Rule 3.— When the Church has met, after praj^er, members of sister Churches 
to be in\ited to seats in council, who may give their light or advice on any sub- 
ject, but shall not vote in decision of the case. 

Rule 4.— The door of the Church to be opened for the reception of members. 

Rules. — The Modcratcn- to inquire whether all are in peace and fellowship, or 
any one has any matter of complaint to bring forward that has been treated in 
gospel order. 

Rule 6. — The unfinished business of the Church, if any, to be now attended to. 

Rule 7.- -Any brother having a motion to make in the Church shall rise to his 
feet and address the Moderator with brotherly respect; a motion thus made not to 
be attended to without a second. 

Rule 8. — No brother to l)e interrupted while speaking, except he dejiait from 
the subject, on which the Moderator or any other brother may call to order, of 
which point of order the CUiurch may judge when applied to for that purpose. 

Rule 9. — No brother shall speak more than twice to any subject without per- 
missicm from the Church. 

Rule 10. — There shall be no laughing, talking or whispering ift time of public 
service. Nor shall there be any ungenerous reflections on any«brother that has 
spoken before. 

Rule 11. — All the business of the Church to be done by a majority of the mem- 
bers present, except receiving and excluding members ; the former must be unani- 
mous; two-thirds may exclude. 

Rule 12. — That brotherly 1 ve may continue, the 18lh of Matthew is to be at- 
tended to in all cases so far as practicable in treating with our brethren, and in all 
uncommon cases the Ciiurch to be the judge, and in all ])ul)lic transgressions ac- 
knowledgments are to be made to the CJhureh. 

Rule 13. — We consider it the duty of members in removing their residence to 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 727 

distant bounds to apply to the Church for a letter of dismission and join some 
other Church with speed, or as soon as duty and prudence will dictate 
o !r" f 1 ^ *i consider it our duty to be tender and affectionate to each other 
and study the happiness of the children of God in general, and to be eno-ao-ed 
singly to promote the honor of God. ^^c cu^a^^eu 

Rule 15 —We_ consider it disorderly to attend frolics, plays, horse-racine ^Toe- 
ops, ana charivanes. " £■> o^ s- 

By order of the Cnurch. 

John A. Thomas, Church Clerk. 

The last rule was introduced by Dr. Thomas, the Clerk. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

The further details of the history of Pleasant Hill township are 
best given in short biographical sketches of its pioneers and prom- 
inent citizens. ^ 

William Barton is engaged in farmi^^ on see. 21 • P. O Pleas- 
ant Hill. ' ■' 

Edward Byhee, farmer and trader, sec. 17; P. O., Pleasant Hill- 
was born in Monroe county, Ky., in 1851, and is a son of George 
W. and Khoda C. Bybee, natives also of Kentucky; when he wSs 
very young his parents emigrated with him to this county, where 
he grew to manhood, receiving a common-school education In 
1874 he married Fannie V. Hubbard, who was born in St Louis 
Mo., m 1852, and their children are Minnie E.. Edna F and 
Lenois D. Mr. Bybee has been prosperous in his business, and 
now owns 160 acres of land, inostlv in the Mississippi Bottom 
and all fenced. He and his wife are members of the Baptist 
Church. ^ 

Peter Craigmiles, salesman and clerk in a general store at 
Pleasant Hill, was born in 18^8, in this county, and is the son of 
James and Margaret Craigmiles; in 1863 he married Sarah Emert 
who was born in Pike county. Mo., and they have had 6 children' 
5 ot whom are living. Mr. C. is well known in the vicinity of 
Pleasant Hill, as he has been clerking in one store for 17 years 
although the establishment has changed hands two or three times' 
he has also been Town Clerk, Collector and Township Treasurer. ' 

Ingham Doman, deceased, was born May 31, 1813, in Hamp- 
shire county, Ya., where he was reared on a farm and educated in 
a subscription school; in 1839 he married Miss Eve Kurtz, daugh- 
ter of Martin and Mary Kurtz; she was born Auo-. 24 1823- of 
tlieir 10 children these 8 are living,— Mary J., Sarah C, Jeremiah, 
Ihomas B., Margaret C, Kachel M., Benjamin F. and Delilah A 
A son named John W. lost his life from a wound received while 
fighting for the stars and stripes in the war. Mr. Doman emi- 
grated with his family to Illinois in 1845, settling in Madison 
county, and m 1857 he came to this county, where he died ^ov 
17, 1872, his death being a great loss to his family and to the com- 
munity. He was a farmer during life. His father also was a 
patriot, being a soldier in the war of 1812. 



728 HrSTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Thomas 0. Eddlns^ farmer, sec. 5; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was 
born in Albemarle county, Va., in 1838, and is a son of B. R. and 
Eliza Eddins, also natives of Virginia; receiving a common-school 
education and growing to manhood, he emigrated, in 1860, to this 
tp, ; in 1865 he married Elizabeth Furgnson, who was born in this 
count}' in 1845, the daughter of Edward and Catharine Fnrguson. 
and they have had 6 children. Mr. Eddins served 3 years in Co. 
A, 8th Mo. Inf., and fought in the battles of Forts Henry and 
Donelson, Shiloh, Haines' Bluff, Arkansas Post, siege of Vicks- 
burg. Champion Hills, Corinth, Miss., and Kenesaw Mountain, in 
all of which he did not receive a scratch. He now owns 120 acres 
of land, worth $50 per acre, having been successful as a farmer. 
He is a member of the K. of H. Society, and his wife is a member 
of the M. E. Church. 

Mrs. Patience W. McElfresh, sec. 18; P. O., Pleasant Hill; 
was born in 1821 in Pike county. Mo., and is a daughter of Rich- 
ard and Ruth Keer, both natives of Kentucky. She came to this 
county when 14 years of age, and was married first in 1837 to Mr. 
James Wells, the second time in 1846 to Job Smith, and the third 
and last time to Aquila B. McElfresh. Altogether she has had 8 
children. Her first and second husbands were farmers, and the 
last a Methodist preacher. She is a member of the Baptist Church. 
She has now been conducting the farm for 17 years, with a family 
of 3 children. Her only son is still living with her. 

Dr. II. D. Fortune was born in 1841 in Pike county. Mo., and 
is a son of R. C. and Mary Fortune, natives of Virginia ; he 
received a common-school education; at the age of 19 began the 
study of medicine under Dr. C. R. Bankhead, at Painesville, Mo.; 
attended the St. Louis Medical College, where he graduated March 
1,1865; practiced his profession at Painesville 18 months; then 
went to Prairieville, Pike Co., Mo., where he practiced 7^^ years, 
and in 1874 came to Pleasant Hill, where he has been enjoying a 
growing practice. In September, 1865, he married Miss E. I. 
Dougherty, who was born in Pike county. Mo., about 1842, and 
thev h^ve had 4 children. The Doctor is a member of the M. E. j 

Church, and his wife of the Baptist Church. He is also a Free 1 

Mason, and a member of the Town Board. J 

William S. Freeman \Y2i,Q born in Pulaski county, Ky., in 1851, 
and is a son of Stephen F. Freeman, now of Martinsburg, where 
he was reared from the age of 4 years; April 8, 1874, he married 
Harriet A. Barton, daughter of Uriah Barton, and their two 
children are Ida A. and Flora M. Mr. Freeman has taught school 
during the winter season mostly for 12 years, with great success. 
He now follows farming during the summer seasons. 

Joseph B. Galloway^ farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 10; was born 
in Lincoln county. Mo., April 28, 1826, and is a son of James Gal- 
loway, deceased, so well known in the early settlement of this 
county. Joseph B. was brought up on a farm and educated in a 
subscription school. The family removed to this county in 1832, 



i 



HISTORY OF PIKK COUNTY. 729 

and have therefore experienced the scenes of pioneer life in this 
wild West. One day Mr. Galloway witnessed the capture of a fox 
by the school boys and their dogs. So many dogs caught the ani- 
mal at once that they held him stretched out at full length above 
the ground for some time, which was a rather comical situation, — 
that is, to the boys, not to the fox. Mr. G. remembers when the 
only wagons used here were of the old Virginia style, and tliere 
were but few of them. The plows consisted of a piece of iron for 
a point, and a wooden moldboard. Mr. Galloway has pounded corn 
in a "masher mill," which consistecl of a wooden mortar and a 
pounder attached to a spring-pole. He once went to where Eldara 
now stands, a distance "of 15 or 16 miles, to a horse-mill there to 
get some corn ground, in a few years after this Mr. Zumwalt 
erected a water mill on Bay creek. ' James Galloway was a very 
strong man. Even at the age of 60 years he could in a wrestle 
throw men of 24 years of age, and at the age of 72 he made a full 
hand in the harvest field. He was an industrious farmer, and also 
worked more or less in wood work. He was a soldier in the Black 
Hawk war, as also were his two elder brothers, William and Sam- 
uel. He died Nov. 17, 1872, at the age of 76 years. He'leaves 
one brother, Zorobabel, and many other friends ito mourn his loss. 
He was a public-spirited man, and did much for the improvement 
of this county. Joseph B. was married Sept. 30, 1847, to Miss 
Sarah Jennings, and their 12 children are: Mary E., Tabitha E., 
dec, Thomas S., James D., Lydia A., S. Margaret, Bales H., Wil- 
liam H., Sarah A., Ida E., Joseph F. and Nellie Grant. 

J. B. Ilarl, miller, merchant, grain-dealer, etc.; was born in 
Mason county, Ivy., in 1841, the son of John and Mary Harl, na- 
tives also of the same State, wlio emigrated to Saline county, Mo., 
when their son was 12 years old; in 1863 he came to this county, 
where in 1865 he married Miss Nancy C. Grimes, who was born in 
1845 in this county. They have had three children. Soon after 
Mr. Harl settled here he erected a mill 36 by 68 feet, and 4 stories 
high, with a capacity of 50 barrels of flour per day; the machinery 
is driven by a 40-horse power engine, and he is" able to make the 
highest grade of flour. His miller, Mr. T. J. Mitchell, has been 
superintending the mill ever since it was erected. Mr. H. is also 
engaged in the mercantile business, carrying a larger assortment 
than any other honse in town, selling goods at'the lowest cash price. 
He also buys and ships large quantities of grain; in fact, he is the 
most enterprising business man in the place. He is a noble-hearted 
man, and well liked by all wlio know him. 

Alexander HeiivpUU, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Pleasant Hil! 
This man was born in Calhoun county, 111., in 1847, and is a son 
of A. F. and Jennie A. Hemphill; when he was quite young liis 
parents came with him into this county, where he received a com- 
mon-school education and grew to manhood ; in 1877 he married 
Eliza J. Turnbaugh, who was born in this county in 1852. They 
have one child. Mr. H. has had ordinary success as a farmer, 



730 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

owning now 40 acres of land, worth $40 an acre. He is a member 
of tlie I . O. O. F. 

S. W. Ilemp/nll, deceased, was born in Pike county, Oct, 9, 
1826, and was a son of Alex, and Margaret Hemphill, deceased; 
brought UJ3 at farming, he has pursued the occui)ation through life. 
He went overland to California when a young man, and returned 
the following year. Oct. 26, 1854, he married Sarah Sapp, daugh- 
ter of Jacob and Nanc}' Sapp, deceased ; she was born Oct. 3, 1833, 
in this county. Mr. and Mrs. II. have had 8 children, of whom 4 
are living, namely, Nancy M., Kobert M., Louisa C. and Austin 
E. The deceased were John F., Jacob A., Mary L. and Sarah L. 
Mr. H. died Jan. 13, 1871, a great loss to his family and the com- 
munity in which he had lived. Mrs. H. resides on the homestead, 
sec. 16. 

Mrs. Cynthia Hubei\ daughter of George and Rose Ann Sitton, 
was born in this county in 1844; she received a common-school 
education, and in 1860 married Jacob Huber, who was born in 
this county in 1838, and they had 7 children, 3 of whom are living. 
Mr. Huber during his life followed the cattle trade, and died in 
1876, a member of the Masonic order. Mrs. Huber's father was 
born in 1811 in Virginia, and her mother was a native of Ohio. 
P. O., Pleasant Hill. ^ 

Roswell Ladoiv, carpenter, is the son of Charles F. and Mary 
LadoWj father a native of New Jersey and mother of East Virginia; 
he was born in 1831 in Athens county, O., where he received his 
education, and in 1852 married Maria Green, a native of Meigs 
county, O. They had two children. Mrs. L. died May 18, 1877. 
Mr. Ladow tried milling a while, but not with signal success; he 
does much better at carpentering. He owns a farm of 45 acres of 
good land near Rockport. Awhile he lived in Atlas tp. he was for 
a time (\)nstable. He now resides on sec. 17, this tp. P. O., 
Pleasant Hill. 

T. J. Mitchell was born in 1835 in this county, and is the son 
of AVilliam and Susan (Craigmiles) Mitchell, natives of Tennessee; 
he was reared on a farm, and at the age of 21 he learned the mill- 
ing business, in which c;ipacity he worked awhile for Brown, Harl 
& Co. Mr. Mitchell married Miss A. Huber, who was born in 
this county in 1836. They had 3 children. She died in 1870, and 
in 1875 Mr. M. married Miss M. E. Waugh, who was born in 1845 
in this county, and they have one child. Mr. Mitchell has held 
the office of Township Clerk, Assessor, Constable and Trustee. 
He is a Freemason. P. O., Pleasant Hill. 

George W. Moore, teacher, was born in Lincoln county, Mo., 
April 5, 1840, and is a son of Win. Moore, whose sketch is next 
given and who now lives in Pleasant Hill. Geo. W. has taught school 
ever since he was 16 years of age. except four years during the 
war. He was a member of the Missouri State militia for 9 months. 
Has also been Riding Constable 9 or 10 years in this township, 
and was Town Clerk here also for 3 vears. Auer. 29, 1860, he 






"7 V .. 



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K^. 



# 






rJMii*^^' 




f/l^{?-2^y7yZ?cd/ 




HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 733 

married Miss Sarah J. Allen, daughter of Gary Allen, deceased, 
and they have had 8 children, of whom 2 are living, — Charles H. 
and Noble. Mr. Moore resides in Pleasant Hill, and is teaching 
his third term at Jacohsville school-house, and has taught 8 terms 
in the Dodge district, near Pleasant Hill. 

William Moore^ the son of Benjamin and Frances Moore, was 
born in Madison county, Ky., Feb. 10, 1814. In 1828 Mr. Moore 
emigrated to Missouri, and in Lincoln county, that State, Sept. 1, 
1833, he married Miss Margaret Gilliland, who was born in Simp- 
son county, Ky:, July 12, 1815, and was taken to Missouri when a 
babe; in 1861 they canie to this tp. Their 11 children are, John, 
De Francis, Geo. W., Wm. P., James W., Benjamin F., Margaret 
A., Henry Clay, Amy June, Mary Louisa and Stephen A. Doug- 
las. Mrs. M. is a member of the Baptist Church, and Mr. M. is a 
member of the Masonic order. He has been Justice of the Peace: 
was also Orderly Sergeant in the Biack Hawk War. He is a 
blacksmith by trade, and is doing a good business. His father was 
at Yorktowii, Va., at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. 

W. R. Moore, wagon and buggy manufacturer and undertaker, 
Pleasant Hill, is the son of AVilliam and Margaret Moore, natives 
of Kentucky, and was born in Lincoln count}', Mo., in 1841; at the 
age of 20 he emigrated to this county, where in 1863 he married 
Miss Nancy M. Mitchell, who was born in Tennessee in 1846; of 
their 5 children 4 are living. Mr. Moore has followed his present 
business in Pleasant Hill since 1862. He served 6 months in 
Co. G, 5tli Mo.; has been a member of the Town Board four 
limes, and at present is a School Trustee. His wife died in 1872, 
and in 1S75 he married Miss Olivia Carver, who was born in 1844 
in this county, and of their 4 children 2 are living. Mr. and Mrs. 
M. are members of the Church. 

N'. L. P<~i><je^ Principal of the Pleasant Hill school, was born in 
Menard county. 111., Jan. 23, 1848, and is the son of E. L. Page; 
he was reared on the farm, received a good education, began teach- 
ing at the age of 21, and lias taught scliool 11 years — 4 years in 
Missouri, and 7 in this county. In Shelby county, Mo., June 19, 
1869, he married Anna E. Confry, and their 4 children are Freder- 
ick L., Esther A., Carrie Y. and Arthur I. Mr. Page is now 
teaching his second year in Pleasant Hill, and well exemplilies the 
principles of the eminent professor of the same name, the author 
of the '• Theory and Practice of Teaching." 

Albert Pearson^ farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was born 
in Brunswick county, Ya., in 1821, and is the son of John and 
Mida Pearson, natives also of the Old Dominion; when he was 12 
years of age his parents moved with him to Ohio, and at the age of 
25 he moved to Missouri; after living there 14 years he came to 
this county. In 1852 he married Elizabeth Ralston, a native of 
Kentucky, and they had 3 children; she died, and he subsequently 
married Elizabeth Murray, who was born in Kentucky in 1824. 

42 



734 HrSTORY OF I'IKE COUNTY. 

and of their 8 chiklren 4 are living. Mr. P. has been reasonably 
snccessfn! as a tanner, and now owns 74 acres of good land. 

Ira Roberts, farmer, sec. 5; son of David and Lovina Huberts, 
was born in Ohio in 1837; his father was a native of Vermont and 
his mother of New York State, and thej moved with him to this 
connty when he was 2 years old ; -here he grew to manhood, re- 
ceiving a common-school education; in 1867 he married Elizabeth 
Jeans, who was born in 1844 in this county, and they have had 4 
children. Mr. R. spent one year in California, to examine the 
country, lie has good success in farming here, now owning 122^ 
acres of good land, mostly under cultivation, and he has good farm 
buildings. He and Mrs. R, are members of the Christian Church. 
Mr. R.'s fatlier was a prominent preacher from 1889 to his death 
in 1855. 

Isaac Shelby, deceased, son of Samuel Shelby, was born in East 
Tennessee Feb. 12, 1826; was reared on a farm and educated in the 
common school; Feb. 17, 1846, he married Miss Leah Capps, 
daughter of John and Elizabeth Capps, dec, who was also born in 
East Tennessee, Jan. 11, 1830; in the spring of 1847 they emi- 
grated to this tp., where 10 children were born to them, namely, 
Sarah E., James, Samuel O., Orlando C, Isaac M., Martin H., 
William M., Walter S., Cynthia L. and Frank L., all of whom are 
living, — a rare incident indeed. Mr. Shelby was a hard-working 
man, following farming and stock-raising, in which he was suc- 
cessful, lie was a merchant in Martinsburg 3 years. He was a 
worthy member of the Baptist Church for 30 years prior to his 
death, which occurred Oct. 25, 1874. In his death the commu- 
nity lost a valuable citizen and the family a kind father. Mrs. S. 
resides on sec. 11. 

Solomon Shults, deceased, was born Sept. 1, 1808, in Pennsyl- 
vania; reared on a farm and received a common-school education; 
Jan. 16, 1830, he married Lovina Taylor, who was born in Frank- 
lin county, O., Oct. 29, 1809, and they had 9 children, 5 of whom 
are living, to wit: Sarah J., Margaret, Eliza, Thomas J. and Nathan 
R. Mr. S. was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a gener- 
ous man, aiding all charitable institutions and the prosperity of 
schools. 

James A. Sition, farmer, sec. 11; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was 
born in 1837 in this tp., and is a son of J. G. and Mary A. Sitton, 
his father a native of Tennessee, and his mother of Kentucky; he 
was educated in the common schools; in 1859 he married Christina 
Huber, who was born in 1839 in this county, and of their 8 chil- 
dren the following 6 are living: Anna L., W. R., Frankie C, Min- 
nie S., John F. and Jesse P. Mr. Sitton's father came to this 
county in 1n36, and is the oldest settler in this tp. now living here. 
James A. is a successful farmer, now owning 212 acres of land, 
well improved. He is a Freemason, and both he and Mrs. S. are 
members of the Baptist Church. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 735 

Thaddeus Smithy farmer, sec. 13; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was born 
in 1850 in Jefferson county, Ind., and is a son ot Barton and Eliza- 
beth Smitli, the former a native of Indiana, and the latter of Ohio; 
in 1874 the farailj' settled near New Salem, this county. In 1877 the 
subject of this notice married Mary E. Dodge, a native of this 
county, and they have one child. Mr. Smith has followed farming 
most of his life, tliough he ]ias clerked in a dry-goods and grocery 
store and followed the agency business to some extent. 

>iS'. F. Sutto?i, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was born in 
1834 in Barren ctniuty, Ky., and is a son of James and Elizabeth 
A. Sutton, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Ver- 
mont; parents moved to Boone county. Mo., when our subject was 
3 years old, and when he was 17 they returned to Kentucky, and 
in 1853 they emigrated to Pike county, 111., locating in this tp. In 
1856 Mr. S. F. Sutton married Martha J. Cruise, who was born in 
1834 in Kentucky, and of their 9 children 8 are living. Mr. S. 
has followed agriculture through life, and by hard work has ob- 
tained a comfortable home of 100 acres of land, with the stock and 
buildings. 

John A. Thomas, M. D. The ancestors of Dr. Thomas were 
natives of Wales who emigrated to the United States about 40 
years previous to the Revolution, settling in Buckingham county, 
Ya. Charles Thomas, a grandfather qf'the subject of this sketch, 
served under Gen. Washington during the war, and was one of the 
army which secured the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at York- 
town ; after the close of the war he returned to his farm in Yirginia, 
and a short time afterward he removed with his family to Patrick 
county in that State, where he followed farming; he also acted as 
Justice for many years, and was high Sheriff of the county two 
terms; he died about 1836, at the advanced age of 93 years. Dur- 
ing his life he killed 300 deer, 65 bears and"44 panthers — in Pat- 
rick county. He left a family of S children, the next oldest being 
Cornelius Thomas, the father of John A.; he was born Oct. 16, 
1778; followed farming in his native county until 1831, when he 
moved to Pike county. Mo., with his wife (whose maiden name was 
Elizabeth Slaughter) and 8 children, — ^Anna, Susannah, Joab, John 
A., Martin, Constantino, Smith S. and Francis Marion, the latter 
two being twins. Iti 1840 he moved into Lincoln county, and in 
1860 came into Pike county. III, and lived with his son, Dr. John 
A., where he died in 1860, aged about 83. His wife died in Lincoln 
count3\ Mo., in 1857. 

Dr. John A. Thomas was born in Patrick county, Ya., April 8. 
1818; his early years were employed on his father's farm, attend- 
ing subscription school during the winter. The school-house was 
a common log building daubed with mud, having a dirt floor, 
greased paper for windows, benches made of split logs, and desks 
of the same material. At the age of 15 years he commenced the 
study of medicine, and not being with any regular physician he 
borrowed all the works he could ; at the age of 17 he commenced 



736 niSTOKY OF pike county. 

teaching school in the winter, and taught four successive winters, 
in the meantime continuing his medical studies, and taking lec- 
tures from Dr. Ballard, of Louisiana, Mo. In 1843 he married 
Sarah Griffith near Louisiana, who was a native of Bourhon 
county, Ky., born in 1824; he then moved to the spot where 
Pleasant Hill now stands, where only three lamiiies were then 
living, and from that time, and in this ])lace, tiie Doctor has 
continued the practice of medicine. He is a self-educated man, 
but the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis granted him a 
diploma on examination in 1859, and he has also been granted a 
certificate by tlie Illinois State Board of Health. He has one of 
the finest medical libraries in the county, and has done as much 
riding and gratuitous practice as any physician in Pike county. 
He spent several years in lecturing on the physiology of the brain, 
moral philosophy, etc. He has also been an ardent and zeal- 
ous advocate of the temperance cause, and a devout Sunday- 
school man, often lecturing on both topics. He had the honor in 
1879 of being President of the Pike County Sunday-School Con- 
vention. The Doctor owns 840 acres of land under cultivation, 
and 200 acres of timber, and is largely interested in the farming 
interests of the county. His residence cost $6,000. His first 
wife died in 1860, who had 6 children, 4 now living. The Doctor's 
second wife was Sophia Blair, who was. born May 3, 1836, in this 
count}', and they have had 5 children, 4 of whom are living. His 
present wife is a graduate of the Methodist Female College, Jack- 
sonville, and was at the time they were married filling the Chair 
of Mathematics in that institution, although she was then a mem- 
ber of the Baptist church, and the only Baptist connected with the 
colleo-e. The names of his children by his former marriage are 
Joel Smith, who graduated at the Ohio Medical College in 1872, 
and married Mollie Wells; Melissa Margaret, married T. J. Shultz; 
Mary Jane C. married H. C. Moore, and Cornelius John A., who 
married Miss Dille Bower. The names of his children by his pres- 
ent wife are Albert Joab, William Sherman, and Clarence Critten- 
den. Dr. Thomas is a Freemason, and both himself and wife are 
members of the Baptist Church. The Doctor's portrait will be 
found in this book. 

Edward B. Venahle, deceased, was born in Pike county. Mo., 
in 1827, and was the son of John and Rachel Venable, natives of 
South Carolina; when he was 16 years of age his parents moved 
with him to this county; in 1848 he married Eliza Gresham, who 
was born in 1828 in Christian county, Ky. ; and of their 8 children 
only Louisa is living. Mr. Venable followed farming the most of 
his life; was in other occupations some. He died Dec. 19, 1879, a 
member of the Masonic order. During life he was a Constable and 
Justice of the Peace, two terms each. Mrs. V. has a very nice res- 
idence in Pleasant Hill, and she and her daughter are members of 
the Baptist Church. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, 737 

Harmon Weaver, farmer, sec. 1 ; P. O., Marti nsburg; was born in 
1816 in Franklin county, O., and is a son of Asa and Lucretia 
Weaver, father a native of Connecticut, and mother of Pennsyl- 
vania; when Harmon was 16 years of age his parents moved with 
him to Delaware county. O., and in 1839 they came to this county; 
they settled in this township in 1851 or 1852. In 1838 Mr. Weaver 
married Sarah Roberts, who was born in 1820 in Delaware county, 
O., and 9 of their 10 children are living. Mr. Weaver has been 
School Director, and has followed farming with good success, now 
owning 280 acres of valuable land. He and his wife are members 
of the Christian Church. 

Z. T. Webster^ farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was born 
in 1827 in Washington county, Ky., the son of James and Ada 
Webster, also natives of Kentucky; when he was 8 years old his 
parents moved with him to Mc Donough county. 111., and in 1842 
to this county, locating on the present homestead. In 1851 he 
married Margaret Briscoe, who was born in 18i6 in Kentucky, 
and they had one child, who is now dead. Mrs. B. died in 1852, 
and Mr. W. married again, in 1854, Margaret J. Davis, who was 
born in this county in 1830, and they have had 4 children, all now 
living. Mr. Webster commenced in life without anything, and by 
honest industry he has now a comfortable home with 575 acres of 
good land, 455 of which are on the Mississippi bottom. 

G. W. Wells, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was born in 
1855 in this county, and is a son of Perry and Elizabeth Wells, 
father a native of Kentucky and mother of Missouri. G. W. re- 
ceived a common-school education, and in 1876 he married Miss 
Miriam Webster, daughter of Henry and Ellen Webster, who was 
born in 1858 in this county. Of their 5 children 2 are deceased. 
As a farmer Mr. Wells has had fair success, now owning 93 acres 
of bottom land. 

Perry Wells, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Pleasant Hill. This gentle- 
man was born in 1814 in Madison county, l^y., the son of Kichard 
and Mary Wells, the former a native of Peimsylvania and the latter 
of Kentucky. When Perry was young his parents moved with 
him to Missouri; in 1837 he came into this county. In 1840 he 
married his first wife. Miss Elizabeth J. Kerr, a native of Missouri. 
They had 6 children. Mrs. W. died in 1862, and he was again 
married in 1863 (May 5) to Miss Kate Tisler, who was born in 
1836 in this county, and they have had 2 children. Mr. Wells 
commenced in life in very limited circumstances, but he now has 
1,200 acres of land. The family are all members of the M. E. 
church at Stockland. 

^. Z. Zerenberg, farmer, sec. 14; P. O., Pleasant Hill. This 
man was born in 1837 in this county, and is the son of Charles and 
Christina Zerenberg, natives of Clermany, who came to the United 
States in 1832, first settling in Pennsylvania, afterward (1834) in 
Pike county, III. The subject of this notice obtained a common- 
school education, and in 1858 he was married to Eliza Venable, 



738 ■ HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

who was born in 1838 in Pike county, Mo. They have had two 
children, bat one has died. Mr. Z. has lived on the present t'arin 
since 1862; has followed fanning all his life; he now owns 225 
acres of good high land. In respect to pnblic office Mr. Z. has 
been School Director, Road Commissioner, Supervisor, Collector 
and Assessor. He is a member of the Masonic order. 

William Zerenherg, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 14; was born 
in this county Feb. 27, 1843, and is a son of Charles Zerenberg, 
deceased, who was well known as an early settler in Pike county. 
Wm. was reared on a farm. At the age of 18 he enlisted in Co, C, 
10th Mo. Inf., and took part in the battles of Champion Plills, siege 
of Yicksburg, Mission Ridge, siege of Corinth, etc. lie was hon- 
orably discharged Aug. 31, 1864. In 1866 he married Mary 
E. Galloway, daughter of J. B. Galloway, of Pleasant Hill tp. 
Their two children are Laura A. and Francis B. 




HADLEY TOWNSHIP. 

This is a tnagnificent township, and for agricultural purposes is 
surpassed by few in tlie Military Tract. It is what may be properly 
termed a prairie township. The sight presented to the early 
settler must have been pleasant as he viewed this beautiful nature's 
lawn, now thickly studded with houses, orchards, hedges and alt 
the insignia of health}' cultivation, before a furrow was struck or 
anything to disturb the eye nearer than the curling smoke of three 
or four cabins along the edges of tlie timber. 

The lirst settler in this township after the Indians had been 
driven Westward, was not a white man, but a colored one. He was 
known as " Free Frank," and came with his wife and three chil- 
dren to this township, and located on sec. 22, in 1829. He was 
from Kentucky, and had spent the preceding winter in Greene 
county. 111. He liad purchased his freedom and that of his family. 
To conform to the custom of the a^e the Leo-islature ffave Free 
Frank a surname, viz: McWorter, and he was always afterward 
known as Frank McWorter. 

After Mr. McWorter had been recognized by the Legislature, in 
order to conform to the law he must be re-married. Accordingly 
he and his wife presented themselves for that purpose before Esq. 
Neeley. When McWorter was asked if he would live with, cherish 
and support, etc., his wife, he replied, "Why, God bless your soul! 
I've done that thing for the last 40 years." 

Mr. McWorter was a live, enterprising man, a reputable, worthy 
citizen, kind, benevolent and honest. He labored hard to free his 
posterity from the galling yoke of Southern slavery. He not only 
purchased his own freedom and that of his wife and children, but 
left provision in his will to buj' grandchildren, which was done by 
his son. He died in 1857 at the ripe old age of 77. His wife died 
in 1871, at the very advanced age of 99. Many of their descend- 
ants are still living in the township. 

The first white settler to locate in Hadley was Joshua Woosley. 
This veteran still resides here, living on his farm, on sec. 19, in the 
suburbs of Barry, He came in 1830, cut logs, and built the second 
house in the township, the first being erected by McWorter. Then 
came Charles Hazelrio-i;, who settled on sec. 33. Dean Peterson 
located on sec. 36. Then fallowed Daniel Clingensraith, Reuben 
Shipman, Anson Gray, Isaac Moore, James Dntt(^n, William 



740 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Wilkinson, Stephen R. Watson, Joseph Shelley an(i William Farmer. 
These pioneers were all Southerners, mcjstly from Kentnckj and 
Tennessee. 

These early pilgrims often had their ingenuity taxed to its utmost 
in order to perform needed labor with the existing tools. Neces- 
sity being the mother of invention, they generally found some 
practical way to do their work. What if it did take more time to 
perform the labor? That was of but little consequence, as time in 
those early days was abundant. The pioneers did not rush along 
over prairies, through dale and woodland at the rate of 40 miles aa 
hour, as is done at present. Nor could they cut eight and ten acres 
of wheat in a day; indeed, thej' did not have any of the labor-saving 
implements so coinuK^n now. Joshua Woosley relates that in the 
spring of 1831 he and Mr. Bradshaw broke some prairie together. 
They tied up a yoke of oxen to a big bar-share plow with hickory 
bark, not having chains sufficient or any other better article. The 
plow needing sharpening, he was compelled to go to Atlas, a dis- 
tance of 20 miles, to have it done. The charge for this work was 
not large, however, as he tells us his total bill for the work, dinner, 
drinks, etc., was only " nine-pence" (12| cents'). 

Mr. Woosley used the first grain cradle in the township, charging 
a bushel of wheat per acre for cutting. This new method of cutting 
wheat was a great curiosity to the settlers, many of whom came 
from far and near to see it. 

The pioneers did not have a well-stocked store of provisions always 
at hand. No, often the last particle of corn meal was used up 
before another supply was obtained. Mills were then far away, and 
so crowded that often customers had to wait for days before their 
turn would come. Mr. AVooslej^ tells us that on one occasion some 
men came to stay over night with him. It happened that they had 
no meal prepared, but the block was handy, and while his wife was 
busying herself in the house, he went out and pounded up some 
corn with an iron wedge. These we give as illustrations of the 
many privations and inconveniences under which these pioneers 
were compelled to live. The}' were sturdy, brave-hearted people 
though, and conquer.ed all of these obstacles and brought a wild 
country under the very highest state t)f cultivation. 

The first child born in the township was Jane, daughter of 
Joshua Woosley. She was born in 1834, and married Milton 
Deran. Mrs. Jane Gray, wife of Anson Gray, was the first person 
to die. The first marriage ceremony was performed in uniting A. 
M. Robinson and Miss Mary Gray in wedlock. The ceremony was 
performed by Esq. Woosley at the house of Anson Gray in 1844. 

The first school building erected in the township was on sec. 10, 
in 1836. The first teacher was James Frier. 

The Wabash railroad passes through the township and has a 
station on sec. 22, or on the line of sees. 21 and 22. 

The town of Philadelphia was laid out by the elder McWorter 
in 1836, on the northeast quarter of sec. 27. At one time it 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 741 

had great promise, but the railroad passing it a mile distant, and 
other towns springing up, has killed it. At present there is not 
■even a postofRce at the place. 

The township is well supplied with churches and schools, which 
indicate the high moral and intellectual standard of the people. 

PERSONAL SKETCHES. 

In connection with and as a part of the history of the township, 
we will give personal sketches of the leading and representative 
people who reside here. 

Barton W. Alkire^ whose portrait we present in this volume, 
was born in Pickaway county, O., March 4, 1823. His parents 
wereGreo. and Catharine (Rush) Alkire, natives of Virginia, and of 
German descent. George Alkire was left an orphan at 10 years 
of age, and he then found his way to Fleming county, Ky., where 
he remained until he was 17, and he then went to Ross county, O., 
and thence to Pickaway county; here, at the age of 23, he married 
Miss Catharine Rush, aged 16; in 1841 they emigrated to this tp., 
settling on sec. 31, and bringing with them four children, — Mary, 
Rebecca, Barton W. and Abner, now deceased. They left four 
children in Ohio, — Wesley J., Lydia, Gideon and Josiah, — who 
came out the next year. During his life-time Mr. Geo. Alkire 
owned and lived on his farm in Hadley, l)ut left the charge of it 
to his sons. He had been a member of the Christian Church ever 
since he was 17 years old, and for a long period before liis death lie 
was a minister of the gospel. He died July 21, 1868, and his sur- 
viving widow died April 9, 1873. Barton W. Alkire, the subject 
of this sketch, is a farmer and stock -raiser by occupation, his resi- 
dence and farm of 140 acres being on sec. 31, Hadley tp. He 
passed his early years on liis father's farm in Ohio, and in this 
countv, obtainino: his education mostly in the schools of Ohio. He 
has lived on his present place since 1841, except 1849-50 he was 
in California, gold-mining, in which he was quite successful. Mr. 
A. is one of the solid, substantial and representative farmers of 
Pike county; in politics is a Republican, and has served his town- 
ship as Collector several terms. He is still a baclielor, his two 
sisters, Mary and Rebecca, keeping house for him. They are very 
pleasantly situated. 

James W. Bov)ei\ farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Cool Bank; is a native 
of Ohio and was born Jan. 25, 1836; was the eldest child of Joseph 
Bower, who came to this county in 1838 and died in the spring of 
1844. He was educated in the common schools of this county, 
and in the spring of 1857 married Rebecca Ann Coshon, a native 
of Indiana, born June 6, 1839. Three of their five children are 
living: Rebecca E., born Dec. 18, 1860, Sarah Olive, born Aug. 
30, 1855, and George Washington, born July 10, 1869. Mr. 



742 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Bower moved to Bourbon county, Kan., in the fall of 1858 and re- 
turned in 1863. He is Director of the district in which he lives, 
and is a Kepublican. 

Orm Caynphell is a farmer, and resides on sec 21. 

J. S. Carson is following the vocation of agriculture on sec. 29. 

P. II. Cleveland is also a farmer, and lives on sec. 9, this town- 
ship. 

Marion Cllngensmith, farmer, sec. 19; B. O., Barry; was born 
Dec. 20, 1848, on the farm where he now lives. His collegiate 
course was taken at Lombard University, Knox county, HI. June 
5, 1873, he married Lncinda E. Graybael, a , native of Monroe Co., 
Hid.; they have had 3 children, 2 of whom are living: Marcia B., 
born May 30, 1875, and Anna M., born May 27, 1878. Mr. C. has 
been a School Director at different times. Is a Republican, and in 
religion a Universalist. 

George Conrad^ farmer, sec. 14; B. O., Bay lis; was born in 
1820 in Wayne county. Mo., and is a sun of Beter and Sarah Con- 
rad, natives of North Carolina, who emigrated to Missouri the 
spring before George's birth, and are now both deceased. Besides 
attending the public schools of Missouri the subject of this notice 
also attended for 7 years the Mission Institute at Quincy, 111. He 
came to this county in 1851, and in 1857 he went to Blue Earth 
county, Minn., and in 1869 returned to this county, settling on sec. 
14, this tp. In 1851 he married Miss M. L. Shipman, who 
was born in 1821 in Hartford county, Conn. They have had 5 
children, 4 of whom are living, to wit : David C, C. J., Jesse B. 
and A. G. At the time of the outbreak of the Sioux in Minnesota 
Mr. C. and many of his neighbors left their homes until danger 
was over, and in their absence large quantities of grain and other 
perishable property was destroyed. Mr. Conrad has held the office 
of Road Commissioner and Justice of the Beace, has taught school 
some, but his occupation has principally been farming. Mr. and 
Mrs. C. are members of the Congregational Church. 

Orange Cram, farmer, seCv 16, of Hadley ; B. O., Barry; was born 
in Ackworth, Sullivan county, N. H., Feb. 16, 1803, and is the sec- 
ond son of Jesse and Lydia Cram. In 1823 he moved to Concord, 
Lake county, O., where he was married in 1825 to Susan Carroll, 
a native of that county; they have 6 living children. In 1866, Mr. 
C. settled in this tp. ; has been a Republican, but is now identified 
with the Greenback party. He owns 40 acres of valuable land in a 
good state of cultivation. 

George Cunningham, farmer, sec. 8; B. 0., Barry; was born in 
Fayette county, Benn., Aug. 9, 1809. In 1826 he began learning 
the tanner's trade, and in 1830 moved to Harrison county, O., 
where he started a tannery of his own and continued the business 
for 12 years. His grandfather, Barnett (/unningham, came from 
Scotland at a very early day. His father, Joseph II. Cunningham, 
was born in the house where the subject of this sketch was reared. 
In 1831 he married AFary Aim Humphrey, who died March 3, 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUKTY. 743 

1851, leaving 7 cliildren. In April 30, 1878, he married Mrs. 
Elizabetli Hoyle, a native of Warren county, O., born Feb. 16, 1836. 
Mr. C. has been School Director 9 years. In 1866 he came to this 
county and purchased the farm where he now resides. He is a 
member of the I. O. of O. F., and is the oldest member in the 
county. Politically, he is a staunch Democrat. 

Jaspe?' Davis, fa,rmei\ sec. 18; P. O., Barry; was born on his 
present farm, July 19, 1843. His parents, Wm. and Mary E. 
Davis were amonij; the earliest settlers of Pike county. Mr. W. 
Davis was born in Union county, 111., Oct. 25, 1813, and Mrs. D. 
was born in Erie conntv, O., Oct. 1, 1820; her maiden name was 
Bushnell. Her family emio-rated to Fulton county, 111., and the 
town in McDonough county that bears the family name was named 
after her uncle. Dec. 25, 1876, Mr. J. Davis married Margaret 
Broady, a native of Adams county. 111., born April 15, 1846; they 
have one child, Wm. Calvin, born Nov. 25, 1877. Mr. D. is Com- 
missioner of Public Highways, and politically a Republican. 

John, H. Davis, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., Barry; was born in Fay- 
eett county, Penn.. June 1, 1835; he assisted his father during 
summer and attended district school during winter, until he was 
16 years old; he then came, with his father's family, to this town. 
John H. is the 9th of 11 children. In 1859 he married Miss Em- 
ma Ward, who died 4 years after, leaving 2 sons. In D^c, 1865, 
he married Elizabeth E., daughter of E. D. Kose, of Pittstield, 
born Feb. 4, 1839. They have 2 children. Mr. Davis owns 143 
acres of valuable land, and it is well improved. He is a Republican, 
and a Methodist. 

Anthony Dell, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Cool Bank; was boru 
in Madison Co., 111., Kov. 23, 1841; came with his father to Pitts- 
field when but 8 years of age; in 1867 married Miss Jane Crone, 
and they have 3 children. In 1861 he enlisted in the 2d 111. Cav- 
alry, and served to the close of the war. He is a Republican. 

Benjamin Dulan, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Baylis; was born in 
Ralls county. Mo., in March, 1828 ; was married in 1848, and has 
7 children; in 1863 moved to Adams Co., and to Pike Co. the fol- 
lowing March. He is a Republican, and member of the Baptist 
Church. 

Squire Dutcher was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., Sept. 6, 
1806. His father, Gideon Dutcher, was a farmer, and Squire as- 
sisted him in the summer and went to district school in the winter. 
At the age of 11 his father moved to Chatham Co., N. Y., where iie 
died, leaving a widow and 10 children, of whom our subject is the 
7th. In 1823 or 1824 he moved with his mother's family toRensel- 
laer county, where he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. In 
1827 he married Charlotte Winchell, who died in 1837. They had 
2 children. In the fall of the same 3^ear he married Eliza A. 
Townsend, and they had 3 living children. Mrs. Dutcher died 
July 29, 1879. Mr. D.'s oldest son, Charles H., is professor at the 
South Normal School at Cape Girardeau, Mo. His second son, Al- 



744- HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

bert, is in the jewelry business at Kirksville, Mo. One, Edi^ar, 
went to California in 1849, and has not been heard from in a num- 
ber of years. Mr. Dutcher came to tliisCo. in 1839, owns a beauti- 
ful farm of 66 acres adjoining the city Of Barry; is a Republican, 
and Adventist ; has been Township Collector of Iladley. 

Stephen M. Dutvher, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Barry; was born 
in Dutchess county, N. Y., April 5, 1810. When he was quite 
young his parents moved to Columbia county, N. Y., where he 
received his education durin:^ the winter months in a district 
school. Durino^ summer he assisted his mother in the cultivation 
of the farm until he was 16 years of age. He then learned the 
carpenter and joiner trade. In 1834 he removed to Chenango 
county, N. Y., where he was married in 1835 to Miss Mary Hunt, 
a native of that county, born May 6, 1808. He worked at his trade 
until 1845, and then came to this county and purchased his pres- 
ent farm, where he has since resided. Mr, and Mrs. Dutcher have 
5 living children, — 3 sons and 2 daugiiters. His son Henry 
enlisted in 1861 in the 99th Reg. I. V., and served to the close of 
the war. He is a Greenbacker, and member of the Christian 
Ciiurch. 

Charles J. Ford was born on sec. 16, Hadley tp., Sept. 7, 1843; 
educated in the district school; Dec. 23, 1869, he married Miss 
Keziah Cunningham, daughter of George Cunningham, of this tp., 
and they have 3 children. He owns 80 acres of land in a good 
state of cultivation; he is School Director of this district. 

Jerry Gelvin^ farmer, sec. 21; P. O., Cool Bank; was born in 
Washington Co., Va., June 27, 1818; educated in the same county, 
in the district schools; in 1838 he moved to Wayns Co., Ky., and 
in 1841 was married in Pulaski Co., Ky., to Miss Harriet Quails, 
daughter of Judge Tunstall Quails, who was a member of the 25th 
Congress, and Judge of his Circuit up to the time of his death. 
Six of their 9 children are now living. In 1852 he moved to Pike 
county, where he has since lived, and is at present agent of the 
Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad at Hadley Station; is Post- 
master of Cool Bank postofHce, and largely engaged in buying 
grain. He owns 160 acres of verv valuable land. Politicallv he 
is a Democrat. 

William A. Gordon, deceased, was born in Ohio, Feb. J 5, 1817. 
In early life he assisted his parents on the farm ; in 1838 he came 
to Pi^e county, where he was married in 1844 to Sophia R., daugh- 
ter of James and Elizabeth Burbridge, a native of Pickaway Co., 
O.; was born Jan. 1, 1827. They have one son, James D., born 
Oct. 21, 1853, and now itiarried to Mary E. Wike, and who have one 
child, Gertrude. Mr. Gordon died Sept. 26, 1874, a man of ster- 
ling worth. 

William G rammer, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., l>arry; born in Boston, 
Mass., Jan. 8, 1822; educated in Maiden, Mass.; in 1840 he moved 
to this township, settling on sec. 2, where he has lived up to 4 years 
ago. In 1846 he married Eliza Philpot, a native of England, but 



HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 745 

a resident of Perry, 111. She died in 1866, leaving one child, Maria 
B., now Mrs. Bluke. In January, 1874, he married Mrs. McTncker, 
widow of John McT. In 1851 he was elected Supervisor of Hadlej 
and held the office 24 years. In 1867 he married his second wife, 
Miss Lucy H. Smith, who died in 1872. He is a E.ej3ublican. 

Benj.F. 6^ray, blacksmith and wagon and buggy manufacturer, 
Philadelphia; P. O., Cool Bank; was born in 1840 in this county, 
and is a son of Anson and Jane G-ray, who came from Ohio to this 
place in early day. After receiving a fair public school education 
and growing to manhood, Benj. F. in 1SG8 married Mary Ann Hall, 
and by her had one child, Sophia A. Mrs. Gray died in 1869, and 
Mr. Gray in 1870 married Elizabeth Ann Mellon, who was born in 
1848 in Washington county, Pa., and they have had 3 children, 
Lena May, Gertrude and Nina A. Mr. Gray has followed farming, 
but by trade is a blacksmith and manufacturer of wagons and 
buggies, which business he has followed for a number of years. 
He was 3 years in the war, in Co. K, 99th 111. Inf. Politically he 
is a Republican. 

Howard A. Grayhael^ farmer, sec. 31; P. (J., Barry; was born 
in Monroe Co., Ind., June 22, 1842; received a common-school edu- 
cation; in 1864 removed to this tp. ; in 1870, in St. Charles Co., 
Mo., married Miss Mary A. Miller, a native of that county; they 
liave 2 children, Adella, born Aug. 27, 1872, and Lloyd, Aug. 25, 
1879. He owns 80 acres of very valuable land, as fertile as this 
county affords. In politics he is a Democrat. 

James M. Green^ farmer, sec. 31; P. O., Barry; was born in 
Barry tp., June 13, 1845, the 3d son of 9 children of P. D. S. Green, 
of Bari'y tp., and a native of Rensellaer Co., N. Y., who came to 
this county in early day. James M. took two courses in Lombard 
University at Galesburg, 111. In 1866 he married Addie M. Hol- 
lenbeck, who died Sept. 14, 1870, leaving one child, Nora. In 
1874 he married Hannah Tilden, a native of Franklin Co., N. Y., 
born Sept. 23, 1848. He owns 120 acres of good land, and is a 
Republican. 

D. P. Guss, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Barry; was born in 1841 in 
Pennsylvania, and is the son of William and Eliza Guss, natives 
also of the Keystone State, who emigrated to this county when 
their son was 7 years old, and are still living in this county. D. P. 
was educated in the common schools here. In 1860 he married 
Miss Mary J. Lawton, who was born in 1845 in this county, and 
they have 2 children, Charlie E. and OUie M. From ])overty Mr. 
Guss has risen to become the owner of a nice home of 160 acres 
of land worth $35 an acre. He is a Freemason, and in politics is a 
Democrat. 

I£. L. Iladsell^ farmer, sec. 15; P. O., Barry. This gentleman 
was born in 1842, in this county, .and is a sou of N. V. and Eliza- 
beth J. Hadsell, both natives of New York, who came to this 
county in 1834, thus being early pioneers here. H. L. obtained a 
public-school education, and when 19 years of age he enlisted in 



746 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Co. I, 28th 111. Inf., as private, Aug. 3, 1S61, and was promoted '2d 
Lieutenant in October, 1862; in 1863 he was again promoted 1st 
Lieutenant, and in 1864 he was promoted Captain of Co. F, 28tli 
111. Inf., under Gen. Grant. Tlis first engagement was at Belmont, 
Mo.; he then went to Pad ncah, then to Fort Henry, Pittsburg Land- 
ing, Corinth, Holly Springs, Yicksburg during the siege, Jack- 
son (where he engaged in a hard-fought battle), Natchez, to do 
provost duty on account of meritorious conduct, where he remained 
one year; tl'ien to New Orleans, then Mobile. While on the way 
to Mobile the troops were shipwrecked, but no one was lost; took 
a well fortified fort at Mobile Point; then was engaged in the 
sieo-e of Spanish Fort, Ala., which place surrendered after a month's 
siege; then he was in the siege of Fort Blakely, which also surren- 
dered in 1804, these places being the key to Mobile, ah-eady taken. 
Gen. Canby took Mobile, under whose command Capt. Hadsell was 
at the time; then the Captain with his force was ordered to Browns- 
ville, Texas, where he remained until liis discharge, April 6, 1866. 
He then returned home and engaged in farming, which he has fol- 
lowed ever since with success, now owning 200 acres of land worth 
$60 per acre.. In 1866 he married Miss Adda Baker, who was born 
in 1843 in Hamilton county, O., and they have had 2 children, to 
wit: Laura M. and Leon Y. The Captain and his wife are mem- 
bers of the Free-will Baptist Church. 

John D. Hamilton, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., Barry; was born in 
Ayrshire. Scotland, Sept. 29, 1836. In 1845 his father died, 
arid in 1850 his mother, with a family of 4 children, emigrated to 
this country and settled in St. Louis, Mo. In the fall of 1854 
John D. moved to Quincy, 111., and in 1861, to Pike Co., and set- 
tled on his present farm, which he had purchased some time pre- 
viously. In 1870 he married Annie Shaw, a native of this county, 
and tliey have 3 children, — Thomas, Ida and Alexander. He is a 
member of the M. E. Church and a Republican. 

Albert E. Hays, farmer, sec. 16; P. O., Cool Bank; was born 
in Franklin county, O., Oct. 27, 1832. In 1846 he came with his 
parents to this county, and in 1864 was married to Margaret Pierce, 
who died in the fall of 1867, leaving one child, Wm. In 1870 he 
married Mabel Norris, and their children are : Lillian, May, 
Oscar N., Kate and Bertie E. Mr. H. owns 80 acres of land, and 
is a Green backer. 

Pulaski Hays, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Barry; was born in Fra^ik- 
lin county, O., April 13, 1845. While yet in his infancy his 
parents, Richard and Catharine Hays came to this county and set- 
tled in Hadley tp. In 1868 he married Nannie Quarles, and their 
2 children are Harry and Clarence. He owns 120 acres of land, 
and is a Republican. 

Theodore Hays, farmer, sec. 16; P. O., Barry; was born in 
Franklin county, O., in 1836; came West in 1846, and with his 
parents settled in this county, where his early education was ob- 
tained. In 1862 he married Miss Mary Johnson and they have 6 



HISTORY OF riKK COUNTY. 747 

children . He is a E^epnblican and owns 120 acres of first-rate land. 

J. B. Hill is a farmer, residing on sec. 28. 

Harlow Huntley, farmer, sec. 10; P. O., Cool Bank; was born 
in Oneida county, N. Y., July 19, 1806; is the eldest of 6 children 
of Amos and Addie Huntley, early settlers of that county. His 
grandfather, Amos Huntley, sen., was a revolutionary soldier. Mr. 
H. emigrated with his parents to Alleghany county, N.Y., when 
he was 8 years old. Here he was raised and educated. He assist- 
ed on the farm, and at the age of 20, married Elmira Partridge, a 
native of Hampshire county, Mass., who died Sept. 19, 1877, leav- 
ing 10 children. He has been a resident of this county since 1843; 
in 1850 was elected Justice of tlie Peace and held the office till 
1877, and is at the present time Treasurer of this tp. During his 
residence here he has accumulated 1,000 acres of land, which he 
has divided among his 3 sons. He was raised a Jackson Demo- 
crat, but at the breaking out of the Rebellion he aided largely in the 
organization of the Republican party, in whose ranks he was found 
till 1878, since which time he has been a zealous Greenbacker. 

George B. KimhalL farmer, sec. 4; P. O., Barry; was born in 
Worcester, Norfolk county, Mass., in 1831. At the age of 6 years 
his parents, David and Rebecca Kimball, moved to this county, 
where he was raised and educated. In 1854 he married Mary 
Osborn, a native of Ohio, born Aug. 10, 1836, and they have 4 
sons and 4 daughters. He is a Republican, and owns 170 acres of 
land. 

Francis McCartney^ farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Barry; was born in 
Ross county, Ohio, Sept. 22, 1811; was raised on a farm and as- 
sisted his father until 1832, when he married Eliza Johnson, also a 
native of Ross county, and was born Aug. 30, 1811. Of their 10 
children 5 are living. In the fall of 1850 Mr. M. moved to Pike 
Co., and purchased the beautiful farm on which he now resides. In 
1861 his son Charles enlisted in the 99th Reg., and served during 
the entire war. His son, Milton, enlisted in 1865, and served to 
the close. Mr. M. is a Democrat. 

John B. McClain, farmer, sec. 32; P. O., Barry; was born in 
Knox county, Tenn., Nov. 12, 1844; is the youngest of 9 children. 
In April, 1862, he enlisted in Co. D, 6th Reg. T. Y, I., and served 
in several of the engagements in Sherman's march to the sea. He 
was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., in 1865, after which he re- 
turned home for a short time, and then moved to near Lexington, 
Kentucky. In the fall of 1870 he came to this county; in J871 he 
married Sarah E. Shaw, daughter of Daniel Shaw, of Derry tp., 
born March 13, 1841. They have 3 children, — Annie E., James 
D. and May. Mr. McClain is cultivating a valuable farm in Hadley 
and Derry tps., is a Republican and a Baptist. 

Patrick McMahaii is a farmer, pui'suing his calling on sec. 9, 

Jacoh Orehaugh, farmer, sec. 6 ; P. O. , Barry ; was born in Rock- 
ingham county, Ya., Jul}^ 17, 1824; at the age of tive years he 
moved with his parents to Highland county, O., where he was 



748 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

raised and educated. In 1846 he married Emma Predinore, a na- 
tive of N. J., and thej liave 4 living children. In 1856 he 
settled in this tp.; has lieeii School Director: is a P>a])tist and 
a Kepnblican. 

James II. Orehaugh, farmei-, sec. 8; P. O., Barry; was born in 
Clermont county, O., Junc 9, 1852, and came to this county with 
his parents when he was five years of age. When 15 years old he 
visited 8 or 10 difterent States, and in 1876 came liome, and was 
married Jan. "•, 1878, to Sarah C. Matthews, daughter of Joseph 
Matthews, deceased, of Adanio county. 111. Tlioy have one child, 
Nellie Maud, lie is a member of the German Baptist church. 

David II. Patten, farmer, sec. 14; P. O., Bay lis; was born in 
Belmont county, O., in 1841, and is the son of David and Eliza 
Patten, who emigrated to this county about 38 years ago, and have 
since died, lleceiving a common-school education and growing up 
to manhood, David H. in 1862 married Miss Alice States, who 
was born in 1847 in this county, and still resides on the old home- 
stead. Tiieir 4 children are Charlie, Lulu, Merton and Harry. 
Mr. P. has had good success in farming, now owning 320 acres of 
first-rate .land, well improved. In politics Mr. P. is a Democrat; 
is a membei" of the I. O. O. F., and both himself and wife are mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church. 

Wblllaiii A. Peck, farmer, sec. 21; P. O., Barry; was born in 
Boss county, Ohio, May 27, 1842; came to this county when 5 
years old. In 1864 was married to Jessie Wilson, a native of Scot- 
land. They have 6 children. He is at present School Directoi', 
and in politics he is a Democrat. 

Dea)i Peterson, farmer, sec. 36; P. O., Baylis; was born in 1804. 
in Salem county. Upper Penn's Neck, N. J., and is the son of 
Robert and Catharine Peterson; his father was a native of Dela- 
ware and his mother of New Jersey, both deceased. In 1821 his 
parents moved with him to Ohio where they remained until 1836, 
when they emigrated to this county and settled on sec. 36, his 
present residence. The subject of this notice being a pioneer in 
this section, has had to work very hard, amid many privations; 
has had to split rails at 25 cents per day; by littles he accumu- 
lated enough to enter 80 acres of land, ai\d he now owns 120 acres. 
Sept. 18, 1834, he married Miss Catharine Troy, who was born 
in Clermont county, O., and they have had 11 children, 9 of 
whom are living. Dean first learned the shoemaker's trade, but not 
liking that business, he engaged in farming, having had reasonable 
success. He is still a stout man for his years. He has visited the 
Pacific coast. He has been Supervisor and School Director, and in 
politics is a Democrat. 

Joslah W. Richards., deceased, was born in Boston, Mass., Nov. 
21, 1811. March 3, 1835, he married Margaret Phillips, who was 
born July 16, 1812, and died Oct. 3, 1849, leaving 3 daughters. 
March 21. 1852, Mr. R. married Esther Garraux, who was born 
Oct. 23, 1817, and who, by her first marriage, had one daughter. 




n 




^Vs, 




HADLEY TP 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 751 

Mr. and Mrs. Kichards had 3 children. In 1837 Mr. R. came to 
Macoupin Co., 111., where he lived 4 or 5 years, then moved to St. 
Louis, Mo. Dec. 1, 1853, he again moved to Illinois and settled 
in this county, where he died Jan. 4, 1866. He was a Repuhlican. 

James lioasell, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Barry. Mr. R. was born in 
1845 in Pennsylvania; his parents were Joseph and Aditha Rossell, 
both natives of Pennsylvania; when he was 6 years of age his parents 
emigrated with \\\v,\ to this county, where he obtained a public- 
school education and grew to manhood; in 1870 he married Alice 
M. Haycraft, who was born in 1850 in this county. Mr. R. is a 
farmer, owning 181 acres of No. 1 land, and is now erecting a 
dwelling at a cost of $3,000. He is also a stock-raiser, and some- 
times does something in the line of shipping wheat. 

Ira A. Sweet, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 32; P. O., Barry; 
was born in Rensellaer county, N. Y., Sept. 1, 1820, and is the 
eldest son of Ira and Sarah (Hadsell) Sweet, also natives of the 
Empire State; they first emigrated to Alleghany county, JM. Y., in 
1837, and then in May of the following year to this county, settling 
in this tp., where in 1844 the parents died, leaving the care of the 
property with Ira A., the subject of this sketch; the latter had but 
limited opportunities for an early education; in this county. Oct. 
30, 1856, he married Miss Martlia Hewitt, who was born in Ross 
county, O., Sept. 6, 1821 ;• when first married he had about $15.00 
worth of property; he noA^ owns 191 acres of land, worth $50 per 
acre. He raises and deals in young cattle and other stock. In 
politics he is a Republican, and in religion a Baptist. His por- 
trait appears in this volume. 

Rolert II. Taylor, farmer, sec. 36; P. O., New Salem. Mr. T. 
was btjrn in-1842 in this county; his parents are Matthew M. and 
Eliza Taylor, natives of Pennsylvania; was educated in this county, 
and in 1866 he married Sarah A. Sharer, who was born in 1847 in 
this county. Their 3 children are Jacob E., Jesse A. and Matthew 
R. Mr. Taylor is a farmer of considerable note, owning 168 acres 
of good land, where he raises some stock. Mr. and Mrs. T. are 
members of the M. E. Church. In politics Mr. T. is a Democrat. 

Thomas H. Thoinas, farmer, sec. 33; P. O., Barry; was born in 
St. Louis county. Mo., Sept. 15, 1851; is the son of Thomas 
Thomas, deceased, wlio came to this county in 1857. He was 
raised in slavery by Mr. Pernod, who gave him his freedom. 
Shortly before he came to Illinois he purchased the freedom of his 
wife, who was also born in slavery in the same neighborliood. Her 
name was Sophia Patiese. They were married in 1850, and they have 
5 living children, the subject of this sketch being the oldest. He 
was married Dec. 30, 1875, to Dasara Ann Lawson, a native of 
Natchez, Miss., born Oct. 24, 1850, and they have 2 children. He 
is a Republican, a Methodist, and owns 320 acres of valuable land. 

Ansel Vond, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Cool Bank; was born in 
Monroe county, N. Y., Oct. 12, 1828; was raised and educated in 
his native county. In Nov., 1857, he settled in this county, and 

43 



752 HISTORY OF ITKE COUNTY. 

in 1858 he was married to Lucy x\nn McWorter, daughter of Frank 
McWorter, tlie tirst settler in this township. They have 3 living 
children, — Lncy, George E. and Francis Nero. He owns 82 acres 
of land in a good state of cultivation; is a member of the Baptist 
Church, and a E,e])ul)lican. 

John Walker^ fanner, sec. 22; P. O., Cool Bank; was born a 
slave in Spottsylvania county, Va., in 1802; was owned by several 
masters uj) to 1834, when he ])nrcliased his own freedom from David 
Yan Aue for $300, after whicluhe rented ground and went to work 
for himself. According to the laws of the State at that time, a free 
negro was not allowed to remain in the State but one j^ear; but 
through the influence of a friend in the Legislature, he obtained a 
permit to remain 3 years, but he does not remember whether he 
staid the full allotted time or not. By working hard and saving money 
he purchased a cheap team, which he sold in 1838 and came to Ran- 
dolph county. Mo., with Wm. R. Dusen, the tnan who owned his 
wife and children. After coming to Missouri, he had money enough 
to purchase 80 acres of land and went to raising tobacco, corn and 
hogs. In 1850 he purchased the freedom of 2 of his children, 
Peter and Lettie, and in 185-4 he purchased his wife Lucy and son 
Oregon. His wife was then 50 years of age and had been a slave 
all her life. His son was then about 18 years of age. He paid 
$1,100 for both. He afterward purchased, his daughter Louise and 
her 2 children, Charles and William, for whom he paid $600. In 
1861 he owned 460 acres of land and a considerable amount of ])er- 
sonal property which he sold, and came to this county and settled 
on sec. 22 in this tp., where he has since resided. John has been 
the father of 16 children, — only 3 of whom are living, — Oregon, 
Archy and Peter. The balance of his children were all emanci- 
pated by Lincohrs proclamation. His descendants are numerous; 
he is one of ttie wealthy men of Pike county, and lias accumulated 
all his property by his own honest industry. Although wholly 
■nneducated in tlie books, he has a rare natural ability; is very lib- 
eral in his views, even recognizing the right of slavery; says he 
has never received any cruel treatment from any of his masters. 
He is highly respected in his neighborhood. 

Stephen R. Watson, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Barry; was born in 
Newport, Herkimer county, N. Y., April 25, 1811; in 1830 he set- 
tled in Atlas, this county, where, in 1834, he married Miss Ann 
Brown, a native of Massachusetts, who died in June, 1879, leaving 
one son and three daughters; three of her children have died. 
Having learned the tailor's trade in the East, Mr. Watson contin- 
ued in the l)usiness of merchant tailor in Atlas. In 1835 he pur- 
chased the beautiful farm on which he now resides, the cultivation 
of which he has brought to a high degree. Since his location here 
he has devoted his attention exclusively to farming. He is a Uni- 
Tersalist, a Republican, and a highly respected member of society. 
Joshua Wbosley, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Barry; was born in 
Wilson county, Tenn., July 9, 1805; when he was 9 years old his 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. Y53 

parents moved with bini to Christian county, Ky.; Oct. 30, 1827, 
he married Margaret Johnson, daughter of William Johnson, of 
that county; she died Sept. 8, 1868, leaving 4 children; six of her 
children had died, and since her death lier youngest daughter has 
died. In 1828 Mr. W. settled on Sugar Creek, in Sangamon county, 
111., and after about 18 months he settled on the place where he 
now resides. Nov. 4, 1869, he married Mrs. Augusta Ann Sidner, 
widow of John Sidner, of this tp., who was born in Madison county, 
Ohio, Oct. 2, 1815, and has one daughter by her previous marriage. 
Mr. Woosley has been Countj^ Commissioner 3 years, Associate 
County Judge 4 years, Sheriif 2 years, Tp. Assessor and Collector 
several terms, Justice of the Peace 12 years. Constable 8 years, 
etc., etc.; is now Assessor and Collector. He has held more offices 
than any other man in the county. He is the oldest citizen of this 
tp., and is perhaps as well acquainted with the political history of 
Pike county as any other citizen. 



DERKY TOWISSHIP. 

This townsliip embraces a line tanning district. It is especially 
well adapted to the i-aising of stock, and to fruit-growing. Very 
early in the history of the county the pioneer was attracted hither. 
To the memory of David W. Howard is due the honor of being the 
first settler of Derry township. He came here as early as 1826, 
and made improvements on sec. 28, where he built the iirst 
house in the township. Soon came Charles Martin, the second 
settler, and Isaiah Cooper, the third. The latter settled on sec. 
20. Then followed Robert McClintock, AVilliam and Joseph Horn- 
back, Charles Hoskins, James and Nineveh Barnes, Mr. Kinne, S. 
F. Thomas, Henry Fesler and others, who also made improvements 
and did much in developing the native resources of this fine agri- 
cultural district. 

Soon after the arrival of the above pioneers, settlers began to 
pour in so fast that it was even then difficult to keep pace with 
their advent, and after the lapse of 40 years it is impossible to 
8{)eak of them in the general order of their coming. They formed 
one of the pleasantest communities to be found in the State. The 
earlv pilgrims were well-disposed persons. Of those above men- 
tioned none are now living in the township except Mr. AVilliam 
Hornback. The descendants of many, however, are numerous, and 
they are in general of the same disposition as that of their fathers, 
only more modernized. It is hardly too much to say, that no com- 
munity in the county excels this in this respect. The present 
generation is largely made up of people who were born here, 
or who have lived here from their childhood, and they have 
nearly all fallen into the good ways of the pioneers. They 
are honest, moral, religious, social, economical, are not in debt, 
have but few, if any paupers, seldom go to law, are genei-ous 
to each other in misfortune, have no aristocracy, pay their bills, — 
in fact, form a well-regulated, and we might say model, community. 

Here we find more marked than in any other township almost, 
the simplicity and good habits of the early settlers, uncontaminated 
by modern degenerate practices. There are no large towns near 
enough to attract the attention of the younger people, and accord- 
ingly they find amusement and sociability at home, and grow up 
purer and better than would be the case were a city in their midst. 
Besides this, we would mention the fact that the population has 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. • 755 

changed less than most others, is made up more of the families and 
descendants of the first settlers, and is mingled less with foreigners 
than is the case in most places. Fortnnatelj, the foreigners living 
here are nearly all of the religious, careful, economical class, whose 
manners and customs are largely in harmony with those of the 
balance of the community. 

The family connections of the Hornbacks, Hoskins, Joneses, 
Pursleys, Tajdors, Martins, Feslers, Thomases, etc., etc., form some 
remarkable circles of relatives, living in good circumstauces, moral, 
many religious, bringing down to the present generation the best 
qualities of the earl}' pioneers. 

To William Hornback, tlie only one of the earliest pilgrims now 
living in the township, we are indebted for the greater part of this 
sketch. In 1829, when he came to this township, there were but 
80 voters in Pike county, and only four families in Derry township. 

During those earlj^ days the Indians were numerous in this 
neighborhood. It is true the great body of aborigines had been 
driven westward across the Mississippi, but hundreds lingered 
around the new settlement, loth to leave the beautiful hnnting 
grounds where they had enjoyed so many happy experiences. They 
finally became quite troublesome, and annoyed the settlers greatly 
by their constant stealing. They became a great nuisance, and 
viewing them in this light the settlers determined to rid them- 
selves of them. Accordingly an army was raised to go on an expe- 
dition against these pesky natives. It is true it was a small army, 
numbering only 15 men, but it was a determined one, and conse- 
quently was victorious. These men marched out and notified the 
red-skins to evacuate their^camp and leave the neighborhood. This 
some of them refused to do. Not wishing to do bodily harm to 
them if they could be got rid of without, the commander of the 
little band engraved the image of an Indian's head on a tree, and 
then William Hornback and one or two others discharged their 
guns at this image. This was the signal that the whites would fight, 
and it had the desired effect; for the Indians immediately left the 
neighborhood, and have never more intruded upon the lands of the 
settlers of this township. 

Wild animals, such as the deer, wolf, coon, and the wild turkey, 
were numerous here in the early settlement of the township. There 
were also some panthers, catamounts, wild cats and lynx found here. 

For the pioneers tliis was literally a land of " milk and honey," 
especially the latter. Although they were deprived of many of 
the advantages and comforts that are enjoyed by their posterity, 
yet they had abundance of what is a rare luxury to the latter at the 
present day. Wild honey and venison were their common, every- 
day fare. The venison was preserved by drying. Wm. Hornback 
found a tree within 200 yards of his house, which he cut, and took 
from it several bucketluls of honey on Christmas Day, 1829, Mr. 
Hornback also tells us that he has shot many turkeys while stand- 
ing in the door of his house. During the big snow in the win- 



756 nisTOKY OF pike county. 

ter of 1830-1, the wild turkeys congregated in such large numbers 
in Mr. Howard's corn-field that he had to call upon his neighbors, 
among whom was Mr. Hornback, to assist him in killing them, in 
order to save his corn. Many of those slaughtered on the occasion 
were thrown away, while some were preserved and used for food. 

As Mr. Hornback is the oldest settler now living in the town- 
shi]), we give a bit of his ex})erience during the memorable winter 
above alluded to, although before the big snow fell. In the fall of 
1830 he started on horseback for Kock Island. When he arrived 
at Pope creek, however, the weather turned so extremely cold that 
he was in imminent danger of freezing to death. He turned his 
horse homeward to retrace his steps. To add to the already great 
peril in which he was, he was severely attacked with the bilious 
colic. This, together with the cold, nearly caused him the loss of 
his life. It began to snow and sleet on the 23d of December, which 
made traveling very difficult and slavish upon horseo. Mr. Horn- 
back arrived at Quincy, on his return, on the evening of Dec. 24. 
On the following morning the ground was very rough and the ice 
so thick that his unshod horse could hardly travel. As it was 
Christmas and but one blacksmith sliop in Quincy, he could not 
get his horse shod. The blacksmith who ran that shop was too 
religious to work on Christmas. When Mr. Hornback asked him 
to shoe his horse he replied that he never had worked on Christ- 
mas and he would be d — d if he ever would. After a hard and 
tedious day's journey Mr. Hornback arrived at home, and that 
night the big snow began to fall. 

Thomas Proctor was the first Justice of the Peace. The first 
death that occurred in Derry township was that of James Horn- 
back. The first marriage was that of Enoch Cooper to Miss 
Esther Cooper in 1829. Miss Cooper was the adopted daughter of 
Isaiah Cooper. The first child born was to Daniel and Pauline 
Howard in 182T. 

The first church building in Derry was erected in 1854, in 
Eldara, by the Methodist people. This Society was organized 
in the pioneer days and worshiped in school-houses and dwellings 
prior to this. The first sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Bogard, 
a Methodist minister, in 1829, at the house of William Hornback. 
In 1830 the renowned Lorenzo Dow preached a sermon in the same 
house, at which time he baptized William L. and Hopeful Horn- 
back, children of William Hornback, of whom we have spoken so 
frequently in this sketch. 

The school system of Derry township is excellent, and great in- 
terest is manifested by the parents in the education of their chil- 
dren. The first school-house was erected on sec. 20, in 1837". At 
present there are nine school buildings in the township, in which, 
as a rule, excellent schools are kept. 



HISTOKY OF PIKE COUiNTY. 757 

ELDARA. 

This beautiful little village is situated near the summit of a fer- 
tile eminence, overlooking a large tract of undulating land skirted 
by timber on both the north and south. From this locality is pre- 
sented to the eye a view as beautiful and inviting as any picture 
nature offers through this section of country. Standing npon the 
summit one can behold, either south or east of the village, the 
beauties of nature and the wisdom of a Divine Creator. 

The town was founded in 1836 by Nathaniel Winters, and first 
named Washington. It received its present name in this wise, as 
related by Esq. Underwood, of Barry, but who f >i' many years 
was a prominent citizen of Eldara. When he was in Mexico, dur- 
ing the war between the United States and that country, he and his 
comrades passed through a beautiful little town called Eldora. 
From there he wrote a letter back to his home, which was then at 
the old town of Washington. There being another town in the 
State (Washington, Tazewell county) by the same name, the Post- 
master-General notified the postmaster at this point that the name 
must be changed. The settlers could think of no suitable name, 
but when Esq. Underwood's letter came, post-marked Eldora, that 
name particularly struck their fancy. They, however, mistook the 
spelling of it slightly, spelling it with an a in the second or middle 
syllable, instead of an o, according to the true Spanish. The mean- 
ing of the word is "gold." The Postmaster-General was notified 
of the change, and since then (184:7) it has been known by the 
beautiful, modified Spanish name of Eldora. 

At that time Mr. Motley platted an addition to the town of 
Washington, and to it he gave the name of Eldara. 

The town now contains about 350 inhabitants. There are located 
here two dry-goods stores, two grocery stores, one drug store, two 
shoe shops, two blacksmith shops, one wagon shop, three churches 
and one school building. The religious denominations represented 
here are Methodist Episcopal, Christian, and a new sect known as 
the Holiness. The Christian congregation erected a house of wor- 
ship in 1875, and the Holiness society refitted the old school- house, 
wliich they now use as a church. 

The M. E. Church building was struck by lightning in June, 
1869, and the Christian church received a stroke on the morning 
of March 26, 1880, damaging it considerably. There is a theory 
among some of the citizens that there is a mineral in the around 
at this point that attracts the current of atmospheric electricity, 
for not only these buildings have been struck by lightning, but a 
barn also received a stroke a few 3'ears ago. It took fire and was 
consumed. 

There is a lodge of each of tlie orders of Freemasons and Odd 
Fellows in the village. Many of the leading citizens throughout 
the neio-hborhood are members of these orders. 



758 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

PERSONAL SKETCHES. 

Ill closing the history of the township and village we wish to 
speak personally of the prominent citizens of both town and coun- 
try. This we will now do in alphal)etical rotation. 

William F. Bacoiiy druggist, Eldara, was born in Berkshire 
county, Mass., July 18, 1834, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary 

A. Bacon; the former is deceased, and the latter is at Saratoga 
Springs, K. Y. Wni. F. was reared on a farm and received a com- 
mon-school education in his native State. In 1856 he came to 
Coles county, 111., where he remained one year and then went to 
Iowa; was one year in Missouri ; in March, 1879, he came to this 
county, settling in Eldara, and engaging in the drug business, in 
which he had 4 years' experience before coming here. Oct. 2, 
1862, he married Sarah E. llarkness, and they have one daughter, 
Emma, who was born July 14, 1863. Mr. Bacon served 10 months 
in the late war, in Co. D, 50th 111. Inf., and was in the battle of 
Shiloh, where he was wounded, on account of which, and sickness, 
he was discharged in June, 1862. 

Samuel Barley^ farmer, sec. 22; was born in Pennsylvania, 
Sept. 25, 1843; emigrated to this county in 1848; was first married 
to Amelia E. Jacobs, Dec. 31, 1863, and they had 6 children — 
Gideon McClellan, born May 5, 1864; AVilliam Frederick, born 
April 23, 1866, and died in infancy; Sarah Ellen, born Nov. 11, 
1867 ; Amelia Jane, Feb. 10, 1870'; Samuel, June 26, 1872 ; and 
Bertha, March 2, 1874. For a second wife Mr. Barley married 
Mrs. Malinda H. Leads, a native of this county, Mdio had 2 chil- 
dren by a former husband, — David M., born Dec. 28, 1870, and 
Ernest'E., born May 23, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Barley have 2 chil- 
dren; Abiera, born Dec. 8, 1877, and Lenon, Dec. 15, 1879. Mr. 

B. is not a partisan, but always votes for the best men, regardless 
of party. P. ()., Eldara. 

James F. Braivley, P. O., Eldara; was born in Pittstield tp., in 
1849; has followed farming most of the time, but at present is a 
trader. In 1868 he married Martha E. Potter. The}^ belong to 
the Christian Church. In 1876 Mr.jB. was Tax Collector. In poli- 
tics he is a Democrat. He is also a Mason and Odd Fellow. 

John Brown ^ farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Hartford; was born in Ohio 
in 1832, the son of Alexander and Isabella BrowiT, of Irish descent; 
chances for early education fair; in 1853 he married Nancy Cheffy, 
and they had 5 children, 4 of whom are living. April 3, 1875. he 
married Anna Hoskins. He came to Pike count v in 1854. Be- 
sides carrying on farming, Mr. Brown also deals in stock. He owns 
80 acres of land. He is a Democrat, and both himself and wife 
are members of the M. E. Church. 

Theodore C. Bunker, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Eldara; was born 
June 26, 1839, in Penobscot county, Me., and in 1859 went to Cali- 
fornia; Nov. 19, 1868, he married Clara Wood, of Derry tp., and 
then returned to California, and back again to this county in 1870, 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 759 

and has since resided here. Tie owns 55 acres of land on sec. 28, 
worth $65 per acre; is a member of the Baptist Chnrch; has been 
School Director in his district for the last three years. Mr. and 
Mrs. B, have had 5 children; only three are living — Florence, John 
Frederick, Frank Forest and Theodora B. Mr. B. is a Republican. 

Patriek Carney, farmer, residing on the east half of the north- 
east of sec. 16, was born in Roscommon county, Ireland, and came to 
America with his father in 1852 and settled in this tp., where he 
now resides. Both his parents died in this county, leaving 7 chil- 
dren, 6 of whom are living — Mary, Catharine, Thomas, Ellen, 
Bridget, Patrick and Margaret, Mr. C. owns 110 acres of land; 
he raises corn and live-stock. Is a member of the Catholic Church 
in Pittsfield, and is a Democrat. P. O., Eldara. 

Thomas Carney, farmer, sec. 15, was born in the south part of 
Ireland, June 22, 1842; came with his father to America in 1849 
and settled in Derry. Feb. 26, 1877, he married Katie McGuire, 
daughter of Peter McGuire. He owns 80 acres of land worth 
about S45 per acre; raises wheat, corn and stock. He and wife 
are both members of the Catholic Church in Pittsfield. Mr. C. 
has been an Odd Fellow, and is a Democrat. P. O., Eldara. 

James W. Chamberlain, farmer, sec. 34; P. O., Rockport; was 
born in Butler county, O., May 12, 1828; his parents emigrated to 
this county in 1833 and settled on the farm where he now resides; 
was married to Miss Jane Yeal when 24 years of age, and they had 

4 children, one of whom is dead. Jan. 20, 1864, he married Mary 
Frances Harris, and they have 2 children, — Laura, now 14 years 
of age, and Jennie, 10 years of age. Mr. C. owns 140 acres of 
land, valued at -$50 per acre; he is a member of the Masonic or- 
der, has filled the office of Assessor and Collector in this tp., and 
in politics is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the 
Christian Church. 

Mrs. Jane Chamberlain was born in Wayne county, Ind., Dec. 
1, 1821; emigrated to this county with hei- parents in 1886. Her 
maiden name was Gordon, and she married William Chamberlain 
May 7, 1840, and thev had 5 children, — Mary, born March 22, 
1841; Aaron, May 13^1843; John, Feb. 23, 18'46, and died Nov. 
22, 1871; William, born Oct. 17, 1848, and Carrie, Dec. 5, 1851. 
Mr. C. died March 17, 1852, deeply regretted by all who knew 
him. Mrs. C. still occupies the old homestead, on sec. 38, with her 
youngest son, William, who takes good care of his mother, as well 
as of the farm. Her oldest son, Aaron, was in the late war in Co. 
A, 99th Reg. 111. Vol., and served for 3 years. Mrs. C. is the 
owner of 120 acres of land, worth $50 per acre. She is a member 
of the Christian Church at Barry. P. O., Eldara. 

Silas S. Clarli, teacher, Eldara, has taught school for 10 years, — 

5 years in Pike county, and at present resides in Eldara. In 
March, 1874, he married Miss May Sweet, and tliey have 2 cl ildren. 
He is now teaching in Taylor school-house. He is a member of 



760 IlISTOKY OF PIKK COUNTY. 

the Masonic and Odd Fellows Orders in Eldara. Both he and his 
wife are members of the Christian Church. 

Thomas H. Colei/, miller, at Eldara, was born Dec. 2i, 1S36, in 
Putnam county, Ind.; came to this county Oct., 1851, and set- 
tled in Martlnsburg tp.; has lived where he now resides, sec. 21, 
since 1870. Sjpt.' 30, 1860, he married Martha E. Goodin, and 
they have 8 children: Mary E., Lewis II., William L., Carrie M., 
Lucius A., Henry Viri^il, Lillie M. and Golda R. Mr. C. owns 80 
acres of land, worth $5,000. He is a Democrat, and himself and 
wife are members of the Christian Church. 

Robert Dickson^ farmer, sec. '23; P. O., Eldara; was born in 
Morgan county, O., Aug. 20, 1836; came to this county in Dec, 
1854; was raised on a farm, worked one summer at the tanning 
business; Jan. 1, 1858, married Mary Payne, and they had 3 chil- 
dren, all of whom are dead. Mrs. D. died in Feb., 1861. In Oct., 
1865, Mr. D. married Lucy Ann Payne, and they have had 7 chil- 
dren, 5 of whom are living; Henry, Alice, Annie, Eveline and 
Lucy. Those dead are Eugene and an infant. Mr. Dickson was 
in the late war in Co. G, 99th Reg. 111. Vol., enlisting Aug. 23, 
1862. Owns 274 acres of land, worth $30 per acre; has been 
iSchool Director, and is a Republican. 

Charles E. Dodge, farmer, sec. 6 ; P. O., Eldara; was born in 
Warren county. 111., Nov. 10, 1838; came to this county in the fall 
of 1874 and settled in Pleasant Yale tp., resided there about 2 
years, and then removed to where he now lives, March 1, 1876; 
Oct. 20, 1863, he married Mary Gard, and tLey had 3 children: 
Lennie M., born April 14, 1865- Peter H., Oct. 24, 1866; and Ber- 
tha M., Feb. 4, 1876. Mr. D. is a member of the Baptist Church 
at Barry. He has been Constable in Bureau county for 4 years, 
and Road Overseer and School Director in his tp. ; owns 95 acres of 
land, worth $3,00'^. While living in Dunklin county, Mo., he 
was conscripted by the Confederate Government and forced to serve 
in the rebel array under Gen. Jeff. Thompson until the first day of 
Oct., 1861, at which time he surrendered to Col. R. J. Oglesbv at 
the battle of Belmont, when Gen. Grant, who was in command of 
the Federal forces, gave him a free pass home. When he was con- 
scripted his property was confiscated and he was threatened with 
incarceration because he asked for a voucher for his property, which 
the rebels had converted to their own use. He afterward enlisted 
in Co. E, 37th ^^^i,. I. V. I., served 4 months, and was discharged 
because of ill health. Mr. Dodge is a Republican. 

Christopher Dolbeaie, farmer, sec. 15; P. O., Eldara; was born 
March 7, 1852, in this tp.; his father was Rozel C. Dolbeare, and 
his mother was Priscilla (Hoover) D. His uncle, Aaron Hoover, 
served in the late war. Christopher lives near Eldara, and 4 years 
ago took a pleasure trip through New York, Rhode Island and 
Connecticut, visiting friends, and then went to Ohio on a similar 
trip, and to the northern part of Illinois last fall. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COCNTY. 761 

John Drumviond, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Eldara; owns a farm 
of 79 f acres 4 miles from Eldara; was born in Clermont county, 
O., June 21, 1814; came to Adams county in 1842, remained there 
4 years and then moved to Salem tp., and in 1853 to where he now 
resides. Sept. 20, 1835, he married Deborah Graham, and they 
have had 17 children, 10 girls and 7 boys. His grandfather, John 
Drummond, was in the Revolution. Mrs. D.'s mother was Eliza- 
beth Graham, and her father John Graham, who was in the war 
of 1812. Her mother is still living, at the age of 89. Mr. and 
Mrs. D. are Methodists, and Mr. D. is a Republican. 

Moses Easly, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Eldara; was born in Sulli- 
van county, East Tenn., Feb. 7, 1820; in 1841 he removed to Pike 
county and settled in this tp , and lias lived on his present farm 24 
years. His brother, Thomas Easly, was in the Mexican war, under 
Gen. Taylor. May 1, 1844, he married Mary Ann Tittsworth, of 
this county, and they have had 9 children, 7 of whom are liv- 
ing, — T. L., Amanda, Alice, William, James, Florence, Idellaand 
Laura. Mr. E. has been School Director of his district 4 years, 
and Road Commissioner 3 years. He owns 313 acres of land, 
worth $20,000; sliips his produce, and raises stock. He lives 
1^ miles from Eldara. He is a Democrat, and his wife is a Metho- 
dist. 

T. L. Easly, retired farmer; P. O., Eldara; was born in Pike 
county, in April, 1S46; his father's name was Moses Easly and his 
mother's maiden name was Mary Tittsworth. Nov, 20, 1869, he 
married Caroline Eldridge, of this county, and they have 3 chil- 
dren; Frederick, Mary and Maud. He is an Odd Fellow, and in 
politics a Green backer. 

Maherry Evans, farmer, sec. 21; P. O., Eldara; was born in 
Scott county. 111., Jan. 14, 1829; came to Pike county in 1847, and 
lived with Elisha Hurt that winter. July 11, 1859, he married 
Julia D. Landrum, and they have had 7 children, 3 of whom are 
living, — Richard F. , Theodora A. and, Mary E. He owns 200 acres 
of land in this tp. and 120 acres in Pleasant Vale tp. ; home place 
worth $50 per acre. He has been Justice of the Peace and Super- 
visor; is amember of the Masonic fraternity and in politics a Demo- 
crat. Iliswife belongs to the M. E. Church. 

WlUiam, Evans, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 21; P. O., Eldara; 
was born near Winchester, 111., April 6, 1832, and is a son of Rich- 
ard and Annie Evans, dec; natives of Kentucky. The subject of 
this notice was once offered the use of a large tract of land where 
Jacksonville now stands, in exchange for a horse. He came to this 
county about 1850, and soon afterward went to California, overland, 
where he remained 8 years; he then returned to this county. Kov. 
30, 1863, he married Miss Mary A. Strubinger, daughter of Joseph 
Strubinger, dec, an early settler of this county. They have had 5 
children, namely, Anna M., Joseph M., Frank W., Hattie M. and 
Nina. Mr. Evans owns 198 acres of land here, and 160 acres in 
Piatt county. Mo. 



7H2 HISTORY OF PIKK COUNTY. 

Jacob C. Farmer^ blacksmith; was born Dec. 9, 1842, in Harri- 
son county, O.; came to this county with his father, John Farm- 
er, in 1846; was married in 1864 to Mary McClosky; they liad 2 
children, only Cora living. Mr. Farmer served in the late war in 
Co. G, 44th Re^. I. N . I. He resided in Adams county 15 years. Is 
a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a Greenbacker in politics. 
His wife is a member of the Christian Church. 

Henry A. Fester^ farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Eldara; was born in 
Derry tp. Aug. 4, 1850; was married March 5, 1870, to Miss Mary 
Phoebus, and they had 4 cliildren; Lela May, born Aug. 2, 1872; 
Jacob and Robert, born July 7, 1874; and Rosa, born Oct. 23, 1876, 
who died Nov. 9, following. Mr. and Mrs. Fesler both had good 
educational advantages. Mr. F. is a stock-raiser, and in politics is 
a Democrat. 

Jacoh Fesler^ farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Eldara; was born in Clark 
county, Ky,, June 8, 1821; came to Pike county in 1835 and set- 
tled on sec. 19; he owns 320 acres of land, worth $35 per acre. 
Oct. 15, 1846, he married Zerilda Lyons, and their 6 children are: 
Sarah C, born Aug. 27, 1848; Henry A., Aug. 4, 1850; Adelpha, 
i^ov. 28, 1853; Jane Ann, May 26, 1856; John R., Aug. 2, 1860; 
Emma E., Jan. 15. 1863. Both are members of the M. E. Church, 
South, and Mr. F. is a Mason, and in politics a Democrat. 

BlooTner Fowler was born in Washington county, Ky., ISIov. 28, 
1830, and in early life had but little time to devote to education; 
came to this county in 1861 and settled in Derry tp. His father's 
name was Benjamin Fowler, and his mother's maiden name was 
Mary Gordon. Mr, Fowler is now engaged in buying and selling 
hides, pelts and produce. He is a Democrat. 

James H. Garner, farmer; resides on the N. W. quarter of sec. 
33, this tp,; was born in Clark county, Ky., Dec. 27, 1824; came 
to this county in the fall of 1840 and settled in Derry tp. He 
owns 286 acres of land in Derr}^ and 320 acres in Atlas tp.. worth 
$20,000. June 2, 1864, he married Mary E. Williams, and they 
have had 6 children, — AVilliam J., Joseph O., Ida, Mary A., Her- 
man and Lovina. Mr. G. has been School Director for 2 years and 
Commissioner of Highways for several years. He raises grain and 
produce extensively, and ships to foreign markets. He is a Repub- 
lican. P. O., Eldara. 

A. B. Gates, farmer, sec. 11, S. |^; P, O., Eldara; was born near 
Columbus, Ohio; came to this county while very young with his 
father, Nehemiah Gates, and has resided here ever since. June 3, 
1862, was married to Elizabeth Saylor and their children are, Re- 
becca Ellen, born Mav 23, 1863; Susan A., June 15, 1864; Jacob, 
March 1,1865; William, Oct. 3, 1867; Charles, Sept. 20, 1869; 
Joseph, Oct. 11, 1871; George, Feb, 7, 1875; and Mary, April 6, 
1879. Mr, G. owns 80 acres of land, worth $3,000; he is a Dem- 
ocrat, and himself and wife are members of the Christian Church, 
Theodore Gates, farmer, sec. 5; P. O,, Barry; was born in Pike 
county, March 20, 1843, and Oct, 26, 1865, married Susan Chase, 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 763 

daughter ol Lewis Cliase, of Ohio. Thej have 2 children; Lonsiiia, 
born Oct. 6, 1867, and Jesse, born July 25, 1872. Mr. Gates owns 
104:f acres of land, worth about $3,000. He has been School Di- 
rector one term; was in the late war, in Co. D, 99fch Reg. I. Y. I., 
and served 3 years; was mustered out at Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

Timothy Grady., farmer, sec. 25, was born in Kings county, Ire- 
land, about the year 1826; arrived in America May 11, 1849, land- 
ing at New Orleans; lived 18 years in Cincinnati, then removed to 
this county, where he has resided for about 18 years, and on his 
present farm 13 years. Sept. 21, 1858, he married Mary O'Donnel, 
in Cincinnati, Ohio, and their living children are Thomas, Mary 
Ann and John. Thomas was born July 4, 1859; Mary Ann, May 
6, 1864, and John, April 10, 1867. Mr. G. owns 120 acres of land, 
worth about $30 per acre. He and wife are members of the Catho- 
lic Church, and Mr. G. is a Democrat. 

Wari'en Green., farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Eldara; was born in this 
county near Atlas, Jan. 25, 1835, and has resided in the county 
ever since. He was iirst married Sept. 27, 1857, to Lucinda Taylor, 
and they had 6 children, — Ida Olive, born Auof. 17, 1858, and died 
May 3, "1863; Sarah Elizabeth, born March 17, 1861; Albert War- 
renl! Sept. 4, 1863; Edwin May, July 8, 1866; Cora Luella, April 
]4, 1868, and an infant daughter born April 4, 1860, who died the 
same day. April 21, 1872, Mr. Green married Mrs. Mary E., 
widow of Thomas H. Pendleton, and daughter of Daniel and Es- 
ther McCaskill, who had one child, John A. Pendleton, born Aug. 
10, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Green have 4 children, Frederick Ross, 
born June 7, 1873; Harry Jay, Jan. 16, 1875; Archibald, Jan. 28, 
1877;Phebe E., May 7, 1879. Mr. Green owns 75 acres of land 
near Eldara, worth $60 per acre. He and his wife are members of 
the Free M. E. Church, and he is a Licensed Local Preacher for his 
congregation. He has held several responsible offices in his tp., 
and in politics is a Republican. 

Henry Hall., farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Eldara; was born in 
Butler county, Ohio, Jan, 7, 1836; came to this county Sept. 20, 
1855; was married Aug. 20, 1859, to Mary L. Taylor, and they have 
had 7 children, — Edwin F., Jennie, George D., Ida, Luella, Henry 
and Freddie ; 5 are dead. Mr. H. owns 160 acres of land, worth 
$10,000; is a member of the Masonic Lodge, raises a great deal of 
produce and patronizes home markets; is a Republican. 

George W. Harris, farmer, sec. 26; was born in Goochland couutv, 
Ya., Oct. 23, 1814; emigrated to Pike county in the spring of 1843, 
and settled, temporarily in Pleasant Yale tp., and in 3 months set- 
tled where he has now resided for more than 28 years. March 3, 
1836, he married Miss Mary Ann Ripley, and of their 9 children 
7 are living, namely: Mary Frances, Thomas S., Lucy C, Eliza- 
beth S., Philena J., James H., Wm. H., George W. and Ann Eliza. 
Mr. Harris owns 280 acres of land, worth $40 per acre. He and 
wife have been members of the M. E. Church for more than 40 
years ; he has filled several important tp. offices. P. O., Eldara. 



764 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Samuel Harris, i^vmQY, was born Oct. 0, 1840, in Tennessee; 
came to this county in the s])ring of 1851 ; was married to Amanda 
Easly, in Sept., 1865, and they have had 6 children, all of wliom are 
living, Ella, Frank, Mary, Elbert, Herman and Freddie. His father's 
name is Thomas S. Harris and his mother's name was Amanda; 
she died in 1871. Mr. Harris is a Democrat. 

Joshua B. Havird, farmer, was born March 25, 1848, and is a 
native of this county; May 1, 1860, he married Margaret Maher. 
and they have had 6 children, namely: Lorrence W., born Dec. 31, 
1869, and died Oct., 1877; Fannie Ellen, born July 25, 1871, died 
Aug. 20, 1872; Daniel, born June 11, 1873: Annastatia, born May 
23, 1875; Joshua, born March 23, 187Y, and' Leonard, Sept. 1, 1878. 
Mrs. Havird was born Dec. 25, 1849, and died Sei)t. 23, 1878. Oct. 
23, 1879, Mr. H. was married to his present wife, Jennett Farrick. 
Mr. Havird owns 81 acres of land, worth $3,000. He is a Demo- 
crat. P. O., Barry. 

Reiihen C. Hendricks, farmer, sec. 6; was born in North Caro- 
lina, Jan. 12, 1822; was married to Miss Orra Ann Dumford, April 
7, 1844, who was born July 26, 1829, and they have had 11 chil- 
dren, — Amanda M., born June 14, 1846; Melinda J., July 28, 1848, 
and died Sept. 11, 1854; Marv E., born May 6, 1852; Eliza B., 
Feb. 9, 1854; Martha A., May 6, 1856; Samuel S., Sept. 3, 1858, 
and died March 31, 1872; Wni. I., born Feb. 27, 1861; Reuben H., 
March 31, 1863, and died Sept. 20, 1864; George M., born Jan. 31, 
1865; Daniel R., Nov. 28, 1867, and Lydia A., Aug. 24, 1870. 
Mr. H. owns 40 acres of fine land, worth $45 per acre. He is a 
Democrat. 

John L. Rogaii, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Eldara; owns 120 acres 
of valuable land, on which he resides with his widowed mother. 
He was born March 7. 1847, in this township, and was married to 
Lizzie Buckingham, Feb. 9, 1868, and they have 2 children, — 
Harry, born Dec. 29, 1869; and Nina, Dec. 1, 1876. His father, 
Adley Hogan, died when John was 9 years old, since which time 
he and his mother have struggled together until they have accnmu- 
lated considerable property. 

R. W. HornhacTc, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., Eldara; owns 220 acres 
of land, worth $60 an acre. Mr. H. was born in this county Feb. 
1, 1837, and is the son of AVilliam and Lillie (Landrura) Ilornback; 
in this county in 1866 he married Elizabeth Freeman, who was 
born in this county in 1843. They have had 8 children, of whom 
7 are living. Mr. H. is in prospei-ous circumstances as a farmer. 
In politics he is a Democrat. 

Solomon Hornhack, farmer, is a native of Kentucky, where he 
was born July 3, 1810; came to this county in 1836, where he has 
lived ever since. Being thus an early settler he has witnessed 
wonderful changes in the development of this county. In 1836 he 
married Emily Blackwell, in Kentucky, who is a native of that 
State. Of their 10 children 7 are living. Mr. H. is one of the old 
and respected citizens of Pike county, and has held several re- 



HISTORY OF PIKK COUNTY. 7C)0 

sponsible offices. He is a member of the Christian Church, and a 
Democrat. His fatiier served in the war of 1812. 

William Hornhaok^ retired farmer; P. O.. Eldara; son of Solo- 
raomand Sally (Phillips) Hornback, the former a native of Ken- 
tucky, and the latter of North Carolina; was born in Kentucky, 
Jan., 1808; came to this county in 1829. He is therefore one of the 
oldest pioneers of this section. In 1826 he married Sallie "W. Land- 
rum, who vvas born in 1806, and died in 18o9. Thev had 4 chil- 
dren,— Patsey A., Wm. F., S. P. and R. M. In May, 1840, Mr. 
H. married Nancy S\verer, who was born in Ohio in 1808 and died in 
1858. In 1859 he married Mary A. Landrum, who was born Oct. 4, 
1808. Mr. H. is a member of the Methodist Church: owns 83 aci-es 
of line farm land worth $60 per acre. He is a Democrat. 

Mrs. Ann J. Hoskin resides on the S. W. quarter of sec. 26; 
was born in Griggsville, Jan. 25, 1850. Her maiden name was 
Ann J. Richey. April 20, 1873, she married Daniel Hoskin, who 
was born April 11, 1832, in thi^s township. In 1879 Mr. H. died, 
leavinj; one child, — Henry Isaac, born June 18, 1875. Mr. H. was 
a member of the I. O. of O. F., and tilled important township offices. 
He left 120 acres of land worth $50 per acre. Mr. Hoskin was a 
hisfhly esteemed citizen. 

Asa Hoskin, farmer, sec. 23, was born in this county June 17, '37. 
He oM'ns 120 acres of land in this township, worth $35 per acre. 
He was raised on a farm, and is now very extensively engaged in 
the raising of hogs, cattle and horses. Jan. 1, 1863, he married 
Mary A. Moorhead, daughter of Dr. Moorhead, of Eldara, and their 
children are : Ollie, William, Thomas and Belle. He has been 
School Director one year in his township, and is a Democrat. His 
uncle, John Shinn, served in the Mexican war under Gen. Taylor. 
P. O., Eldara. 

Charles M. Hoskin, farmer, sec. 26; was born in this township 
June 25, 1850; was the eldest of 6 children; his father was Isaac A. 
Hoskin. June 23, 1873, he married Linda Miles, who was born in 
Mercer count}', Mo., and they have 2 children, — Mary Abbie, born 
Feb. 3, 1874, and Asa, born Aug. 1, 1876. Mr. H. has been Road- 
Master 2 or 3 times in his township: is a Mason and a Democrat. 
P. O.. Eldara. 

John Hoskin, blacksmith, Eldara; owns 2 lots with dwelling and 
shop; was born Aug. 24, 1850, and Nov. 1, 1878, married Emeline 
Berry, in Adams county. 111., who was born Aug. 1, 1857, in Ohio. 
The}' had 5 children, — Cora, Rosa M., Emma and 2 infants. The 
2 latter are deceased . Mr. H. is a member of the Masonic and Odd 
Fellows fraternities, and is a Republican. 

William Hoskin, idiVvaQY, r&s,\de& on sec. 26; was born in this 
county, within 1|- miles of where he now lives, Feb. 15, 1839; 
was married to Sarah Jane Moorhead, daughter of Dr. Moorhead, 
of Eldara, Oct. 7, 1860; have had 3 children, — Mary E., born July 
25, 1861; Margaret Edna, March 14, 1863, and Lizzie, born Dec. 
18. 1864, and died Sept. 21, 1865. Mr. H. owns 110 acres of land, 



766 fllSTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

worth $40 per acre ; has been Road -Master several terms, and is a 
Democrat. 

George Howland^ fanner, sec. 15; P. O., Eldara; was born in 
this county Dec. 29, 18-4Y; when a lad he entered a drj^-goods es- 
tablisliment as clerk, and satisfactorily filled the position until he 
commenced farming four years a^o. Feb. 4, 1869, he married Vir- 
ginia Martin, who was born in Missouri Feb. 19, 1849. Their 
two children are Gertrude, whu was burn Oct. 5, 1870, and Maude, 
Sept. 19, 1878. " Mr. llowland's lather was a native of New York 
State and his mother of Illinois. Politically lie is a liepublican. 

P. E. Hoioland^ farmer, was burn in New York Dec. 25, 1818, 
and when 20 years of aj>;e emigrated to Illinois and settled in Mar- 
tinsburg tp.. Pike county; aftei'waid moved 3 miles north of 
Barry and resided there about 4 years, and in June, 187G, he re- 
moved tu Eldara, where he has since resided. He was married at 
Martinsburg, to Miss Harriet Clark, and they have had 6 children, 
2 of whom are living, — Caroline and Geo. H., both married. Mr. 
II. owns, jointly with his son, 93 acres of land contiguous to the 
town, worth $6,000. He is one of the Town Trustees of the in- 
corporation, and a Democrat. 

David JB. Johnson^ farmer, sec. 32; P. O., Eldara; was born in 
Pickaway county, O., April 1, 1836, and is a son of Henry B. and 
Mary (Baker) Johnson; the former was born in Virginia in 1806^ 
and of German and English ancestry, and the latter of English de- 
scent ; came to Pike county in 1846, with his parents, where he 
went to school 3 months — all he ever went in his life. In 1861 he 
enlisted in Co. I, 11th Mo. Inf, under Captain Barnum; was in 7 
battles, and at Corinth, Miss., was wounded, being shot through 
the left lung; for two years afterward he was unable to dress him- 
self In 1859 he married Adelia E. Hadsell, and they liad 3 
children, all of whom are living; in 1870 he married Eura J. Wat- 
kins, and of their 5 children 4 are living. He and his present 
wife are Missionary Baptists. Politically Mr. J. is a Democrat. 

Thomas J. Jones^ farmer, lives on sec. 8, and owns 240 acres of 
land; was born in Eldaru t]). Sept. 10, 1842; was married in Marcii, 
1868, to Miss Elizabeth Dolbeare, and they have had 6 children, 
one boy and five girls; one of the girls died about 3 "years ago. 
Mr. J. and wife belong to the Christian Church. The names of 
their children are, Azalia, Paul, Jennie, Rosa, Lillie and Ida. Mr. 
J. served in the late war in Co. C, 99th Peg., and was discharged 
July 31, 1865; his brother was killed at Spanish Fort. He is one 
of the Directors of the Barry Mutual Insurance Company. 

William Jones, merchant, Eldara; is a native of this county, 
where he Nvas born March 29, 1834; was raised on a farm until 18 
years of age, then commenced teaching school and continued 
teaching for 20 terms; he settled in Eldara in 1860 and engaged in 
the mercantile trade; keeps on hand a good stock of general 
merchandise, and is doing a good business. At present he is Post- 
master at Eldara and has held the office of Town Clerk 4 j'ears. 



^^ - 




/T -•- 







14 





DERRY Tf 



CO^T-T^ 



HISTOBY OF PIKE COUNTY. 769 

In 1857 he was married in this coimty to Miss Mary J. Purcell, 
who died in 1872; they had 5 children, — Katie, Martha, Mattie, 
Warner and Mary J. In 1871 he married Elizabeth Roseberry, a 
native of Tennessee, where she was born in 1838. They have one 
child, Sallie. Mr. J. is a Republican, 

Jacob Kendall, grocei*, was born March 28, 1838, and settled in 
Eldara in 1875; was married in this county in 1860 to Martha 
Haines, who was born in Tennessee. They had 6 children, — Alvin, 
Mary, Franklin W., Flora (deceased), Jerusha and Eva. Mr. K. 
has iDeen Collector one term; is an Odd Fellow and a Republican. 
His parents were natives of New Jersey. 

John Kerr, farmer, sec. 4; was born in the north of Ireland, 
county Londonderry, in 1816; emigrated to America in 1848 and 
settled in this tp. In 1842 he married Eliza Torrens, of Ireland, 
and they have had 7 children, 5 of whom are dead, — Mary E., died 
Jan. 15, 1874 ; Sarah Ann, died when but 4 years of age ; Emily, 
died in March, 1873 ; Margaret, died Dec. 12, 1878. Sarah Ann, 
the youngest child, born Dec. 19, 1856; was married to John Was- 
sell, of Hadley tp., May 30, 1878, and they are members of the 
Baptist Church. Mr. Kerr's only son, John, enlisted in the late 
war in 1862 in the 99th Reg. I. Y. I., and after serving 3 years was 
honorably discharged at Baton Rouge, La. Mr. K. owns 40 acres 
of land, worth $50 per acre. He and wife are Congregationalists. 
Politics Republican. P. O., Barry. 

John Kerr, jr., farmer, was born Dec. 24, 1842, in Ireland; was 
raised on a farm; came to America in 1847, and has lived in this 
tp. for 32 years. In Aug., 1862, he enlisted in Co. D, 99th 111. Reg., 
and was mustered out July 31, 1865; was married April 9, 1876, 
to Miss Rhoda Dolbeare, who was born in 1849. He owns 120 
acres of land, worth $3,000; is a member of the Grange, Resides 
on sec. 4. Is a Republican in politics, 

Albert Landruin, merchant, Eldara. 

Alonzo Lyons, farmer, resides on the N. E. of the S. W, quarter 
of sec, 30; was born Dec. 5, 1848, in this tp. ; his father, John 
Lyons, was in the Black Hawk war; his mother's maiden name was 
Susan Harlow; they have had 7 children, 2 of whom are dead. He 
owns 40 acres of land, worth about $1,000 ; raises wheat, corn and 
stock; sells produce at home market; is a member of the Masonic 
order, and in politics, a Democrat. 

Hutson Martin, farmer, sec. 27 ; P. O., Eldara; was born near 
Danville, Vermillion county, 111., July 16, 1832, and is a son of 
William and Seraphina (Wetherbee) Martin, natives of Kentucky 
and New York State, respectively. Mr. Martin's father, Hutson 
Martin, was a native of Yirginia, probably of English descent, and 
was a soldier in the war of 1812; he died in Oregon in 1859, whither 
he had moved at the age of about 70 years. The subject of this 
notice obtained his education mostly in the common schools of this 
State. He came to this county in 1856 with his stepfather, Samuel 
Purcell. July 30, 1851, he married Miss Lydia A. Chamberlain, 

44 



770 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Aaron and Rachel Chamberlain, 
the former a native of New Jersey, and they have 5 children, 
namely, Willard A., Gilbert N., Mary J., Delia R. and Lydia A., 
besides 2 deceased. After his marriage Mr. Martin rented land 
nntil 1850, when he purchased a good farm on sec. 27, which now 
consists of 280 acres, and is one of the l)est improved farms in the 
township. In politics Mr. M. is a Republican, and during the war 
did all he could in su])])ort of the Government. He is also a prac- 
tical friend of educational interests. Pie is also a Freemason. 
We give a portrait of Mr. Martin in this work. 

T. W. Martin^ farmer, sec. 25; was born in Vermillion county, 
111., May 20, 1833; came to this county in the fall of 1845, settling 
in this tp., and resided here until 1852, when he went to California 
and remained there 2 years; from there to Oregon, where he was 
in the volunteer service to suppress the Indian outbreak; was in 
the service 7 months; in 1856 went to Texas, and in 1860 returned 
to this county, where he has since remained. Oct. 15, 1863, he 
married Mary J. Hogan; they have had one child, which died in 
infancy. Mr. M. l>as been Overseer of Roads fjr 3 years; owns 
120 acres of land, worth about $50 per acre; sells his produce at 
home; and is a Republican in politics. P. O., Eldara. 

W. A. Martin^ farmer, was born in this county, and is a son of 
Hutson and Lydia (Chamberlain) Martin ; was educated in the 
common -school. In Dec, 1878, he married Miss Kate Taylor, and 
they have one child, a boy. Mrs. M. is a member of the Christian 
Church, and Mr. M., in politics, is a Republican. For a time he 
once clerked in a store in Pittsfield. 

James M. Mays^ farmer, sec. 24; owns 187 acres of land, worth 
$50 per acre; was born in Ross county, O., Feb. 12, 1830, and is a 
son of Little Barry and Mahala Mays, both natives of Virginia. 
In 1849 he came to this county, and in 1857 he married Sarah A. 
Petty of Pike county, born in 1831; they are the parents of 9 
children, — Mary J., Clara, Alice, Amanda, Charley, Dora, Lucy, 
Henry and James; the 2 latter are deceased. Mr. M. 's father was 
in the war of 1812. He is a Democrat. 

Mariah Miller, P. O., Eldara; was born in Butler county, O., 
Sept. 26, 1837, and came to Illinois with her parents, Ijel Stout and 
Julia Ann Stout, March 17, 1853. They settled on sec. 28, this tp., 
where they have since resided. Her father and mother still live 
wnth their daughter. April 15, 1849, she married Abraham Mil- 
ler, who died in 4 months and 26 days. Mrs. Miller owns SO acres 
of land, worth $40 per acre. 

Thomas W. MoorKead, physician and surgeon, is a native of 
Ohio, where he was born Jan. 14, 1814; graduated in 1848, and 
commenced the practice of medicine in this county in 1851; came 
to this county in 1852; lived in Pittsfield one year and then came 
to Derry; he has 160 acres of valuable land, and one lot with 
dwelling in Eldara. In 1838 he married Mary Janette Dickey, a 
native of Ohio, who died in 1851; in 1853 he married Hannah 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 771 

Hulls, a native of New Jersey, born in 1827; they have 4 children. 
The doctor has an extensive practice, which is attended with good 
success. 

John Morrisaaoy, farmer, sec. 5; P. O., Eldara and Pittsfield; 
was born in Ireland, May 14, 1831; eraio^rated to America inl853; 
first landed at JSTew Orleans, then at St. Louis, Mo. ; thence to Pike 
county, 111., residing near Pittsfield 26 years; Sept. 26, 1854, mar- 
ried Margaret Helm, by whom he has had 5 children, all living, — 
Margaret, Matthew J., Ellen, John and James. Mr. M. owns 65 
acres of land, worth $1,700. 

J. J. Morrow^ farmer and blacksmith, now engaged in butcher- 
ing, was born in Jefferson county, Ya., April 2, 1835; came to 
Pleasant Hill, this county, March 8, 1865, and April 8, 1878, 
removed to Eldara, where he now resides; was Constable in Pleas- 
ant Hill tp. 4 years; is now Justice of the Peace. Oct. 25, 1855, 
he married Ellen E. Ahalt, of Maryland, and 2 of their 3 children 
are living. April 26, 1864, he married Nancy E. Colvin, of Pike 
county, Mo., and they have had 5 children, 2 of whom are dead. 
He is a Mason and an Odd Fellow. 

Dillard P. Motley^ farmer, residing on the S. E. qr. of sec. 16; 
was born in Putnam county, Ind., Oct. 6, 1838; came to this 
county with his father, John W. Motley, in 1839, and has since 
resided here. April 3, 1879, he married Eliza E. Dudley, daugh- 
ter of Jesse and Elizabeth Dudley. He is the owner of 120 acres 
of land, worth $10 per acre; raises grain principally; was Consta- 
ble in this tp. nearly 4 years, and has filled other offices. In poli- 
tics he is a Democrat and a strong partisan, P. O., Eldara. 

E. R. Motley, farmer, sec. 21; P.O., Eldara; was born in this 
county Feb. 23, 1842, the son of John W. and Millie (Pierce) 
Motley, natives of Kentucky, and of Irish descent; received his ed- 
ucation partly in Indiana, but mostly in this county. April 15, 
1866, he married Elizabeth J. Gragg, and of their 8 children 6 are 
living. He has resided at the present place all his life, and as a 
farmer has been successful, now owning 360 acres of land, well cul- 
tivated and stocked. He excels in penmanship, and is a promi- 
nent Democratic candidate for the office of Circuit Clerk; he has 
taught school a part of each year for 20 years; has been School 
Director, Assessor and School Trustee. 

John Moyer, farmer and blacksmith, residing on sec. 10, Derry 
tp.; was born in Orange county, Ind., Sept. 5, 1828, and came to 
this county in May, 1839, where he has since resided. Feb. 21, 
1850, he married Sarah Ann Benson, and their children are: 
Albert Travis, born May 31, 1859; Dimmitt McNiel, born May 
31, 1864, and died Dec. 7, 1865; and Mary Emily Jane, born 
March 16, 1867. He has been School Director for several years 
and School Trustee for one term; he is now Justice of the Peace; 
also a member of the Masonic order. He is well versed in Masonic 
principles, especially in the lower degrees, having spent much time 



772 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

and effort' in their study, esteemin<>; tlietn essential to hii^h moral 
attainments. P. O., Eldara. 

Solomon Moye)\ farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Eldara; was born Feb. 
22, 1840; he is a son of Moses and Martha (Brothers) Moyer, 
Dec. 24, 1S()3, he married EmmaJohnon, a native of this county, 
born in 1846. Their children are, — Delphia L., Moses, Martha I., 
Parvin, Charles and S. R., and Lucy, deceased. Mr Moyer has held 
the office of School Trustee 7 years, of Collector 5 years. When he 
first married he had but $15; he now owns 200 acres ofland, worth 
$40 per acre. He is a Democrat. 

William H. Moye7\ farmer, sec. 11 ; P. O., Eldara; was born 
about three miles from his present residence, Sept. 6, 1843, and is 
the son of Moses and Martha (Brothers) Moyer, of German ances- 
trv, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Indi- 
ana; was educated in the common schools of this county. In 1863 
he married Caroline Persley, and the following are their children: 
William T., born Feb. 8, 1865; Jacob R., Sept. 25, 1866; John C, 
Jan., 1869; Ethel J., March 17, 1871; and Orville, Sept. 29, 1874. 
Mr. M. was again married April 13, 1878, to Eliza Hilliard, and 
they have one child, Martha, born April 4, 1879. Mr. Moyer has 
250 acres of land. Politically he is a Democrat. 

Jacob Myers^ farmer, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, April 
11, 1818; came to this county in 1837; in August, 1833, he mar- 
ried Hannah A. Williams, a native of Ohio, now deceased. Her 
children were 5 boys and 5 girls. In August, 1871, Mr. Myers 
married Drusilla Mummy, who was born in Ohio in 1837. Mr. 
M. enlisted in 1862, in Co. B, Mo. Mil. Cav., and served 23 months, 
being in several hard-fought battles. Belongs, to M. E. Church, 
and the Masonic order. 

Jameti II. Nation, farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Eldara; was born in 
Sangamon county. III., July 17, 1839; was raised on a farm and had 
limited educational advantages. March 4, 1858, he came to this 
county and settled in Kinderhook, where he lived nearly 4 years, 
and May 13, 1866, removed to Derry tp. He enlisted in the 
army in 1861, in Co. C, 3d Reg. Mo. Cav., under Cr.l. Glover; 
was discharged Dec. 16, 1864, at St. Louis, Mo. Sept. 26, 1867, he 
married Lurena Hogan, a native of Derry tp., and they have 2 
living children. He owns 40 acres of land; worth $35 per acre; is 
a Republican. • 

Frederick Ottowa, coroner, Eldara, was born in Stendal, Prus- 
sia, July 8, 1829; came to America July 6, 1855, landing in New 
York city ; in 2 months from that time he went to Davenport, 
Iowa, where he remained 4 years ; thence he removed to Hannibal, 
Mo., and in 1861 he came to Pike county, locating first at Kinder- 
hook, then went to Barry, and finally to where he now resides. 
May 25, 1854, he married Miss Caroline Brandt, and they have 
had 8 children, — Charles L. F., Lewis, John, Joshua, James, Car- 
oline and Anna Louisa. Mr. Ottowa belongs to the Odd Fellows; 
United Workmen; was elected Coroner in 1879. He and wife are 



HISTORY OF PIKP: COUNTY. 7Y3 

members of the M. E. Church, South. In politics he is a 
Democrat. 

Thomas J. Ownhy was born in Adair county, Kentucky, Dec. 
10, 1827; came to tliis county witli his father, Thomas Ownby, in 
the fall of 1828, and settled in Detroit tp., on the farm owned by 
Norton Foreman; afterward moved to Newbnrg tp., lived there 
several years, then went to California; was ^one 4 years, then back 
to Newburg, and immediately removed to Detroit, where he lived 
4 years; then to Derry tp., where he has since resided on sec. 9. 
May 22, 1856, Mr. Ownby was married to Falissa A., daughter of 
Stewart Lindsay, and they have had 10 children, 5 of whom are 
dead. Their names ai"e, — Emmet, born March 25, 1857. died 
March 10, 1873; Clayton, born Oct. 5, 1858, died Aug. 15, 1859; 
Mary E., born Oct. 11, 1860; Stewart, born March 9, 1862, died 
March 7, 1879 ; Eliza J., born Mav 10, 1864 ; Charles L., born 
Aug. 29, 1867, died July 28, 1868~; William B., born Jan. 27, 
1870; Oscar O., born Nov. 3, 1873; Evelina, born March 12,1876, 
died Dec. 11, 1877. Mr. Ownby commenced life in very limited 
circumstances, but by industry and economy has accumulated a 
nice property, and is considered one of the heavy property-holders 
in the community. He owns 160 acres of land, worth $10,000; 
has tilled several important offices in his tp., and is an ardent 
Republican. P. O., Eldara. 

William. M. Parker, farmer, sec. 31; P. O., Eldara; was born in 
Coles county, 111., June 26, 1829; was raised in Clark county and 
came to Pike county, Nov. 6, 1853; was married March 27, 1851, 
to Sarah Daughetee, of Clark county, 111., who is of Scotch and 
German descent; they have had 7 children, 5 of whom are living, 
— Susan E., Amanda S., Mary Eliza, William D., Leven and 
Orlando. Both are members of the Baptist Church; Mr. P. was 
Collector in his tp. in 1869, and is a Democrat. 

Tliomas TF. Potter, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Eldara; was born in 
Warren county, Ky., Oct. 8, 1841, came to Adams county in 
the fall of 1860, and to Pike in March, 1861, and settled in Derry 
tp., on N. E. of sec. 32; went to Kentucky in 1863 and returned in 
the spring of 1864; he then removed to Arkansas, lived there 7 
years, then returned to Pike, where he now resides. June 1, 1865, 
he married Catharine Pryor, and their children are: Elizabeth, 
Pleasant II., Anna, Laura, Nancy L., Thomas W., Emma C, Lucy 
and Mary. Mr. Potter owns 100 acres of land, worth $35 per acre; 
is a member of the Christian Church and an Odd Fellow. He is a 
Democrat. His father, P. II. Potter, served as captain under 
Gen. Houston in the Texas war. 

William H. Pryor, farmer, sec. 19; a native of Tennessee; was 
born Nov. 12, 1832; came to Pike county in the fall of 1838 and 
settled in Derry tp., and has resided here ever since. Nov. 22, 
1855, he married Susan E. Moyer, and their children are, Delphina, 
Mary L., Martha E., Henry D., Ollie, Isaac and Wilbert. Mr. 
Pryor owns 160 acres of land, worth $40 per acre; is a member of 



774 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

the ^lasoiiic Lod^e at Eldara; his wife is a member of the M. E. 
Church, South. lie has been Road Overseer and Commissioner for 
3 years, and Tax Collector of revenue for 1877. He ships his pro- 
duce to Quincy. He is a Democrat. 

Jacob F. Parsley was born March 19, 1839; a native of l^ike 
county, 111.; May 9, 1861, he was married to CatharineConnors , 
and the names of their children are, Phila Jniie, born April 16, 
1862, died June 5, 1863; Cora Belle, born in Dec, 1863, and died 
the following February; FrankL.,born Dec. 13, 1864; Stephen Doug- 
las, born Jan. 1, 1866; Anna M., born March 15, 1868, and Cora, 
born May 25, 1871. Mr. Pursley has twice been Path-master in 
his road district, and is now School Director. He has 300 acres of 
land where he lives, worth $50 per acre, and 160 acres in Hadley 
tp., worth $45 per acre. In ])olitics he is a Democrat. P. O., Barry. 

John Pursley, farmer, sec. 10; P. O., Eldara; owns 200 acres 
of land, worth $40 per acre; was born in Pike county. Mo, 
May 1, 1831; came to this county in the lall of 1835, and located 
where he now resides. His fatliei-, Jacob Pursley, died about 3 
3^ears ago. His mother's maiden name was Jane Donovan, who 
is now dead. He was married in Feb., 1854, to Charlotte Sperry. 
They are both members of the Christian Church, and he has been 
School Director 16 years. The names of their livini; children are, 
Jennie. Ethel, Floyd and Eugene. Mr. Pursley is a Democrat. 

Michael S. Raftery, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Eldara; was born in 
Roscommon county, Ireland, July 6, 1843; came to America in the 
fall of 1852, landing at New Orleans ; from there to Eldara, where 
he has since resided. Feb. 16, 1868, he married Frances Y. Land- 
rum. He owns 150 acres of land; was in the late war in Co. A, 
99th Reg. I. V. L; was wounded at Vicksburg, and discharged July 
15, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Raftery have 3 children, namely, — Luada, 
Laura and Tiiomas Albert. Mr. R. is a Democrat, and belongs to 
the Masonic Lodge. 

Thomas Raftery resides on the northwest quarter of sec. 8; was 
born ill Martin's Town, Roscommon Parish, Ireland, Jan. 6, 1815; 
came to America June 24, 1851, landing at New Orleans ; from 
there he followed the Mississippi river to St. Louis, Mo., and from 
there to Louisiana, Pike county, Mo., thence to Pike county. 111., 
where he settled permanently on sec. 8. Three years after he re- 
turned to Ireland and brought his family to his new home. Feb. 
4, 1840, he married Bridget Loftus. Both are members of the 
Catiiolic Church. Their living children are Catharine, Mary, 
Michael, Margaret and Thomas. Mr. R. owns 160 acres of land, 
worth $30 per acre. P. O., Eldara. 

Benjamin Sigsworth farmer, sec. 15; P. O., Eldara; was born 
in Yorkshire, Eiig., April 25, 1827; at the age of three years came 
to Lorain county, O., with his parents, and when he was 8 years 
old they moved to LaSalle county, 111., and the next year to Pike 
county. His father's name was Joseph, his mother's Ann Sigs- 
worth, 7ie<3 Coleman. Jan. 28, 1858, he married Sarah A, Badgley, 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 775 

arid they have had 6 children, 2 of whom are living ; Sierra 
Nevada, Benjamin, John B., Joseph, Ann Loretta and an infant. 
Mr. S. is a member of the Masonic Lodoje; owns 470 acres of land, 
worth $12,000, and sells his produce at home. ' He was in Califor- 
nia 3 years. His wife is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. 
S. is a Republican. 

John Stout, farmer, sec. 26; P. O., Eldara; was born in Butler 
county, Ohio. In 1852 came to this county and settled in Derry 
tp. Sept. 13, 1863, he'married Nancy Hoskin of Pike county, and 
their children are,— Mary, born Aug. 12, 1864; Andrew W., born 
Jan. 15, 1866; Julia A.,' born July 26, 1867; Aaron, born Aug. 1, 
1870; Otis and Oren, born April 26, 1876. Mr. Stout owns 80 
acres of land, worth $40 per acre. He lives on the public road 
leading from Pittsfield to Pockport. He is a Democrat. 

Joseph E. Struhinger, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Eldara; was born 
in Delaware, Aug. 26, 1835, and is a son of Joseph and Mary 
(Clark) Strubinger; father a native of Holland, Germany, and mother 
of Delaware; he was brought by his parents to this place in 1838, 
where he has received his education. In 1858 he married Lucy C. 
Pryor, and his children are, — Henry J., born June 30, 1859; Wil- 
liam A., Nov. 7, 1860; and Mary^ Oct. 22, 1862. Mrs. S. was a 
member of the M. E. Church, and died Nov. 27, 1878. Mr. S.'s 
daughter now keeps house for him. As a farmer he has been suc- 
cessful, now owning 268 acres of first-class land. His residence 
cost about $4,500. He has been School Director, School Trustee, 
and Road Commissioner 12 years. In politics he is a Democrat. 

Thomas Clark Struhinger, whose portrait is given in this volume, 
was born in Wilmington, Del., March 19, 1834; his parents were 
Joseph and Mary (Clark) Strubinger, the first a native of Holland. 
They arrived in Pike county April 17, 1838, settling on the south- 
east* quarter of sec. 22, Derry tp., where he resided for many years, 
and which he owned at the time of his death. He was a prominent 
farmer, owniiig 520 acres of land, all of which, except 80 acres, came 
into his possession in a perfectly wild state; he put under cultiva- 
tion the whole of it. He left a family of 6 children, — Michael, 
Thomas C, Joseph H., Elizabeth, Mary and Harriet, all living ex- 
cept Elizabeth. The subject of this sketch was married Dec. 14, 
1862, to Sarah A., daughter of Adley and Nancy Plogan, natives 
of Kentucky, and old settlers in this county ; Mr. H. is now deceased. 
Mr. and Mrs. S. have had 9 children, 6 of whom are living, as fol- 
lows: a babe, born and died, Aug. 22, 1863; Tiliie M., born Nov. 
13, 1864; John O., Sept. 12, 1866^; Edwin Thomas, March 14,1868; 
Henry W., March 10, 1870, and died Oct. 20, 1872; Cora C, born 
April 30, 1873; Lillie J., March 12, 1875, and died Aug. 2, follow- 
ing ; Mary E., born April 23, 1876, and Burt F., Oct. 25, 1877. 

Mr. S. obtained his early education in the common log school- 
house, and spent his early years on his father's farm. At the age 
of 25 he bought 40 acres of land, being a part of the place where he 
now resides, sec. 34. The home farm at present consists of 80 acres, 



776 HISTORY OF PTKE COUNTY. 

upon wliich are the finest farm residence and improvements in tliis 
connty. He owns 380 acres of land in the county, and is one of the 
solid representative farmers. On an annual average he raises 75 
acres of wheat, 40 of corn, and raises considerable stock. lie has 
had more than average success. He is a Democrat, but does not 
take a very active part in politics. 

Mrs. Jane Taylor, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Eldara; was born in 
Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1818; she remained with her parents 
until 1838, when she married Simon R. Taylor, and in April, 1839, 
they came to this county and settled on the place where Mrs. Tay- 
lor now resides. Mr. Taylor was a wagon-maker by trade, and 
worked at that business for several years after he came to this State; 
but for ten years previous to his death he gave his attention ex- 
clusively to farming. He died in 1867,leaving4childivn, — William, 
born May 1, 1840; Mary, born Aug 21, 1841; Plenrv, born July 
3, 1843; Lucy, born May 30, 1850, and an infant, born Nov. 21, 
1858, soon deceased. Mrs. Taylor owns 80 acres of land worth $50 
per acre. 

T. B. Taylor, farmer, owns 150 acres of land; was born Feb. 7, 
1834, in this county; was married Aug. 4, 1854, to Abigail Lee, a 
native of Ohio, born June 13, 1831. They are the parents of 8 
children, 6 living. Mr. T. is a prosperous farmer. 

Williain E. Taylor, farmer, resides in Eldara; was born in this 
tp. May 8, 1840; has always lived here; was raised on a farm, and 
June 1, 1868, was married to Caroline Stout; they have three chil- 
dren, namely, Dora, John and Lewis. Mr. T. is a member of the 
Odd Fellow and Masonic Lodges; owns 35 acres of land, worth $25 
per acre; has been Commissioner of Llighways and Road Overseer, 
and in politics is a Republican. His brother Henry was in the 
late war in the 28th Reg. I. Y. I. 

Rohert C Temple, farmer, resides on the west ^ of the N. E. 
qr. of sec. 3; was born in Clermont connty, Ohio, Sept. 4, 1821; 
came to this county in March, 1854, and settled near the town of 
Perry and lived there 7 years ; then to DeWitt county 2 years ; to 
Perry again for 3 years; then bought the farm upon which he now 
resides. There are 96 acres, worth $50 per acre. Oct. 5, 1843, he 
married Adeline Fisher, a niece of James Ward, of Griggsville, ex- 
County Judge of Pike county. They have had 6 children, — Lucy 
A., born Sept. 4, 1844; Leonidas C, born April 21, 1846, and died 
Nov. 11, 1873; Sarah Alice, born Oct. 24, 1847; Lizzie A., born 
Dec. 22, 1850, and died Feb. 11, 1853; James E., born Jan. 2, 1854, 
and Thomas H., Jan. 29, 1857. Mr. Temple has been an Odd Fel- 
low for over 30 years. He filled acceptabl}' several tp. offices; has 
been an ardent Democrat, but is now a zealous Greenbacker. In 
religion he believes in the final restoration of all mankind. P. O, 
Barry. 

Samuel C. Thomas, farmer, sec. 17; P. O., Eldara; was born in 
Derry tp., Dec. 2, 1842; his father's name was Samuel F., and his 
mother's Elizabeth Thomas, nee Wells. April 10, 1864, he was 



HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 



777 



married, and he has hud 9 children, 8 of whom are living, namely: 
Martha Ann, John C, Susan F., Laura Alice, Charles A., Harry 
E., Osa May and Samuel C. Mr. T's uncle, John Wells, was in 
the war of 1812. He is a Democrat. 

Franklin Tittsworth is a farmer on sec. 13, and his P. O. ad- 
dress is Eldara. 

Thomas J. Tittsworth^ farmer, sec. 19; was born Aug. 19, 1855, 
in Pleasant Yale tp., Pike county, and has lived here ever since; 
was married Jan. 15, 1874, to Miss Jane Fesler, and they have one 
child, Addie, born July 30, 1876. Mrs. T. is a daughter of Jacob 
Fesler, Her 2 uncles, Jacob and John Browning, were both killed 
in the late war. Mr. T. raises corn, wheat and stock, and sells at 
home market. He is a Democrat. 

Charles B. Trontwine, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Eldara; was born 
in Germany, Feb. 17, 1832; came to America in 1841, and to this 
county in 1852; has lived in this tp. since the spring of 1853; Oct. 
1, 1854, he married Lucinda Mover, and they have had 9 children; 
their names are, Louisa J., Martha E., Austin B., William H., 
Charles Wesley, Marvin Y., Frederick A., Harry and Moses. Mr. 
T. owns 160 acres of land, worth $40 per acre. He is a Democrat, 
and his wife is a Southern Methodist. 

Frederick Troutwine, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Eldara; was bora 
in the Kingdom of Wurtembnrg, Germany, July 15, 1829; came 
to America in 1841 and settled in Clinton county, Ohio; lived there 
until lb52, and then removed to Pike county. 111.; was married in 
March, 1855, to Julia Ann Moyer, who was born in Orange county, 
Indiana. Their 3 children are: John H., born March 28, 1856; 
Solomon J., born Feb. 11, 1860; Albert M., born March 6, 1864. 
Mr. T. owns 240 acres of land. He is a Douglas Democrat. He 
and wife are Methodists. 

Moses Wagoner was born in the city of St. Louis, Mo., Aug. 22» 
1815; came to Pike county. 111., in 1849; April 7, 1855, was mar- 
ried to Martha J. Duland, and they have one child, William Henry, 
born Aug. 14, 1853. Mr. Wagoner is the owner of 110 acres of 
land, worth $50 per acre, which he desires to sell, owing to ill 
health. It is an extra good wheat farm; Mr. W. cut and harvested 
from 26 acres 800 bushels of wheat, and raised 80 bushels of corn 
to the acre, in the year 1879. There is situated upon the farm an 
elegant two-story frame dwelling; good barn, stables and other 
buildings, stock, wells and springs. In politics, a Pepublican. P. O., 
Barry . 

Joh 8. Ware, harness-maker, Eldara; was born in the city of 
Philadelphia. Aug. 28, 1830; came to this county in 1838; learned 
his trade at Barry; was married Oct. 10, 1852, to Sarah Robertson; 
they are both members of the M. E. Church. Their living chil- 
dren are: Ida Belle, Lillie G., William I., Gertrude, Harry and 
Charles. His grandfather, John Hughs, was in the war of 1812, 
He is a Democrat. 



778 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

James H. Wassell^ farmer, sec. 33; is a native of Derry tp., born 
March 4, 1854; was raised on a farm and had limited advanta«^cs for 
education. His father, Robert Wassel-l, died when the snbject of 
this sketch was but 3 years of age. Nov. 7, 1876, he married May 
Tipler, and they have had one child, Anna, born Oct. IS, 1877. 
He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Eldara. Disposes of 
his produce at home market. P. ()., Eldara. 

Isaac N. Williams, farmer, sec. 31; was born June 12, 1851; 
was raised a farmer; Jan. 13, 1876, was married to Eliza Ann Moore 
of this county, and they have 2 children, James Henry and Stephen 
R. Mr. W. has had good educational advantages, and in politics 
is a Democrat. P. O., Eldara. 

Stephen R. Williams. The first of this man's ancestors who 
settled in' America came from Wales previous to the Revolution, 
and settled in Maryland; his name was Edward Williams, and he 
served under Washington in the war, at the close of which he re- 
moved to Ohio county, Kentucky, a section of country then per- 
fectly wild, savage Indians and ferocious beasts holding almost com- 
plete sway. He was a farmer by occupation, and died in that 
county, leaving 8 children, one of whom, Stephen, was the grand- 
father of thesubjectof this biographical notice. He was a Baptist 
minister for over 50 years, preaching in Kentucky', Illinois and 
Iowa. He died in Jefferson 'county about 1868, leaving also a 
family of 8 children, the eldest of whom, Isaac, was the father of 
Stephen R. He was born in Kentucky in 1800, and in January, 

1819, married Sarah Coleman, a daughter of Henry Coleman, of 
Ohio county, Ky., whose father was a German and an early settler 
of Kentucky. Of this marriage were 13 children, of whom 9 are 
living, the eldest of whom is Stephen R., who was born Nov. 12, 

1820, in Ohio county, Ky. His early life was passed on his father's 
farm in White county, 111., whither his father had moved when his 
son was but 2 years of age. Here also he obtained his education 
in the old-fashioned log school-house, with a w ndow ot greased 
paper where a log had been taken out for the purpose; indeed, Mr. 
W. never went to school where glass windows were used. June 22, 
1837, he married Miss Nancy J. Funkhouser, daughter of Isaac 

.Funkhouser, in White county, 111., and 3 children were born to 
them in that county, namely, Sarah, Yirgiland William. In 1844 
he moved with his family to this county, settling in Pittsfield tp., 
where he commenced farming. His land title not being perfect, 
he returned his claim to the seller in 1846, and removed into Derry 
township, where he rented farms for several years. In 1852 he 
bought the southeast quarter of sec. 32, this tp., which place was 
slightly imi)roved, having on it a log house. The same year he 
moved his family here. He has since put under fiiie cultivation 
about 100 acres at this place. Here he lived about 14 years,when 
he moved to a farm which he bought, the southwest quarter of sec. 
31, this tp., where he is still residing. 

In 1842 Mr. Williams joined the Primitive Baptist Church, of 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTiT. 



779 



which he has ever since been a meniijer. He is a man of deep 
convictions, and has believed it his duty to take a public and active 
part in the cause of the Church. His public efforts caused his 
brethren to induce him to become a regular preacher, and with 
some reluctance he complied with their wishes, and was ordained 
after about two years' preaching. He has now served in that capac- 
ity 22 years. He has never preached for a salary. He has preached 
s.i the regular annual and monthly meetings in Missouri and Iowa, 
besides this State. 

At present he owns 515 acres of land in this tp., and 80 acres in 
tp. 6 s., 6 w. He lias 4 children living, 2 boys and 2 girls, Wm. 
D. married Angeline Moore, and lives on one of his father's farms, 
on sec. 32; Isaac married Eliza Jane Moore, and lives on sec. 30, 
his father's farm of 200 acres; Sarah married Benj. House and 
lives in Atlas tp.; Fanny married Charles Drummond, and resides 
on the home place. He has had 8 other children, who have deceased, 
namely, Mary, who died after she was a married woman; Henry, 
who died at the age of 17; Lucy Ann and Martin, who died very 
young, and 3 others died in infancy. Although Mr. Williams is 
interested in political matters, he has not taken a very active and 
prominent part. He is a Democrat, has been Collector, Commi- 
sioner, Township Trustee, etc. It is claimed that the first person 
€ver baptized by the Green river (Ky.) waters was Mrs. Williams' 
great-grandmother on her mother's side. Mr. Williams' postoflSce 
address is Eldara. His portrait is given in this book, and can be 
found by reference to the tal)le of contents. 

H. R. Wood, iarmer and stock-dealer, sec. 29; P. O., Eldara; 
owns 22 acres, worth $40 per acre; was borh in Penn., Sept. 30, 
1825;. came to this State in the fall of 1838, settling in Morgan 
county, where he remained 2 years, thence to Pittsfield until 1854, 
then settled in Derry; went to California in 1849 and returned in 
1852; was married in Missouri in 1855 to Lorinda Yale, who was 
born in Missouri and died in 1860. They had 2 children, William 
and Luella. In May, 1873, he married Sarah Shinn, born Jan. 25, 
1849. In addition to farming, Mr. W. raises and handles young 
stock to some extent. 

Theodore Wood, grocer and confectioner at Eldara, was born in 
Illinois, Nov. 27, 1854; was married in this county to Josephine 
Taylor, a native of this county, and they are the parents of 5 chil- 
dren, — 4 living. Mr. W. owns one lot with dwelling, and in his 
line of business is doing well. In politics he is a Democrat. 

Lewis iV. Worsham, farmer, is a native of Illinois, and was born 
Jan. 15, 1836; was married Oct. 26, 1862, to Cynthia Williams, also 
a native of Illinois, born Aug. 11, 1840. They are the parents of 
4 children: Laura, Oren, and 2 infants, deceased. Mr. W. owns 
183 acres of land, worth $50 per acre. 



ATLA.S TOWNSHIP. 

This township is the scene of the more important early history 
of the county. For some years hei-e was situated the seat of empire, 
as it were, the metropolis of a vast region. Here was not only the 
business center, bfit the social, religious, and political headquarters 
of a section of country now containing many thousands of people, 
and millions of wealth. Virtually, the first few chapters in this 
book is a history of this township, and therefore it will not be 
expected that we should I'epeat what we have already recorded, al- 
though much of it is essentially local, or township and village 
history. 

According to the general order we have adopted in writing these 
sketches, we will speak of the earliest settlers first. The first legi- 
timate settler of the county located in this township. The person 
to whose memory this honor is due, was Ebenezer Franklin. He 
came in March, 1820, and first located on sec. 27, near where 
the town of Atlas no^ is. He brought his family and for a time 
dwelt in a tent. Then came in Daniel Sliinn, who became his 
neighbor, and like him pitched his tent, and in it lived until May. 
At that time both these sturdy pioneers erected rude log cabins on 
sec. 22, and about three-fourths of a mile from Atlas. 

The same year another prominent family arrived at Atlas, or 
rather upon the site of Atlas, for of course there was no town there 
then. The family we refer to was the Ross family, consisting of 
Col. William Ross, Captain Leonard Ross, Dr. Henry J. Ross, and 
Clarendon Ross. These were married men and brought their fami- 
lies with them. They came from Pittsfield, Mass., and of course 
during the existing modes of travel in those pioneer times they 
had a hard, tedious journey. They were all tired out when they 
arrived at the spot, on sec. 27, that they were to call home. 
The country in its virgin state was beautiful to behold, but so far 
in the wilderness was it that it must have been lonel}' indeed to 
them. However, they were glad to get to their journey's end, and 
one of the part}' exclaimed, as tradition has it, that they had reached 
home "at last," from which the town, and latterly the township 
was named. 

After the Rosses, of whom we speak in the first chapter of this 
volume at greater length, came James M. Seeley, who played an 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 781 

important and honorable part in the early history of the county. 
Then catne Levi Kewman and Charles McGiifin, who kept a ferry 
across the Mississippi at Louisiana, John and Jeremiah E.0S6, 
Rufiis Brown, John Wood and Willard Keyes. Brown kept a 
tavern in Atlas for a time, but he, with these two Rosses, and 
Wood and Keyes, moved to Adams county and became prominent 
in the affairs of that community. Then came Joseph Petty, John 
M. Smith, Deacon Snow, Daniel Husong, Dexter Wheelock, who 
kept store and hotel at Atlas for a time, and a few others. 

Among a few otliers of the leading first settlers of Atlas we will 
mention Col. Benj. Barney, Henry Long, Stephen R, Watson, 
Benjamin D. Brown, James Ross, etc. As many of the early pil- 
grims to Atlas were scattered in various parts of the county when 
the county-seat was moved from there, and as a half century has 
almost elapsed since the village of Atlas began to wane, we find it 
impossible to get anything like a full and authentic list of the first 
settlers here. It is true there are many of the descendants of the 
early pioneers now living in this township, but of these we speak 
among the personal sketches given below. 

In 1<S24 the public buildings, which had previously been at 
Cole's Grove, now Calhoun county, were moved to Atlas. During 
the following decade it was a busy commercial center and had great 
promise of becoming the most important town in this section. 
At one time it was thought that it would eclipse Quincy, but 
when, in 1838, the county-seat was removed to Pittsfield, it suf- 
fered materially. Indeed, the town has never since assumed any 
prominence, but declined, until now there is only a postoffice, gen- 
eral store and a blacksmith shop located here. At that time the more 
prominent settlers followed the public buildings to Pittsfield, and 
made that the metropolis of the county. 

The first death to occur in Atlas township was that of Mr. Hu- 
song. The first child born was Nancy Ross, daughter of Col. Wil- 
liam Ross. The first male child was Marcellus Ross, who nowresides 
in Pittsfield. Some say, however, that a son was born to Ebenezer 
Franklin prior to this, and others that a child of John M. Smith's 
was the first one born. The first parties married in the township 
were Daniel Barney and Miss A. L. Plusong. The first sermon 
was preached by the celebrated Lorenzo Dow, in the old court- 
house, in 1826. The first school-house was erected the same year 
upon sec. 26. 

Before Ross township was cut off from Atlas, which was done 
in 1879, it was by far the largest township in the county. It then 
embraced the whole of one and parts of three Congressional town- 
ships. Much of it, however, was bottom land, and valueless for 
cultivation until the erection of the great Sny Carte levee. This 
public enterprise has redeemed many entire sections of fine land 
in Atlas. At one time the Sny Carte slough was so high that 
Col. Ross was enabled to run a boat up to Atlae. This is what is 
termed a timbered township, but is well settled and improved. 



782 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Here we find some of the finest farms in tlie count3^ The Quincy, 
Alton and St. Louis Raih'oad passes through the townsliip from 
northwest to soutlieast. 

AILLAGKS. 

There are in this township three villages, all small, but pleasant- 
ly located. They are Atlas, Rockport and Summer Ilill. The 
former town was laid out in 1823 hy William Ross and Rufus 
Brown. It was the first town laid off" in the county, and for a time 
first in point of commercial advantages. We have spoken of the 
village so often, however, that anything we might now say would 
merely be repetition. We therefore will refer the reader to the 
first chapters and the history of the township given al)Ove. 

During the great speculative excitement of 1836 and the few 
subsequent years, towns were yirojected all over the State. During 
the former year there were about a dozen towns laid out in Pike 
county, among Avhicli was Rockport. It had excellent milling 
facilities, and a project to erect a grist-mill, then greatly needed in 
the county, was set on foot by Ross, Scott & Co. About 1828 a 
.saw-mill was erected at this point upon the Sny Carte, on the 
southwest quarter of sec. 17. Later, about 1830, John Warburton 
erected a flouring-inill at the same site. This mill was destroyed 
by fire in 1846. During that and the following year another mill 
was erected upon the site of the former. This mill was conducted 
successfully, and was a great convenience to the settlers until 1853, 
when it shared the fate of the former and went up in the flames. 
Undaunted, however, its proprietors set about to erect another, 
which was done in 1^55. This mill was run for 12 years, when it 
was burned. In 1867-8 Shaw & Rupert built a fourth mill at this 
point, with a capacity of 300 barrels a day. It will be seen that 
this has been one of the gr^jatest milling points in this section. 
Rockport took from Atlas about all of the business that was left it 
after the removal of the county- seat to Pittsfield. The town was 
laid out on the most approved plan for a city of no mean dimensions. 
For a time it grew rapidly and gave great promise to its founders, 
but the financial crash which followed the speculative period p1- 
most completely stopped immigration to the State for a few years, 
and all of the new towns suftered materially. 

Rockport is located on sees. 17, 18 and 20, on the Sny Carte, 
and contains several stores, and transacts a good trade in a local 
.way. It is situated on the Quincy, Alton & St. Louis Railway. 

The village of Summer Hill, which is located on sec. 13 of this 
township, was laid out March 11, 1815, by Lyman Scott, It is 
situated in the midst of a beautiful and fertile section of country. 
It is a very pleasant country town, containing two nice chui'ches, 
two or three stores, postofiice, etc. 

Summer Hill Congregational Church. The Congregational 
Church of Summer Hill was organized bv Rev. Asa Turner at Atlas 
in Nov., 1834, under the name of the Rockport and Atlas Congrega- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 783 

tional Church. Preaching services were held at Rockport, Atlas, and 
later at Summer Hill. Gradually, as the settlements extended back 
from the Mississippi river,|the Church members became located more 
and more at Summer Hill, until the Church had migrated from 
Rockport and Atlas to Summer Hill. This change was gradual, 
extending through a number of years. The present church building 
at Summer Hill was completed about 1856. 

This Church has always held a form of doctrine common to the 
Congregational Churches. It believes in the new birth (-'Except 
a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God"); in the 
sinfulness of men and in redemption only through Jesus Christ, 
the Son of God; in the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit; 
in the inspiration of the Holj^ Scriptures; that the word of God is 
the only infallible rule of faith and life; in the endless happiness 
of the righteous and misery of the unregenerate. It teaches and 
believes in a pure and upright life consecrated to God. 

The first great season of growth came under the pastorate of 
Rev. Wm. Carter from 1834 to 1847. During this period of nine 
years the Church increased from 10 or 12 members to 100. After 
1847 the Church suiFered a decline until 1865, when it numbered 
41 members. The second period of growth came under the pres- 
ent Pastor, Rev. C. E. Marsh, from 1868 to the present time. Dur- 
ing this period of 12 years the Church increased from 50 to 116 
members. In the winter of 1873-4 a great season of revival was 
enjoyed, when 48 were received into the Church. The past winter 
(1879-80) another revival has been enjoyed, and 39 have entered 
into covenant with the Church. 

The following persons have acted as Pastors of the Church: 
Rev. Warren Nichols, from 1835 to 1837; Rev. A. T. Norton, from 

1837 to ; Rev. Wm. Carter, from 1838 to 1847; Rev. Gideon 

C. Clark, from 1847 to 1850; Rev. A. H. Fletclier, from 1850 to 
1853; Rev. C. S. Cady, from 1853 to 1855: Rev. J. G. Barrett, 
from 1856 to 1859; Rev! S. R. Thrall, from 1859 to 1865; Rev. 
Samuel Dilley, from 1865 to 1867; Rev. Wm. Carter, from 1867 
to 1868; Rev. Chas. E. Marsh, from 1868 to the present time. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

We give below personal sketches, in alphabetical rotation, of the 
prominent citizens and old settlers of Atlas township and its vil- 
lages. 

J. A. Adams, farmer, sec. .27; P. O., Atlas; was born in 1803 in 
Rensellaer county, N. Y., the son of James and Edna Adams; re- 
ceived a fair education and followed sawing, and operating cotton 
and woolen mill with good success; he quit the business in 1843 and 
emigrated West, settling on the present homestead, where he' has 
lived ever since. The farm is well improved. Feb. 10, 1825, he 
married Harriet Green, who was born in 1802 in Rensellaer county, 
N. Y., and their 3 children were Cornelius, deceased, Jeremiah and 
Edna. Mr. Adams first occupied about 500 acres of bottom and 



784 HISTOEY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Tip land, and since has obtained about 500 acres more. He has seen 
the bottom opposite his residence entirely overflowed, and has been 
in a steam-boat over the land he now cultivates. Mr. Adams 
has been Assessor for 15 or 16 years. The house now occu])ied by 
him was built in 1822, with an addition in 1824. It is a substan- 
tial buildinii', and bids fair to stand for ages vet. The first 
preacher he knew was Rev. Wm. Carter, who was in Pittsfield so 
long. Mr. Adams' father was in the Revolutionary war, as priva- 
teer at sea. He distinctly remembers the war of 1812. 

Isaac Barton^ farmer, was born in Kentucky, June 7, 1825, the 
son of William and Mary (Brewer) Barton, natives of Tennessee; 
was educated in the Kentucky subscription schools; his early life 
was spent in mechanical employment, but the most of his life he has 
been a farmer. In 1846 he married Miss R. M. Owsley, a native 
of East Tennessee, and of their 11 children 8 are living, 5 sons and 
3 girls; 3 are married. Mr. Barton came to Pike county the year 
he was married, with no property except a horse and saddle, but he 
is now in comfortable circumstances, living in a $8,000 house. He 
has held nearly all the township offices, and is in several official 
positions at the present time. In politics he is a Democrat, and in 
religion both himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church. 

Aaro7i Baughmon was born in Ohio, Dec. 11, 1835, and is a son 
of Jacob and Catharine (Wiihelm) Baughmon, natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, and of German ancestry; was -educated mostly in the com- 
mon schools of this county; can speak German. April 10, 1856. 
he married Sarah Sapp, daughter of Daniel Sapp, a pioneer of this 
county; of their 9 children 6 are living. Mr. B. came to this 
county about Christmas in 1846, and worked at quarrying rock and 
burning lime; for the last 8 years it has been a success. He ran a 
threshing-machine for 9 years, and in that business lost his health, 
and in burning lime he thinks he recovered his voice which he had 
lost. He is a farmer, residing on sec. 14, where he owns 40 acres, 
besides having 40 acres on sec. 16. In his present business he has 
been successful. Being married before he was 21 years of age, his 
father claimed $150 for his time, which was paid. He is a Repub- 
lican, and both himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church. 
P. O., Summer Hill. 

Monroe Baughmon^ farmer, sec. 11 ; P. O., Summer Hill; was 
born in this county Oct. 5, 1848, and is a son of Jacob and Cath- 
arine W. (Heler) Baughmon, who were married in 1835 and had 5 
children, of whom Monroe is the eldest. The latter received a 
common-school education, and is now following farming in Atlas tp. 

Capt. Uriah Brock was born in Missouri in 1820, and is a son 
of Armstrong and Theresa Angle (Brown) Brock, the former of En- 
glish descent and the latter of German; was educated in the subscrip- 
tion schools of the time; at 15 he went upon the river and worked 
at cooking and pulling oars on a flat-boat* in 1839 he went on a 
steamer to learn the river as cub pilot; in 1840 he was promoted 
to the position of pilot on the steamer lone, and for the same man 



_^^-.Sv=A ^ 



t\ 






'^i^-id , //^(S^^n^-^^^-T^ 



ATLAS TP 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 787 

lie rail steamers for 7 years on the Ohio river, making 10 years 
altogether which he worked for one man; has followed the river 
as pilot every summer since he learned the business, and expects 
to as long as he can see and turn a wheel. He has been moderately 
successful, having as much as $2,500 for one summer's work. At 
present he gets only $600 for a season's work. He married Miss 
Caroline Marsh in 1855, and they have 6 children, all living in this 
tp., where he spends the winter with his family. Four of the chil- 
dren are married. He has a neat and substantial residence in 
Summer Hill, and 12 acres of land. In politics he is a Republi- 
can, and he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church. 
Mrs. Brock's father, Sherman Brown, was an early settler of this 
county. 

Damd W. Deam, farmer and stock-raiser; is the son of Plenry 
and Susannah (Kiser) Deam; his father was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania and born in 1781; his mother was born in tlie State of Ken- 
tucky in 1794; they emigrated with their family to Ohio in an 
early day, where both of them passed the remainder of their lives; 
they died near Dayton, O., and were laid at rest in Bethel township, 
Miami county. Uavid W., the subject of this biography, was born 
in Montgomery county, O., in 1831; in 1852 he went to Bluffton, 
Mills Co., Ind., where he held the position of Deputy County Clerk 
for one year; he then returned to the Buckeye State and remained 
until 1854; he was then united in marriage with Miss Sarah C. 
Deal, who was born in 1831 ; she is the daughter of Philip and 
Mary (Boyer) Deal, both natives of Maryland. To them have 
been born 4 children, 3 of whom are living; Mary Alice was born 
Jan. 3, 185", in Montgomery, O.; William Lewis, born Sept. 25, 
1856; Dora Bell, Jan. 31, 1858, died Feb. 24, 1876, and Warren 
G., born Jan. 29, 1864. Wm. L. married Miss Capps, Oct. 9, 
1879, and Mary A. was married to Uriah A. Brock, March 23, 
1872. Mr. Deam moved with his family to Atlas, this county, in 
1856, first locating on sec. 23, where he engaged in farming until 
1867, when he sold out and purchased a fine farm on sec. 13. He 
now ow^s 240 acres of land. His residence, with ground attached, 
is among the most beautiful, tasteful and convenient in the county. 
It is situated .a the outskirts of the pleasant little village of Sum- 
mer Hill. Mr. Deam, who is now engaged in farming and stock- 
raising, dealing in fine graded stock, ranks among the more promi- 
nent, enterprising and substantial citizens of Pike county, and as 
one of her representative citizens we present his portrait in this 
volume. 

James Brown. This gentleman's father, Isaac Brown, was born 
in March, 1791, in Virginia, moved to this State in 1828, and died 
in 1848; his mother was SusanBrown. Thesubject of this notice was 
one of 14 children, and was born in April, 1833; in 1856 he mar- 
ried Sarah Knapp, who was born in June, 1839, and their 6 chil- 
dren are, Zara, born in 1857; Lloyd, born in 1859; George, born in 
1862; Frederic, born in 1865, and Lilly, born in 1872. Mr. Brown 

45 



78S IirSToRY OF PIKK COUNTY. 

lias always been a fanner: lias been t;.- California twice. In reliir 
ion he id a Universalist, and in politics a Republican. 

3frs. Sas'iii J. Cleveland, nee Baxter, was born Aui(. :^, 1860, 
and married Galen Cleveland in 1853, and of their 10 children 
only 2 are livintr, both named after their parents. Mr. Baxter set- 
tled in Missouri, where his children had l)ut a very limited educa- 
tion. 

J. H. Farrimjton. The subject of this sketch was born in Mil- 
ton, this county, Auo^. 19, 1843, and is a hon of D. H. and Martha 
(Shaw) Elarrincjton, both natives of North Carolina, and his father 
of German ancestry. J. II. is the third of a family of 10 children, 
all of whom are boys. His father was a farmer, at which business 
he was successful. Both his parents are livino; in Missouri at the 
present time. Our sul)ject beg.ui to learn the trade of a miller 
with Francis Frye at the villatre of Time, in 1870 ; they ran the 
mill in partnership until Nov. 26, 1876, when it was destroyed by 
fire, at a loss to them of $10,000. February of the followinoj year 
he came to Summer Hill and became a partner of the firm of Peters 
& Co. Their mill is one of the best in the count}', does an exten- 
sive local trade, and has a o^oud reputation. Their favorite brand 
of flour is the '"Golden Rule." April 10, 1863, he was married to 
Jeannette Farrington, who was born July 18, 1845; their only 
child, Thomas Yirgil, was born in 1865. In politics Mr. F. is a 
Democrat. He served as Supervisor for Hardin tp. for the years 
1875-76. 

James H. Ferguson, druggist, Summer Hill, was born in Pike 
county, March 27, 1855; his father, James H. Ferguson, is a native 
of Ireland, and his mother, Ann Eliza (Dodge) Ferguson, a native 
of Georgia. James H. was educated in the common schools of 
Pike county, Pittsfield High School, and Eureka College; until he 
arrived at the age of 22 he was engaged in farming; he then went 
to Nebo and engaged in the stud\- of medicine for a time, after 
which he bought a stock of drugs at Griggsville, and also has an 
interest in another store in the same town. \\\ 1879 he came to 
Summer Hill and started a drug store, the only one in the place. The 
grandfather of our subject was among the early settlers of the State. 
His father, vyho was a graduate as a civil engineer, in Europe, came 
to Pike county in an earlv day, served as County Surveyor, and held 
that position until he died, in 1863. He was the owner of between 
500 and 600 acres of land at the time. 

Solotnon Greengard was born Sept. 14, 1830, and is a native of 

Poland; he learned the trade of blacksmith in his native country, 

but is now engaged in selling tin-ware, furs, rags, etc. In 1840 he 

was married to Esth Rachell. Six children have been born to them, 

,4 of wiiom are living, 1 boy and 3 girls. 

O. M. Garner, farmer, sec. 10; P. O., Summer Hill; is a son of 
Jonathan and Mary (Newnham) Garner, the former a native of 
North Carolina and the latter of South Carolina. Our subject was 
born in Kentucky in 1829, and was early brought to this county, 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 789 

where he received a good common-school education. His parents 
came to the county in 1840 and settled 10 miles west of Pittsfield. 
He married the first time in 1850, and the second time, 1869, he 
married Caroline McClintock, by whom he has had 4 children: he 
had one by his first wife. He and his present wife are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church; he is a Kepublican. He has 260 
acres of land. 

James 6^«y, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Summer Hill; was born Feb. 
5, 1814, in Iredell county, N. C, and is a sou of William and Anna 
(Rutledge) Gay, father a native of the same county and mother a 
native of Kowan county, N. C, both of Irish ancestry. His 
chances being very poor in a Southern State, he came to Pike 
county. 111., where he graduated in a log cabin 14 by 14, in Pleas- 
ant Hill tp., in 1834. In 1839 he married Amelia Yokem, and 
they have had 9 children, 8 of whom are living. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Gay are members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Gay has 
been a farmer all his life, and coming to Pike county in Feb., 
1834, he worked as a farm hand in Atlas tp. The first night he 
staid in Pike county he had only half money enough to pay his 
bill, which was 37| cents. Besides this he had a horse worth $15, 
which was all the earthly possession he could call his own at that 
time. He is now the owner of 660 acres of land in Pike county, 
and has an interest in several other tracts of land. All his sons 
live in this county and all are married, the eldest of whom owns 
480 acres of land. 

William E. Gay, farmer, sec. 9; P. O., Rockport; was born in 
this tp., and is a son of James and Amelia (Yokem) Gay, above 
mentioned; he attended the common schools of this county and 
began teaching at the age of 18 years. He enlisted May 4, 1861, 
in the 16th 111. Inf., serving as Corporal of Co. K, and participated 
in all the battles that the regiment was engaged in ; he was dis- 
charged June 12, 1864. In 1867 he was united in marriage with 
Elizabeth Shinn, and to them have been born 5 children, 4 sons 
and a daughter. Mr. Gay is the owner of 480 acres of land, 320 
of which are in Pike county. 

Joh7i Ilelkey was born on the German ocean in December, 1848; 
was united in marriage with Fanny Adams, who was born in July, 
1859. In 1879, Aug. 2d, of that year, a son, Charlie, was born to' 
them. He has engaged some in railroading, but at present is fol- 
lowing blacksmithing and wagon-making, which he expects to 
continue the rest of his life. His wife received a good common- 
school education, and attended the Pittsfield high school. 

James S. Johnson was born in Pike county in 1846, and is a son 
of Elisha T. and Catherine (Cook) Johnson, of New Jersey. James 
received his education in the common schools of this county, enfraged 
in farming and coopering, and in 1864 enlisted in the 7th 111. Inf., 
under Capt. Hubbard. In 1865 he was united in marriage with 
Eliza Ann Waters; 2 of the 4 children born to them are livino-. 
His father, who was a moulder in early life, came to Pike count'y 



790 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 

in 1838, and engaged in farming; his mother died in 1867, and his 
father in 1873. 

Henry A. Long was born July 6, 1774, and Eineline Green 
March 4, 1804; the two were united in marriage Aug. .^, 1822; to 
them were born 5 sons and 3 daughters. Kennedy Long was born 
March 14, 1826, and Oct. 13, 1852, married Phoebe J. Roasa, who 
was born June 27, 1832; by this union 5 children, all boys, were 
born: Henry A., born Jan. 21, 1854, William J., July 26, 1855, 
George P., Oct. 5, 1805, L. E., born Nov. 14, 1868, and Philip 
It., Feb. 13, 1874. Mr. L. came here with his parents in 1831, and 
located in Atlas, then the county-seat of Pike county. He has been 
a great fisherman and at the present lives in the oldest house in 
Atlas, and consequently the oldest in the county. The floor is of 
puncheons, hewed on one side and rip-sawed, and is still of good 
quality. Mrs. Long is a member of the M. E. Church, while Mr. 
Long is liberal toward all the churches, and is a Republican. 

Mrs. Lucia Mace^ nee Chamberlain, was born June 27, 1826, and 
in 1837 was brought to Illinois, where she received a common- 
school education; Aug. 4, 1842, she married John Mace, and their 
3 children are D. H., D. A. and Kate, Mr. Mace served 18 months 
in the Mexican war. While in health he followed carpentering. 
Mrs. Mace owns good property in the village of Rockport. 

Rev. C. E. Marsh, was born in ISTew York, March 4, 1837, and is 
a son of James and Emeline (Allen) Marsh, of English ancestry. 
He attended the common schools, entered Knox College at Gales- 
burg, where he remained 3 years, and also graduated at Wheaton 
College, 111., near Chicago. His father during his early life was a 
silversmith, but after he came to this county, which was in 1844, he 
engaged in farming. Our subject passed his early life on a farm, 
but since he graduated in 1860 he has not followed that vocation. 
At the age of 21 he united with the Congregational Church at 
Galesburg, 111.; in Oct., 1868, he was installed Pastor at Sum- 
mer Hill; at that time the membership was 60, but at present 
numbers 116; most of the accessions were made during two re- 
vivals, one held in 1873-4, when 48 were added, the other in 1879- 
"80, when 39 joined the Church. In 1860 Rev. Marsh was united 
in marriage with Belle Robinson; to them have been born 7 chil- 
dren, 5 sons and 2 daughters, the two latter of whom are deceased. 

Jonathan Miller was born in North Carolina, and married Re- 
becca Span, Sept. 7, 1824, in Indiana; to them were born 10 chil- 
dren: Calvin, Luther, Moses, Houston, Samuel, James, Jonathan, 
Mary Jane, Emeline, Florence, — all of whom are married except the 
two youngest. 

Moses S. Miller. Jonathan Miller, his father, was born Aug. 
13, 1801, and his mother, Rebecca (Span) Miller, was born in 1808. 
Mosos S. was born June 3, 1837; the same year his parents came 
to this State; he M-as united in marriage in 1856 with Elizabeth 
Guthrie, who was born in Missouri in 1831; of the 4 children born 
to them onlv one is living, Julia E,, who Avas born in 1857. He 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 791 

is engaged in farming, began with no other help but his own hands, 
but now owns a good farm. 

Henry Morse^ farmer, sec. 13; P. O., Summer Hill; was born 
in Boston, Mass., April 2, 1817, and is the son of Henry and Mary 
(Fox) Morse; he obtained the principal part of his education at 
North-Wilbraham x4Lcademj, Mass. Mr. M. has been thrice mar- 
ried. He united with his present wife, Margaret Jane Smithers, in 
1855; she is a member of the Methodist Church. At the age of 16 
Mr. M. commenced to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner, and 
has worked successfully at it for many years. He came to Pike 
county from Massachusetts in 1834, and settled at Rockport; he 
now lives on a farm on sec. 13, 6 S., 5 W. In 1861 he enlisted in 
Co. D, 3d Mo. Inf, and served till the expiration of the term. 

H. Peters^ miller at Summer Hill, was born in Pennsylvania, 
July 25, 1829; his parents, James and Nancy (Culver) Peters, 
were natives of Canada and Pennsylvania, respectively. Our sub- 
ject received his education in the common schools of Wisconsin, 
attended the high school at Beloit, and also took a course of book- 
keeping. He served an apprenticeship at blacksmithing in the 
same town, and worked 5 years in a plow factory; in 1849 he came 
to Quincy, 111., where he worked in a plow factory for 2 years, 
when he married Elizabeth Conyers; they then lived in Palmyra, 
Mo., six years, when they removed to Pike county, where they 
have since remained. For 10 years he continued the manufacture 
of plows, when he sold out and embarked iu the milling business, 
and is now of the firm of Peters & Co., millers, Summer Hill. 
Politically he is a Greenbacker, and a prominent member of his 
party. He is one of the two delegates from Pike county,. chosen 
in March, 1880, to nominate a Greenback candidate for the Presi- 
dency. In politics, as in his business, he is energetic and well 
posted in the history of the country and of the various political 
parties. He has served as Justice of the Peace for 3 years. 

Carson JV. Rupert was born in 185'!, and is a farmer, sec. 27; 
P. O., Atlas; Oct. 18, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Mary E. Adams, ^who was born in 1855; and they have one child, 
a girl. 

George Schwartz was born in Switzerland in 1813 ; when at the 
age of 20 he emigrated to America; his parents, Andrew and Mary 
Ann (Shoemaker) Schwartz, were also natives of Switzerland. He 
attended school from the time he was 6 years old till he was 18, and 
received a good German education; he never attended school in 
America any, but can read and write English with ease. He 
located in Atlas tp. in 1833; has been a farmer all his life, and 
worked the first two vears after he arrived here bv the month, the 
first year receiving $7, and the second year $8 per month. He was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary Gay in 1838, and of the 5 
children born to them 4. are living. James Gay, spoken of above^ 
and our subject, kept bachelor's hall for three years after his ar- 
rival here; they were then poor boys, but are to-day leading citi- 



792 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 

zens of the county. Mr. S. owns 254 acres of land in Atlas tp., 
and has a handsome and substantial residence in Summer Hill. 
He has held local offices in this tp., been Sunday-school Superin- 
tendent, Trustee and Deacon in the Summer Hill Congregational 
church, and prominent in all the affairs of his community. 

Dr. Q. W. Schwartz, Summer Hill, was born Feb. 17, 1846, and 
is a son of George Schwartz, above mentioned. The Doctor is a 
graduate of the St. Louis Medical College, and began practice in 
the spring of 1874 in Milton, Mo., and, like most young doctors, 
labored under many disadvantages. In the fall of that year he 
removed to Summer Hill, where he has built up a fair practice. 

G. J. Shaw, Summer Hill, was born in Massachusetts Feb. 2, 
1816, and is a son of AValter and Marcia(Cadwell) Shaw, the form- 
er a native of Massachusetts, and of Scottish descent; he came to 
Pike county in 1836, and settled at Atlas; he left his home in 
Massachusetts in 1832, went to the West Indies, thence to New 
Orleans, and then to Missouri. He learned the carpenter and join- 
er's trade, and subsequently engaged in farming, now owning 300 
acres of land. In the early days it was quite difficult to get money 
enough to pay his taxes. The principal circulating medium was 
coon-skins. He had only $100 when he was married, and made 
his start by making window sash. He tells us that most of the 
land between Summer Hill and Pittslield was bought for $1.25 an 
acre. He further savs that it was no uncommon thiui; to see a 
crop sell for more thaii the land cost. Mr. S. was married in 1837 
to Sophia Kennedj^, and to them have been born 5 children, all of 
whom are living. 

Henry L. Shaw, farmer, sec. 7; P. O., Summer Hill ; was born 
Feb. 3, 1837, within 300 yards of where he now lives, and is a son 
of Luther and A. B. (Bemiss) Shaw, natives of Massachusetts; at- 
tended the public school some; when lie was 15 years of age his 
father died (1852), leaving the care of a large family on him; there 
were 10 children, of whom Henry was the eldest. In 1872 he mar- 
ried Mary A. Davis, and Of their 3 children 2 are living. Mr. 
Shaw is a Republican, and both himself and wife are members of 
the Congregational Church. He has been a successful farmer, now 
owning 267 acres of land in this county. 

H. O. Shaw, farmer, sec. 12; P. O., Summer Hill; was born July 
30, 1814, in Massachusetts, and is the son of Solomon and Persis 
(Colon) Shaw, natives also of Massachusetts, and father a farmer ; 
the subject of this notice was educated in the common schools of 
the Bay State. In 1836 he married Sarah Andrews, and of their 3 
children 2 are living,— Charles II., George and Eva Myrtie, deceased. 
Mr. Shaw came to Pike county in 1840, and the following year he 
settled on sec. 12, where he now owns 50 acres of land, and is out 
of debt. He has worked at shoemaking several years. In 1862 
both his boys enlisted in Co. A, 99th 111. Inf., under Capt Edwards; 
George AV. was wounded at the grand charge at Vicksburg, hy a 
shot in the leg; Charles was Sergeant, and the boys were in all the 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, 793 

battles in which the Hegiment was engaged. Mr. Shaw has been 
Collector, and in politics is a Republican. 

LuG'ien W. Shmv, farmer, sec, 12 ; P, O., Summer Hill ; was 
born in this county in 1839, and is a son of George J. and Sophia 
(Kinney) Shaw, father a native of Massachusetts and mother of 
New York, and both of English descent; he obtained a common- 
school education in this county. In 1864 he married Anna M. 
Barney, who died in 1871:; of their offspring one child is still liv- 
ing; in 1875 Mr. S. married Maria Shaw, and they have 3 children, 
all living. In 1862 Mr. Shaw enlisted in the famous Pike county 
Regiment, jSTo. 99, in Co. C, under Capt. Matthews, and was elect- 
ed 2d Lieutenant, and in a short time he became 1st Lieutenant; 
he was in five battles and several skirmishes; in 1863 he resigned 
on account of sickness. His early occupation was teaching and 
farming. Since the war he has kept store some of the time and 
pursued farming. He owns 190 acres of good land. He is a Re- 
publican, and has been School Trustee, Town Clerk and Justice of 
the Peace; and being a member of the Congregational Church, he 
has been also Deacon and Sunday-school Superintendent, the latter 
for 10 years. His wife is also a member of the same Church. 

Hiram Smith, a native of Madison county, 111., where he was 
born in 1830; he was reared upon a farm, and in 1861 enlisted in 
Co. D, 28tli 111. Inf,in the United States service to defend his coun- 
try ; in the battle of Shiloh he was shot through the neck, which 
proved nearly fatal; he partially recovered and was in several small 
skirmishes, and was in the hard-fought battles of Pea Ridge and 
Hatchie; in the latter battle he received two wounds, one from a 
minie ball and the other from a large piece of shell ; he was then 
consigned to a hospital, and fro)n there sent to Keokuk, Iowa, 
where, Jan. 2, 1863, he was discharged. He was married Oct. 8, 
1863, and he has two children, H. E. and James W. H. 

Edwin C. Tryon, deceased, was born in 1830 in Connecticut, 
and died in 1872. His wife, Louisa B. (Buell) Tryon, was born in 
New York city in 1839; they were united in marriage in 1859; to 
them were born 2 sons, one in 1861 and one in 1870. Miss Chris- 
tian R. Rapp was married to Henry Buell, of New York city, Jan. 
2, 1873; by this marriage one son was born. Her parents and 
grandparents lived to a good old age. She was born Aug. 6, 1818. 

G. W. TurnhaugTi, f;trmer, sec. 23; P. O., Summer Hill; is a son 
of Joseph and Luckey (Rodgers) Turnbaugh, both natives of Ken- 
tucky; he received his education in the subscription schools held 
in the old log school-houses in this county; in 1856 he was mar- 
ried to Elizabeth Shinn, daughter of Daniel Shinn, one of the very 
first pioneers in this county. Mr. T. was born in this county in 
1832, and has lived all his life within 5 miles of where he was born. 

AlvaS. Warren, farmer, is a native of Geneseo county, N. Y., 
where he was born May 21, 1851. Dec. 20, 1875, Mr. W. was 
united in marriage with Miss Hattie A., daughter of J. G. Adams; 
she was born in 1852. Laura, their daughter, was born Dec. 22 



794 UrSTORY OB' PIKE COUNTY. 

1877. Mrs. W. attended the Methodist College at Jacksonville 
one year, Liberty School, Mo., and the Pittslield high school. 

John M. Williams was born in the State of Ohio in 1835, and is 
the son of Richard and Theresa Ann (Thomas) Williams, father of 
'Welsh and mother of American parents, and both natives of the 
Bnckeye State; he came to Pike county in 181:2, and has resided 
in Summer Hill 10 years, and in the vicinity for 30 years. He has 
engaged in farming, and also is a shoemaker. In 1856 he was 
united in marriage with Miss Mary Petty, who is a member of the 
Christian Church. 




ROSS TOWNSHIP. 

This is a fractional township, and was formed from Atlas town- 
ship in 1879. It includes that part of Atlas known as 7 south and 
5 west. Since the buildins^ of the levee much of the heretofore 
worthless farm land has been put under cultivation. 

This township being a part of Atlas from the earliest period of 
county government until the past season, its history, of course, is 
likewise a part of the history of that township. As a township of 
itself it has no history. It was named in honor of Col. Wm. Ross. 

We mention the following prominent gentlemep of this neigh- 
borhood : 

tlesse Long, farmer, sec 1; P. O., Pleasant Hill; was born in 
Maryland, May 14, 1823, and is a son of Henryand Emeline (Green) 
Long, father a native of Ireland and mother of Delaware; was edu- 
cated in the subscription schools of this county. In 1850 he mar- 
ried Caroline Ramsay, and of the 9 children which they had, 7 are 
living, — 4 boys and 3 girls. Coming to Pike'^county in the winter 
of the deep snow, Mr. Long has been a citizen here half a cen- 
tury, and has witnessed the many and wonderful changes which the 
country has passed through. When he first came here Indians 
were still around and deer were more numerous than cattle are at 
the present day. He has lived on his present farm for 48 years. 
He owns 300 acres of land. In politics he is a Republican, and 
his wife is a member of the M. E. Church. 

J^. M. Yokem, farmer and carpenter, sec. 1; P. O., Pleasant 
Hill; was born in Lincoln county, Mo., in 1831, and is the son of 
Solomon and Elizabeth (Butler) Yokem, father a native of Yirginia 
and mother of Kentucky, both of German descent; was brought to 
Pike county, 111., in 1833; was educated in the subscription schools 
of this county; in 1855 he married Zerilda Starr, and of their 6 
children only 2 are living. In an earl}- day Mr. Yokem has seen 
many bears and deer ; has seen as many as 100 deer in one gang. 
He has been successful in business, and now owns 220 acres of 
land. Political Iv he is a Green backer. 



BARRY TOWNSHIP. 

The beauties of nature as presented by this township to Rev. 
David Edwards and Mr. Hadlej, the iirst settlers of Barry, must 
have been magnificent. Prior to their coming not even a liirrow 
of its virgin soil or even a spadeful of its earth (except by 
United States surveyors) had ever been turned by man; nor even a 
shanty erected except the rude wigwam of the Indians, who had 
for many years roamed free and undisturbed over tliese fertile 
prairies and through the pleasant groves. Such was the condition 
of the face of Barry township when visited by the above named 
gentlemen in 182i, Mr. Hadley settled on sec. 21. 

Soon after these men came there appeared Kov. "Wm. M. Blair 
and his sons. Those who afterward took an important part in 
the history of the county, were John N., Harry, Samuel, Mont- 
gomery and "William Blair, Hezekiah McAtee, Alfred Grubb and 
Elijah L. McAtee. Other early pilgrims here were Hull, Talcott, 
Josiah and William Lippincott, and old man Peabody, who died 
shortly after he came. Also, Stephen R. Gray, old man Rush, 
Burton Gray, John Millhizer, Levi McDaniels and many others 
whom we mention during the personal sketches. Most of the 
above mentioned came prior to or during the j^ear 1836. Besides 
the foregoing there were Benj. Barney, who came to Atlas in 1826^ 
Michael and Alonzo Gard, who came the same year, as also did W. 
L. Chrysup. A. C. Baker came in 1827, Esq. Joseph Mclntire in 
1831, AVm. McDaniels in 1835, K P. Hart in 1838, Elisha Hurt 
and J. L. Gilmer in 1S39. These were all excellent settlers, men 
of more than average ability, as shown in the subsequent career of 
most of them. 

"Wild game was in great abundance when the pioneers tirst 
came. Mr. McDaniels tells us he has seen as many as 45 deer in 
one herd. "We were told that deer were so numerous and tame 
that tliey were known to enter the cabins of settlers, and were killed 
with axes and cudgels. 

These pioneers were employed, as were all pioneers of the day, 
in subduing nature, building cabins, clearing land, breaking prairie, 
etc., but with all this labor they were social and happy, having a 
care for the morals and education of their growing families, and 
making for the time one of the pleasantest settlements in the new 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 797 

and growing State. Tliero were displayed among the settlers more 
than the usnal amount of warm-hearted friendship and neighborly 
affection. All were equal in social station and dignity. Fashion ' 
was not then the inexorable goddess we are accustomed to meet in 
these modern da^'s. The pioneers were proud to be attired in 
homespun woven by the busy housewife of the period, while such 
a thing as a carriage or buggy was unknown in Barry. Mr. Mc- 
Daniels tells us that from liis place there was a pathway across the 
prairie, but for a time after he came not the track of a wagon 
could be seen, — indeed, there was no such vehicle in the townsliip. 
Husbands w^ent to church on foot. The wives rode tlie horses, 
carrying with them such of the children as were too young to make 
their way by walking. If the good wife was clad in a calico of 
durable texture and fast color, she was as liappy as the fine ladies 
of to-da}', robed in velvets and seal-skins. The religion ot the 
time favored a very rigid and severe adherence to plain and un- 
adorned attire, and made, as it would almost seem to us, rather a 
virtue of a necessity, although a few years later, with the rapid 
accumulation of wealth, display was rendered a matter of easy 
accomplishment. We now find, however, large numbers of pio- 
neers, from motives of principle, refraining as carefully from any 
vain show or unnecessary ornament as they did in the primitive 
times of which we are now writing. 

The earliest pioneers, those who came prior to 1830, could not 
obtain a legal title to their farms, as the General Government did 
not ofier the land for sale before that. Before that time all the 
land was lield by " claims." The settlers had an agreement 
among themselves by w'hich they allowed a man to " claim " about 
as much timber lard as he might need, generally not over 160 acres, 
upon which he might build his cabin and make his other improve- 
ments; and woe unto the speculator or new-comer who should at- 
tempt to "claim '' land already occupied by a bona-fide settler. 
Much of the land in Barry was taken by those claimants before 
the land came into market. These claims were bought and sold, 
the purchaser coming into possession of the improvements, to- 
gether with whatever rights were considered appertaining thereto. 
Manj^ quarrels ensued from this state of afiairs, as might naturally 
be expected. 

When the land sales came ofi" in October, 1829, at Yandalia, 
there was a gatliering of pioneers from the township ofiered for 
■sale, at which no speculator was allowed to purchase until all set- 
tlers had made their'selections, — rather a high-handed proceeding, 
as it would now appear, but one which was justified by the exist- 
ing circumstances. 

The first person visited by the cold hand of death in this town- 
ship was Mrs. Amanda Davis, who died in 1831, a daughter of Rev. 
Wm. Blair. The first birtli was a daughter of Samuel and Lucy 
Blair, the first couple married in the township. 

Barry is settled by an excellent class of agriculturists, many of 



798 HISTORY OF PIKE COUXTY. 

whom we make personal mention of, further on in this sketcli. The 
township is beautifully divided between prairie and timber, well 
watered, the soil fertile and rich, and is both an excellent grain and 
stock country. 

A doctor named Ludley, who lived in tlie bottom, was the first 
physician in the township. The earliest doctors were about all 
Thomsonians. 

BARRY. 

This city is beautifully situated on the north half of sec. 25, 
and upon an eminence commanding a fine view of the surrounding 
country. For miles either way there is presented to the eye a 
grand panorama of nature's beauteous handiwork, changed, it is 
true, by the hand of man from what it was half a century ago, yet 
a charming: scene it is to-dav. Where once grew the tall, verdant 
prairie grass the eye now beholds waving fields of corn, wheat and 
other cereals. The wild flowers that gave to the dead monotony of 
undulating grass a charm, and a beauty unrivaled in grandeur by any 
of the fine scenes now presented by growing fields, hav^e long since 
faded away. These only exist in the memories of the pioneers 
yet surviving. These tell us that the magnificence and beauty of 
the prairies as seen in their native condition, can never be ade- 
quately pictured b}^ language. 

During the period of the great internal improvement system of 
Illinois, which we have so frequently alluded to, and during which 
time so many towns were platted in this county, as well as all over 
the State, the city of|Barry sprung into existence. Fortunately, it 
has fared better than many of the other towns projected, even' in 
Pike county, for it has assumed rank among the small cities of 
this part of Illinois, while many have been long since pronounced 
dead, or that they had obtained their greatest growth. Barry was 
laid out by Calvin R. Stone, of the firm of Stone, Field & Marks, 
of St. Louis, and christened "Worcester." Mr. Stone was killed 
by the explosion of the boat " Montezuma," on the Mississippi. It 
was found that there was another town by that name in the State, 
so Worcester was changed to Barry. Mr. Brown, who had lived in 
Barre, Yt, suggested that it be called after that town. A petition 
to this effect was drawn up by Dr. Baker, who printed the name 
Barre in large Roman letters, but the enrolling clerk spelled it with 
a final y, instead of an e. That was the name, however, of the 
Postmaster-General under President Jackson, so it was accepted 
and has since been known by it, 

Bartlett & Birdsong, who laid out Barry, as the agents for Stone, 
the owner of the land, kept the first store in the place. Tiiis was 
in a little log cabin. Stone, Field & Marks erected a mill here to 
grind the grain for the settlers. This was sold to Brown & Mc- 
Tucker, in 1836. In 1837 a grist mill was run by Mason & Ed- 
wards, it was a little overshot water-mill, located in a log building 
where the woolen factory now stands. The next one below it, on 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 799 

Hadley creek, was by Win. Lippincott. B. D. Brown and Josiah 
Lippincott erected a saw-inill in 1838, northeast of tlie Public Square, 
which was burned. The second mill was erected by Isaac Israel 
ill 1845. He ran it three or fonr years. He also packed pork, and 
it was surrounded by 18 dwellings, a pork house, 3 large stores and 
a saw mill. He mortgaged it and it passed into the hands of J. 
Clines, and finally Brown & McTucker owned it. In a cave, lo- 
cated where the woolen factory was built by Wike Brothers, the 
skeleton of a human body was found in 1841, when the cave was 
opened. Water-power was secured from the water that came from 
this cave. It is a natural curiosity, and has been entered for about 
300 yards. The source of the water above mentioned was always 
unknown. It is affected by the rise and fall of water in the streams. 

John Grubb and Mr. Wike, while improving the factory, were 
quarrjang rocks and came across a den of rattlesnakes of the larg- 
est kind, of which they killed great numbers, from which fact this 
place is called " Snake Holler " to this day. 

The first tavern in Barry was kept by Johnny DeHaven. The 
first postmaster was Stephen R. Gray. 

The Methodists were the first denomination of religious people 
to become established here, and erect a house of worship. The 
Baptists were second, who built a church about the same time. The 
building is now torn away. The Christians were third, and the 
Congregationalists fourth. 

In the fall of '37 a camp-meeting was held near Levi McDaniels' 
farm-house, which lasted '12 dsijs. This, it is said, was supported 
by people of all denominations, and all were united in the great 
work. Quite a number joined the Church during this meeting. In 
1838 another was held in the same place. Settlers came from a 
distance of 30 to 40 miles- to attend these meetings. 

The first scliool was taught in the Methodist church by Deacon 
Mason. Then there was a little frame school-house erected north 
of Bright's saloon. It was moved several times afterward, and a 
difference of opinion exists in regard to its original location. 

Barry grew and prospered at times, and again, like other towns, 
it suftered seasons of stagnation. To-day it is a beautiful little city 
with fine church edifices, large, magnificent school buildings, good 
business houses, neat and beautiful residences, and indeed a live, 
enterprising little city. The high grade of society existing here is 
something worthy the boast and pride of its residents. The courtly 
Southerner, the careful Easterner and the thrifty New Yorker are 
met here, and it is therefore natural that a social system should be 
established which is culled from the high standard of the sections 
named. These, taken with the enterprising spirit and practical 
character of the Westerner, give origin to a new society, more pleas- 
ant than either, with the best social ethics of all, mingled in one 
common fountain, from which flow the elements of the best society. 

In educational matters no citj^ or town in the county takes a 
greater interest. In religious teachings and Christian morality 



800 HISTORY OF PIKE UOHNTY. 

BaiTV Compares favorably with those towns having a larger miiii- 
ber ol' church spires pointing heavenward. In those movements 
to raise the fallen and degraded, to help the poor, to encourage the 
weak, the good people of Barry are ever engaged. Some gran'd 
efforts liave been made in the temperance cause by the noble peo- 
ple of this city. The cause of temperance is like that of Christian 
religion in this respect, that it is found in great variety of shapes 
and methods. In other words, it has taken upon itself the most 
remarkable fortns in the way of organizations. But, unlike Chris- 
tianity, which is historically traced through the narrow sects and 
societies, the cause of temperance seems to run through the most 
wonderful changes. As soon as one particular form of labor has 
lost its interest to the public, the friends of temperance re-organize, 
and are found laboring in a different manner. Hence we find it 
impossible to trace properly, in the short space allotted, the history 
of the different forms and shapes in which the friends of temper- 
ance have been organized. 

With the enterprise characteristic of the city, an artesian well 
was beo-un to be put down during the month of October, 1879. 
The city agreed to pay two dollars and fifty cents per foot for the 
first l.SOOfeet, and after that depth was reached, if not a sufficient 
flow of water, the contractors were to receive three dollars per foot 
for the next 500 feet. The city had appropriated, up to March 20, 
1880, $5,000 to carry on the work. The site of the well, which is 
in the park in the Public Square, is the highest point of ground 
in the county, and therefore a great depth* will necessarily have to 
be reached before an abundant supply of water is obtained. At 
the present writing water does not yet flow, and work still goes on. 
The city, we are told, will undoubtedly go 2,500 feet in order to 
obtain "a supply. Tlie top cutting is six inches in diameter, di- 
minishing to four and five-eighths and three and one-half. 

Barry was incorporated as a town in 1856. An election was 
held Jan. 14 of that year to vote for or against incorporation, when 
92 votes were cast for, and none against the measure. The follow- 
ing Trustees were then chosen and held their first meeting Jan. 31 : 
A. Grubb, John Watson, K. Cromwell, J. M. Dabney and C. S. 
Allen, These were sworn in by Justice M. Blair, when they 
elected John Watson as President and John Shastid, Clerk. 

Nov. 18, 1872, Barry was organized as a city. The present City 
Council is composed of the following gentlemen: E. R. Burnham, 
Mayor; J. R. Howard, J. Weber, T. Davis, Matthew Peterson, S. 
Mors and James Watson, Aldermen; C. C. Eoasa, City Clerk; W. 
I. Klein, City Attorney; J. C. Brown, Treasurer; John Whettleton, 
Marshal, and J. E. Haines, Street Commissioner. 

SCHOOL, CHDKOHES AND SOCIETIES. 

The fine brick school-building of the city was erected in 1874, at 
a cost of $15,000. It was built by Wm. T. Mitchell, of Barry. It 
is beautifully situated, and presents to the stranger as he enters the 



HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 801 

city by rail a most magnificent view. Tiie School Directors in 
1863 were Calvin Davis, N. P. Hart and J. H. Mallory. The pres- 
ent Directors are E. A. Crandall, N. P. Hart and Alexander White. 
There are enrolled 401 scholars. The principal is Prof. J. F. Clark. 
The teachers are, first assistant, Miss E. Greene; first grammar de- 
partment, John M. Woodbj; second grammar, Prof. Geo. W. 
Smith; intermediate, Miss Ella McMahan and Wm. Triplett; 
primary, Ida Luthey and May Poling. 

Eev. A. M. Danelj^ is Pastor of the Methodist Church. There 
ig connected with the congregation a good Sunday-school, which 
meets at 9 :30 a. m. 

Rev. William Greene is Pastor of the Baptist Church. Services 
are held on the second and fourth Sundays in each month. 

Elder W. E. Berry is Pastor of the Christian Church. Services 
are held every Sunday morning and evening. Sunday-school at 
9:30 a.m. 

Barry Lodge, No. 3-1, of the Masonic order, was organized Aug. 
29, 1845. Michael Gard was the first Grand Master; Jos. Jack- 
son, Sen. W., George Wike, Jr. W.; W. J. Alkire, Treasurer; 
Elisha Hurt, Secretary; Eli Longnecker, Sr. Deacon; Joseph Al- 
kire, Jr. Deacon; Joseph Lippincott, Tyler. These constituted 
the original officers, only two of whom are now living, namely, 
E. Hurt and W. J. Alkire. The present officers are, D. W. Greene, 
W. M.; A. "R. Gray, Sr. W.; George Wike, Jr. W.; John P. 
Grubb, Sr. Deacon; R. D. Osborne, Jr. Deacon; B. McConnell, 
Treasurer; M. G. Patterson, Sec'y.; M Lane and John Palmer, 
Stewards; J. F. Phillips, Chaplain, and J. L. Terry, Tyler. 

Barry Lodge, No. 336. I. O. O. F., was organized Oct. 9, 1866. 
Alexander White, E. M. Call, Alexander Easly, J. B. Keever, R. 
B. Higgins, W. B. Clancy and J. Rosenburgh were its charter mem- 
bers. The present officers are — J. W. Mitchell, N. G.; C. C. 
Roasa, V. G.; J, N. Widby, R. Sec'y; Thomas Retalic, Financial 
Sec'y; W, Chrysup, Treasurer. The present membership 
numbers 116. 

The Evening Star Lodge, No. 21, Daughters of Rebecca, was 
organized Oct. 11, 1870, with 14 charter members. The present 
officers are — Alexander Easly, First N. G. ; Miss Nellie Bingham, 
N. G.; Mrs. G. W. Doyle, Y. G.; Miss Ella Furniss, Rec. 
Sec'y; G.W.Smith, Financial Sec'y; Miss Lizzie Furniss, Treas- 
urer. This Lodge has a membership of 72. 

Pi'ogress Encampment, No. 162, I. O. O. F., was organized in 
October, 1876, with 18 members. At present the officers are— 
G. D. Mayes, C. P. ; Z. B. Stoddard, Scribe; James Smith, Treasurer. 
Membership 45. 

Goodwill Lodge, No. 1,791, K. of H., meets on the first and 
third Mondays of each month. J. AVeber, D., and J. S. Gorton, R. 

Barry Chapter, No. 88, R. A. M., meets Monday night on or 
before the full moon in each month. J. J. Toplift\ H. P.; F. M. 
Dabney, Sec'y. 



S(y2 HISTORY OF PIKE COUXTY. 

BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 

* 

In connection with, and as a part of the history of Barry town- 
ship and cit}', we wish to speak personally of the old settlers and 
prominent citizens, which we do below, arranged in alphabetical 
form. 

A. JB. Allen., jeweler, Barry, is a native of Monmouth county, 
N, J., where he was born \n 1844; came to this State in 1853 and 
settled in Lincoln; subse([aently he removed to Logan county, 
thence to Macoupin county, and to this county in 1873, when he 
established himself in his ])resent business, and where he has 
since made it his home. Me was married in 1872 to Miss Mattie 
Harris, a native of this State, and they have 1 child living, Leata. 
Mr. A. is a mun of considerable inventive capacities, which is being 
used to practical ])urposes. lie has a fair trade and is a good 
citizen. 

Lewis Angle was born in Lynchburg, Va., Jan. 7, 1823. He 
was a son of Alfred and Sarah (Green) Angle, who lived for many 
years in Lynchburg, Va., where they died and were buried. The 
subject of this sketch resided with his parents until his IStli 3'ear, 
when he left his native town to seek a home in the West, came to 
St. Louis, Mo., thence to Hannibal, where he resided until 1846, 
when he came to Barry. In March, 1852, he united with the 
Barry Baptist Ciiurch. In May, 1853, he was elected Deacon, 
w^hich office he held to the dav of his death. He was united in 
marriage July 19, 1852, with Miss Harriet E. Crandall. They 
have 3 children, Alice E., now the wife of John L. Cassidy; they 
were married Oct. 20, 1877, and reside in St. Louis, Mo.; Delia 
M. and Freddie L. Mr. Angle died in Barry March 19, 1878, 
where for more than 30 years he was one of the most prominent 
and energetic business men of the county. During this time he 
was engaged extensively in the dry-goods and grocery trade, pork- 
packing and produce buying; a partner in the Barry Woolen Mills- 
and lumber trade, and in the Barry Exchange Bank. He was a 
model man in all the relations of life, kind-hearted, benevolent, 
prompt to fulfill all the duties of husband, father, friend. Christian 
and citizen. The church lost a faithful member, the community 
an energetic friend; his family a kind husband and loving father;: 
the poor a benefactor, for to them he gave work by which they 
could earn something. His credit was unbounded, integritv un- 
tarnished, and honesty unimpeached. He was buried Thursday, 
March 20, 1878. The sermon was preached by his Pastor, Rev. 
Wm. Green, from the text, John xiv, 2, last clause: "I go to 
prepare a place for you." The dift'erent denominations, Masons- 
and Odd Fellows, united in the funeral services. His body was 
followed to the grave by the largest concourse of people ever in 
procession to the burjnng ground in this pnrt of the county. A 
portrait of Mr. Angle will be found in this work. Mrs. Angle 
still resides at the old homestead at Barrv. 



r- "i- 



^¥i 





HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



805 



countr; in 1848,' and settled in td5^^'|;;3iT"hS^^^ '' ''''' 
stopping one year in ]^. Y. Traveled f mm IV V ^^"^^^'^^jear, 
canal and lakes to Gri^.^sville Landinl T ,' i -^ -^/T^-^ °^ ^^'^ 
was born in Yorkshire f! .1 ^'i The subject of this sketch 
i\/r- A i-> -^*^'^snne, Jing., where he was married in iq-^7 ^ 

struggle in life without canity! on,? i 5" ' ^- ^®§^" ^^^^ 

t/aooh Auer. fanner seo ^o. p n t?-- i i i 
Gerrmnv in laoQ 7 i ' " ^•' -^^i»derhook; was born in 

and thev settled in Pen„sj.i;a;" wLe Lilted lmT8„'o 'f'' 

^. ^- Baker, M. D., was born in London Eno- in miq a- 

tire^n^. r^Slfan^d'^TuSln^'S^'r^^^^^^ 

in teaching! „nti, 1825 wir^nt'l^d't^ !?; I r^" I.T'-Th' 

scquently lie moved to Greene county, wl.ere he dTed ,n'l«'- T, 

tJ^nV'^^^t '^""t" "" «'-•/«'■ 'nedlinetthD^'^^ortr 

Snr„;.1,:.?,SwT/;rdrtfd^ris°3r° ^'1'"^' """P^^ 

married in 1844 to Miss M-,,-f)ia a .^^^^^ piactice. He was 

tract for tins work I,, isw 1,» „. i .. T'^^' '^""^ "'e con- 
withaherd of cattle from thil.t*^ ,*'" P'^'"' *" California 
dent the followingrear He „\tT'i ''"'!• "'"''T"'''' ^'"'""t ^<=ei- 
river in the miSft^o, indians a,^ w \"" '"^''°"f,''''= ^'"""^"'dt 
served two years as Sur^on^/th: H™ Pen^Eer jff^Ttal II« 

oMdesfsj^it: :;-t: tf^nti^ ''^-^=- "Ba'^!-anf :;;: 
t^e^s^s.™ ?SstSp?,:;r:o\rce"t"'''^^'^^^^^ 

-tsaf.,00,ea.^:|o7tair^;:^^^^^^^^^^ 



806 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Benjamin, the father of the Colonel, who enlisted in the Continen- 
tal army under Gen. Washinojton when but 14 years of a^e; at the 
close of that war he married Miss Elizabeth Crape, who both died 
at the age of 60 years, and within a year of each other. They had 
6 sons and 5 daughters, all of whom grew up to adult years, 
namely, Joseph, Margaret, Polly, West, Ann, Benjamin, Ilepsey, 
Marshall, Manly, Deborah and John, Joseph served in the war of 
1812, and was mortally wounded at the battle ofSackett's Harbor. 
He was Lieutenant, but during that action was serving as Captain. 

The subject of this sketch, Col. Barney, first came to Pike county 
in 1826, locating at Atlas, then the county-seat. He was a black- 
smith by trade, and thinks he started the first blacksmith forge in 
the county, and perhaps made the first plow. In 1830 he was 
elected one of the three County Commissioners, the other two being 
Charles Stratton and Andrew Phillips. In April, 1833, the county 
determined to move its capital to a more central place, and finally 
it was decided to place it where Pittsfield now stands, when arose 
the difficulty of borrowing the necessary $200 to enter the quarter 
section. The money was eventually obtained on the individual 
notes of Col. Barney and Geoi'ge W. Ilinman, in April. In June 
the land was surveyed and laid off. Col. Barney and Messrs. Hin- 
nian and Judd reserving lots on the north side of the Square for the 
use of a Court House, but the site was finall}' changed to the cen- 
ter of the Square, as it is now. As soon as the survey was completed, 
the lots were sold at auction, bringing enough almost to complete 
the county buildings. In September, 1833, the Commissioners had 
a house built by Mr. Hurt, in which, before it was finished, they 
held a session of their court. 

In April, 1832, while Col. Barney was working at his forge in 
Atlas, about 11 o'clock, a. m., he was notified by Col. Ross of the 
Governor's order to raise a company of 100 men to serve in the 
Black Hawk war, and to report at Beardstown the following Mon- 
day. He immediately started on horseback to rally a company, 
and was successful. In the election of officers the next day Mr. 
Barney was made 1st Lieutenant. They arrived at Beardstown 
about -1 p. M., Tuesday, where the company was divided into two, 
Mr. Barney being elected Captain of one, and receiving his com- 
mission from Gov. Reynolds. The companj' was in the service 50 
days, when they were relieved by regular U. S. troops. In the fall 
of 1832 Col. Ross resigned, and Ca]it. Barney was elected Colonel 
of the 16th 111. Vol. Mil., and acted [as such until 1838 or 1839. 
Politically Col. Barney was a Whig and now is a Republican. The 
portrait of the Colonel given in this book is from a photograph 
taken when he was 74 years of age, and the fac-simile of his auto- 
graph from his writing at the age of 85. 

His brother, John Barney, of Pittsfield, has been Treasurer of 
the countyj and is several times referred to on the pages of this 
histor3^ 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 807 

Calvin D. Blah\ farmer, sec. 36; P. O., Barry; was born in this 
tp. Dec. 8, 1851, and is a son of Samuel and Eliza (Gose) Blair, 
natives of Virginia, who settled in this township in 1828. The 
subject of this sketch was married in 1876 to Miss Dora Blake, a 
native of this county. He settled on his present place of 2,\ acres, in 
1877. Is School Director at present time, and he and his wife are 
descendants of Pike county's early pioneers. 

Harvey JBlalr^ deceased, was a native of Indiana, and came to 
this county at a very early day, where he was married to Miss 
Millie A. Cunningham, daughter of John Cunningham, an early 
settler in Pleasant Yale tp., and widow of Jas. Lutteral. Mr. B. 
settled on his present estate in ISiO, where he resided until his 
death in 1879. Mrs. B. has a farm of 230 acres, valued at $60 per 
acre ; also 25 acres in Pleasant Vale tp., where her father is a resi- 
dent. She resides on sec. 35; P. O., Barr3\ 

Samuel Blair .^ farmer, sec. 35; P. O., Barry; is a son of William 
M. and Martha (Quiet) Blair, natives of Kentucky, who came to 
this county and settled in Barry tp. in 1828, where they both died. 
The subject of this sketch was born in Madison county, O., Oct. 1, 
1806, and came to this county with his parents. He settled on his 
present estate in 1834, consisting of 110 acres, valued at $75 per 
acre. In 1830 be was married to Miss Anna Brewster, a native of 
New York, who died in 1840. By this union 1 child was born, 
Louisa. His present wife, Eliza,n^e Gose, is a native of Virginia. To 
them have been born 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls : Calvin D., 
William S., George C, Alta C, wife of G. W. Smith, Lucina and 
Martha Q. E. Mr. Blair numbers among the living pioneers of 
Barry tp. Politically he is a descendant of the old Democratic 
school, and is well known throughout the county. 

Leander Blake ^ farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Barry; was born in Cum- 
berland county, Maine, in 1814, the son of Ephraira and Desiah P. 
(Higgins) Blake, natives of that State, who came to this county in 
1847, and settled on the present place, consisting of 321 acres, val- 
ued at $40 per acre. He resided here until his death in 1875; she 
died in 1879, both 86 years of age. Leander came to this county 
in 1842 and landed in Barry with but 2 five-franc pieces in his 
pocket. His first work was at rail splitting, for which he was paid 
5 bits per hundred, taking pork in payment at 2 cents per lb.; but 
by economy he was soon enabled to purchase a little land, and now 
owes no man a dollar. His present farm has cost him $6,500 be- 
sides the improvements. He was married in Pennsylvania in 1839 
to Miss Mary Charles, a native of that State, where she was born 
in 1819. She was a life-long cripple, and died of tlie effects of a 
fall from a buggy in March, 1880. They had 8 children, 4 of whom 
are living, — Preston, Ella, Dora and Ebenezer. Mr, B. had a 
thorough New England schooling, and is well versed in the difier- 
ent languages. He was for some years engaged in teaching school 
in his native State and Pennsjdvania. Has been Assessor one 
term, and has held other offidial positions. In politics he used to 



k 



808 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

be an old-line AVhig ; was a strong Douglas man, and is now a 
thorough Republican. 

A. G. Blhen, fanner, sec. 2; P. O., Barry; was born in Genesee 
county, K. Y., in 1830, the son of Samuel G. and Mabel M. 
(Wheeler) Biiven, natives of that State, who emigrated to Illinois 
in 1834: and settled near Quincy, where they still reside. The 
subject of this sketch came to this county in 1856 and settled on 
his present estate, consisting of 160 acres valued at $50 per acre; 
also has 241 acres in Iviohiield tp., Adams county. He was mar- 
ried jn 1853 to Miss Eleanor Foster, who was born in Hamilton 
county, O., in 1830. In 1862 lie enlisted as Orderly Sergeant in 
Co. r, 118th 111. Vol.; was promoted 1st Lieut., in which capacity 
he served until he resigned by reason of a wound received at Port 
Hudson, La., April 7, 1864. The ball entered the hip and lodged 
in the left leg, where it still remains, and has crippled him for life. 
He was a participant in the battles of Jackson, Miss., siege of 
Vicksburg, Port Hudson, Yermillionville, Chickasaw Bluffs, Por- 
Gibson, and the first battle at Vicksburo;, under Sherman, Arkant 
sas Post, and all engagements in which the Eegiment participated, 
Mr. B, is confined the most of the time to the aid of crutches, and 
is a living relic of the Rebellion. His home was burned to the 
ground May 23, 1865, and Oct. 28, 1871, his barn with seven 
head of horses and mules was destroyed by a supposed incendiary. 
Notwithstanding all these reverses, Mr. B. has successfully over- 
come all obstacles and trials, and through his perseverance and 
energy has erected a fine residence on the same site of ground, 
and accumulated a good landed property. His opportunities for 
education were limited, but his principles were always earnest in 
the cause of his Government, and the promulgation of Republican 
principles. He is the father of 3 children, Willis E., Salina A. 
and Ida M. 

Wm. Bothwich, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Barry; was born in 
Nova Scotia in 1832. His parents, James and Mary (Dilmon) 
Bothwick, were natives of England. He was married in 1859 to 
Miss Martha Likes, a native of this county, who died in 1873, leav- 
ing liim 7 children, Mary, Isabel, Emma, Minerva, Barbara, James 
and William. His present wife, Isabel, nee Lane, is a native of 
Indiana. Mr. B. came to this county in 1867, and settled in this 
section, where he has since made it his home; moved on his pres- 
ent farm in 1878, consisting of 116 acres, valued at $10,000. Has 
been Justice of the Peace. Is a member of the Masonic Order and 
Methodist Church. In politics he is a Democrat. 

C. E. Boioer was born in Madison county, Ohio, in 1833, and 
was brought by his parents to Pike county, 111., settling in Derry 
tp., where he remained until 1850, when they moved to Barry tp.; 
and in 1852 Mr. Bowers crossed the plains, driving an ox-teara 
every mile of the way. Was engaged in farming and explored 
Oregon at that time, which was a perfect wilderness, and in 1857 
he returned home. In 1858 he murried Miss Barbara Wright, 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 809 

dauohter of Abiah Wright, who were natives of Ohio They 
have had born to them 6 children, 3 sons and 3 daughters, all of 
whoHi are living. Reuben D. is the eldest, and is now attendino- 
Lombard University at Galesbnrg. Mr. B. has a good farm, con- 
sisting of over 200 acres of tlie finest land in old Pike Mr B 
made a trip back to California in 1879, which was an enjoyable 
tour. He is a self-made man, and has secured his present position 
among the farmers of Pike county by his industry and enercry. 

John Brenner, slioemaker, Barry, was born in Ireland, Apnl IT 
1820, and emigrated to the United States in 1852, stoppino- in ^ew 
lork city about 6 weeks; then stopped at Columbus, O., about a 
month; then was in Cincinnati two years, making shoes; then was 
in Quincy, III, several years, following his trade; then, in 1864 he 
P^^"?^-^^ jpr^^'0% where he worked with Mr. Wendorff, a shoemaker- 
m 1877 Mr. Brenner opened shop for himself and is now prosecut- 
ing a good business. In 1856 he married Margaret Clark, and of 
the 8 children born to them 7 are living, namely : George, Sarah, 
Ihomas, John, Allena, Katie and Edward. " . 

_ William Bright, proprietor of saloon, Barry, was born in Prussia 
in 1824, and emigrated to America in 1849, landing at Baltimore 
Came to this county in 1855 and settled in Barry. Was married 
m St. Louis, in 1853, and is the father of 8 children, 5 daughters 
and 3 sons, 6 of whom are living. He is located in business on 
the east side of Bainbridge street, where he is conducting a c^ood 
trade. ^ ^ 

w^'.^- ^^V'^f' I'^tired farmer, sec. 25; P. O., Barry ; is a son of 
William and Ann (Dodge) Brown, natives of Massachusetts, who 
emigrated to Illinois from Yermontin 1848, and settled in this tp 
where they both died. The subject of this sketch was born in Essex 
county, Mass., in Feb., 1804; was married in 1831 to Miss Mary 
Jiellum a native of Barre, Vt., and daughter of Charles and Re- 
becca (luce) Kellum. He came to this county in 1833 and settled 
m Atlas tp.; soon afterward he built a mill at" Louisiana, Mo and 
engaged in milling at St. Louis, during which time he purchased 
his present estate of 150 acres, valued at $75 per acre. " Here he 
settled m 1839, and for several years engaged in the mercantile 
business m this city, and in company with Mr. McTucker pur- 
chased the mill, where he was extensively engaged in inillino- until 
he retired from the active field of 'life to the enjovment of h'ls suc- 
cess. He represented Pike county in the Legislature in '41-2, and 
has always taken an active interest in the Welfare of the county 
His success is wholly due to his energy, sagacity, and indomitable 
perseverance in overcoming all obstacles, and his declining years, 
are being spent in the comforts of his pleasant home, the result of a 
well-directed industry. His political opinions are based upon the 
principles promulgated by the old-line Whigs, and indorsed bv the 
Republican party. The city of Barry was named in honor Jf his 



810 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

wife's birthplace, Barre, Yt. lie is a stockliolder of the banking 
insiitntion of this city. 

John II. Brown is a native of Pittsiield, and was born May 26, 
1847, the son of L. H. Brown, of Barry, who came to this county 
in early da}-. In 1870 he married Emma D. Westlake, daughter 
of Wm. Westlake, deceased, and they have 2 children, Norton and 
Fred. 

Hector Brownell^ farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Barry; son of Benja- 
min and Jane (Rickey) Brownell, natives of New York, who emi- 
grated to Pike county in 1840 and purchased the homestead farm, 
where he lived until his death, which occurred March 21*, 1872; she 
died the following week. The homestead consists of 160 acres, 
whiph were bid off by Ool. Ross for taxes, who sold to Mr. B. It 
is now valued at $50 per acre. The subject of this sketch was born 
in Delaware county, N. Y., in 1833; was married Jan. 1, 1855, to 
Miss Anna Bailey, a native of Philadelphia. To them have been 
born 3 children, William, James and Hattie. Benjamin Brownell 
was a local Methodist preacher in New York and Illinois, and was 
widely known as a zealous defender of the faith and worker in the 
Master's vineyard. 

E. R. Burnham, photographer, and the present Mavor of the 
city of Barry, was born in Thibodeaux, parish of La Fourche, La., 
and is a son of E. T. Burnham, deceased, a native of Hartford, 
Conn., who died Aug. 16, 1878. He was in New Orleans during 
the Rebellion, saw Gen, Butler land there, saw Mumford tear the 
nations? flag from the U. S. Mint, and saw him hanged. In 1871 
Mr. B. married Maggie L. Turner, and of their 3 children 2 are 
living, Clara and Edna. As a photographer Mr. Burnham is doing 
a good business, and is at present the Mayor of the city. 

Cr. W. Chrysup, Postmaster at Barry, was born in Florence, 
Pike Co., 111., Feb. 1, 1845; only child of William L, and Jane 
(Barney) Chrysup, who came to this county in 1826, and resided 
here until 1850, when the family removed to California, going 
across the plains. In 1857 they started on the return vo^^age 
home, and his parents were lost by the explosion of the steamer 
"St. Nicholas," which occurred April 24, 1859, LV miles below 
Helena, Ark. Rendered parentless by this disaster, he lived with 
his grandfather, Benjamin Barney, until 1861, when he enlisted in 
the 10th 111, Inf. for three months' service. He then re-enlisted in 
Co, B, 28th IlL Inf,, as Corporal, and was ])romoted to Captain of 
that Company, serving until the close of the war. He partici- 
pated in the battles of Hatchie. siege of Yicksburg, Jackson, 
Miss., Spanish Fort, Mobile, and all the engagements in which the 
Regiment took part; was honorably discharged; returned 
home, where he was married April 18, 1867, to Miss Kate, daugh- 
ter of Lewis and Lucy Hardy. The same year he became engaged 
in the mercantile trade, until appointed Postmaster under Hayes 
in 1878, to which duties he is devoting his time and attention. He 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 811 

is Treasurer in the I, O. O. F., of which he has been a member 9 
years. He is tlie father of 2 children, Jennie and Helen. 

Asa W. Clark, farmer, sec. 20, P. O., Barry; born in Rocking- 
ham county, N. H., in 1820, son of Abner and Caroline (Wicks) 
Clark, natives of ]!^ew Hampshire and Maine, respectively, who 
died in Buffalo, JN. Y. Asa W. was married in 1846 to Mrs. Caro- 
line Churchill, a native of Batavia, N. Y. ; came to this county in 
1852 and settled on the bottom lands in Kinderhook, where he 
lived 9 years; moved on his present farm in 18G3, consisting of 
177 acres, valued at $50 per acre; also owns other lands in the tp. 
His opportunities for early^education were limited, and he has suc- 
ceeded only by his energy and perseverance. He is administrator 
of the estate of J. R. Young, Trustee of the Burying Grounds and 
Treasurer of the Methodist Church, of which he and his family 
are members. His children are Herbert C, Libbie C, Mary A. 
and Franklin A. In politics he is a Republican. AYas an old-line 
Whig. 

Joh)i H. Cobh, late of the firm of Cobb & Watson, of the Barry 
Adage^ was born iu Chautauqua county, N. Y., Nov. 10, 1841, and 
is a son of James Cobb, deceased; he came to this county in August, 
1871, and in November established the Barry Adage, which he 
conducted as an independent newspaper until May, 1878, when he 
sold out, and in May, 1879v in company with Wm. Watson, he 
re-purchased the same establishment, and until recently they 
conducted the paper under the firm name of Cobb & Watson. 
Mr. Cobb married Miss Julia E. Prentice, and of their 6 children 
these 3 are living : Edward P., Albertus A. and Archie H. 

E. A. Orandall, merchant and banker, Barry, is the son of Joshua 
and Fannie (Burdick) Crandall, natives of New York, who settled 
in Barrv in 1839, where he eno'ao-ed at his trade in the boot and 
shoe business, and resided until his death in 1866. His wife pre- 
ceded him to the better land in 1855. The subject of this sketch 
was born in Rensellaer county, New York, 1836, and came with 
his parents to this county. In 1854 he formed the co-partnership 
of Angle & Crandall in the mercantile trade and pork-packing, 
which were successfully carried on until 1858, when the firm dis- 
solved, and he commenced the stud}^ of law at Washington, D. C, and 
attended Columbia College, The following year he returned home 
and formed the second partnership with Angle and carried on an ex- 
tensive trade. In 1860 he was married to Miss Eliza, daughter of 
Capt. Elislia Hurt, a native of this county, who died, leaving one 
child, Fannie. In 1862 the firm dissolved and Mr. C. turned his 
attention to the appeals of his country, and raised Co. D, 99th 111. 
Inf. ; was afterward appointed Major of the Regiment and^served 
two years, — through all the battles in which that Regiment parti- 
cipated, and was honorably discharged. Returning to his home, 
he became a partner in the woolen mill, under the firm name of 
Geo. Wike & Co., which was changed to a corporation in 1876. 
He was again married in 1870 to Miss Jennie G. Gordon, a native 



812 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

■ 

of New York, bv whom he has one son, Louis. Tlie same year 
the tirm of Crandall c'c Smith enguged in the grocery trade, which 
forms one of the most extensive and enterprising houses in Pike 
county. This house also erected a large elevator in 1879, and is 
largely engaged in the grain business. Mr. C. is President of the 
School Board, and Supervisor at present, and is one of the most 
active, thoroughgoing business men in Parry. Strong iu the love of 
his country, he is equally so in the principles indorsed on the broad 
platform of the Republican party. 

Davis <& Broion, merchants, Parry, 111. This firm began busi- 
ness under the above tirm name in September, 1878, on the west 
side of the Public Square, and have had a gradually increasing 
trade, carrying now a stock of $10,000, which consists of dry-goods, 
boots and shoes, and notions. By close attention to business and 
selling at low rates they have won the confidence and patronage of 
the public. 

Mrs. Clara H. Davis, widow of Samuel Davis, mentioned fur- 
ther on, was born in Boston, Mass., June 22, 1833; in 1838 she was 
brought by her parents to this county, where, Oct. 14, 1851, she 
was married. 

Nathaniel Davis, son of Samuel Davis, deceased, was born in 
Pike county in 1857; was married to Miss Lizzie Jennings, daugh- 
ter of P. Jennings, Sept. 28, 1878, and they have one child. Mr. 
Davis is one of the most enterprising business men of Barry; is at 
present a member of the City Council, and just now is closing out 
the old business of S. Davis & Son. His father was one of the 
most prominent business men of the county, and no man ever en- 
joyed the confidence of the people of tlie county more than did Mr. 
Samuel Davis. He was engaged for years in pork-packing, from 
which, with the immense amount of wheat and other grain he 
handled, he realized a handsome benefit. He was engaged in the 
general mercantile business for many years, in the firm of C. & S. 
Davis. 

Samuel Davis was born near Barry, Pike county. 111., Oct. 27, 1829. 
His parents were Kobert and Amanda (Blair) Davis. The subject of 
this sketch commenced his business career in the town of Barry in 
the year 1849, when he was but 20 vears of ao^e, enterinof the store of 
Mr. M. Blair as salesman, which position he occupied until 1852, 
when, in company with his brother, Calvin, he entered into partner- 
ship with Mr. Blair, they cari'ying on business under the firm name 
of M. Blair & Co. Mr. Blair, retiring from the firm in 1859, a co- 
partnership was formed between the two brothers, Calvin and Sam- 
uel, under the styfe of C. & S. Davis; they carried on business suc- 
cessfully for many years, built up a large trade and amassed con- 
siderable wealth; speculating in pork and wheat extensively; they 
were generally very foi'tunate in these dealings. The firm of C. & 
S. Davis dissolved partnership in the spring of 1877, Calvin taking 
the flouring mill they were running, and Samuel retaining tlie stock 
of merchandise. Mr. Davis then took his two sons, Stephen A. D, 



■4 







^ # 




^^■-/H^yO 



BARRY 



HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 815 

and Nathaniel R., into the business. The business was conducted 
under the firm name of Samuel Davis & Sons until the spring of 
1880, when the firm sold out. 

Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Clara H. Hart Oct. 
14:, 1851. She is a native of Massachusetts, where she was born 
June 22, 1833, and is a daughter of Nathaniel and Clarissa (Hill) 
Hart, both natives of Massachusetts. They came to this county in 
1838, and still are living in Barry tp.^Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the 
parents of 8 children, Stephen A. D.; Lelia May, now the wife of J. 
C. Moon; Nathaniel R. ; Earnest H., deceased; Clara Belle; Anna 
M.; Samuel C. and Daniel. Mr. Davis died Feb. 15, 1879, and was 
followed to his last resting place by a large concourse of relatives 
and friends. He had not been actively engaged in business afiairs 
for several years, but had been taking matters as quietly as possible. 
He was shrewd, energetic and determined, and one of the best busi- 
ness men in the county. His acquaintance was extensive in com- 
mercial as well as social circles. His honesty and integrity were 
unquestioned, his credit unlimited. He was a fond husband, a 
kind and indulgent father, a good neighbor and staunch friend. We 
give a portrait of Mr. Davis in this volume. 

John Dewell, farmer, sec. 4; P. O., Barry; son of Peter and 
Catherine (Brown) Dewell, natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to 
Ohio, where they both died. The subject of this sketch was born 
in Greene county. Pa., in 1815, and emigrated to Pike county in 
1837, and settled south of Barry, where he lived until 1842, when 
he moved on his present farm of 120 acres, valued at $65 per acre. 
The land was mostly timbered when he came to this place. He 
was married in 1834 to Miss Rebecca Wallace, a native of Mary- 
land. By this union 6 children are living, — Elizabeth, James, 
John N., Susan, Harriet and Charles C. Mr. D. is one of the 
original pioneers of Barry tp., and is a Democrat. 

John W. ^ ekes, farmer; P. O., Barry; was born in Frederick 
county, Va., in 1834, sou of David and Eva Eckes, natives also of 
that State, where Mrs. E. died. He came to the West in 1858 and 
settled in Greene county, thence moved to Ohio, where he died in 
1861. The subject of this sketch was married in 1858 to Miss Mar- 
garet Carrigan, a native of Kentucky. They came to this county, 
in 1877, and settled on the farm they now occupy. Mr. E. is a 
Democrat. 

Edward Edom,, proprietor of the National Hotel, Barry, was 
born in England in 1812; emigrated to Canada in 1830, and 5 years 
afterward moved to Scott county, 111., where he resided until 1840, 
when he moved to Lucas county, O. In 1855 he came to this county, 
settled in Perry township, and engaged in fanning. Three years 
afterward he moved to Griggsville, thence to New Salem and kept 
a hotel 4 years, when he moved to this city, where he is running a 
first-class hotel. He was married in 1842 to Miss Marv Mormonenv, 
a native of Ohio. To them have been born 7 children, all of whom 



816 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

are living. Mr. E. has been a prominent citizen at New Salera^ 
and knows just how to conduct a hotel. 

John Farmer^ agriculturist, sec. 17; P. O., Barry; was born in 
Lancaster county, Pa., in ISll; son of Samuel and Hannah Frazer, 
natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to Ohio, wliere he died. The 
subject of this sketch was married in 1837 to Miss Eliza Nichols, 
daughter of John and Mary (Kethnal) Nichols, natives of New Jersey 
and Maryland, respectively, who settled in Adams county. 111., where 
he died. Mr. F. settled in this tp. in 184B. The following year 
he moved to Adams county and lived G or 7 years, when he returned 
and settled on his present estate of 160 acres, valued at -i^SO per 
acre. To them have been born 10 children, 8 of whom are living: 
Samuel D., Joshna N., Jacob C, Mary J., James F., Sarah A., 
Lucy E. and Eliza B.; the deceased are George L. and John T. 
His son James is a member of the Ancient Order of the United 
Workmen ; Joshua is a member of the Masonic order, and Samuel of 
the I. O. O. F. ; Jacob C. is also a Mason, and Sarah A. is a mem- 
ber of the Eastern Star. Mr. F. has always been a Democrat, but 
has espoused the Greenback cause. The family are among the 
most respected and enterprising farmers of Barry tp. 

Alonzo Gard^ farmer, sec. 31; P. O., Kinderhook; was born in 
Washington county, O., in 1822, and is a son of Mischel and Cla- 
rissa (Baker) Gard, who settled in this tp. in 1826. Li 1829 he 
moved his family here, where he lived until his death, Jan. 5, 1871, 
at the age of 77 years. She died April 10, 1863. He entered the 
land of his son's estate, consisting of 88 acres, now valued at $50 
per acr(!. He was Justice of the Peace and among the earliest set- 
tlers. The subject of this sketch was married in 1850 to Miss 
Marv J. Yearly, a native of Cincinnati, O., by whom he has 3 chil- 
dren", Ellen, Lncy and Sally. Mr. G. is School Director, and the 
family are members of the Baptist Church. He is a Republican in 
politics, and one of the oldest living settlers of Barry tp. 

John T. Gilmer, i\irmer, sec. 26; P. O.. Barry; is a son of David 
and Eliza (Gose) Gilmer, natives of Yirginia, who came] to this 
county in 1839, and settled in this section, where hedied in 1847. She 
is still living in this tp. The subject of this sketch was born in 
Barry tp. in 1840, and settled on his present farm in 1863, consist- 
ing of 63 acres, valued at $60 per acre. He also owns 42 acres in 
Pleasant Yale tp. He was married in 1864 to Miss Ellen, daughter 
of William McDaniel, who died in 1872, leaving 2 children, Charles 
and Clara. He was again married in 1874 to Miss Ella Blake, a 
native of this county. He tills the office of Road Supervisor at the 
present time, and is a member of the Baptist Church. Politics, 
Democratic. 

D. W. Greene, Police Magistrate, is tlie son of James and Mary 
(Madison) Greene, who came to this county in 1837 and settled in 
Hadley tp., where he engaged in farming until his death, which 
occurred in 1875. She died in 1840. The subject of this sketch 
was born in Rensellaer county, N. Y., in 1826. lie began the study 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 817 

of medicine with Dr. Baker of this city, taiio^ht school winters, and 
attended the Missouri State University one year and practiced in 
Barr}^ 3 years, when he entered upon a mercantile pursuit, and was 
engaged in the erection of the Barry Woolen Mills, where he was 
connected for 3 years. He was married in 1850 to Miss Caroline 
Gordon, a native of Indiana. Mr. G. has filled the office of Town- 
ship Treasurer some years. Is a member of the Masonic order, 
and of the Christian Church. Politically he is a stalwart Repub- 
lican. 

John P. Grubh, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Barry; was born in 
Cumbei'land, county, Pa., in Oct., 1815, and is a son of Jonas and 
Sarah (Wizer) Grubb, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in 
Adams county. 111., where tiiey both died. The subject of this 
sketch came to this county in 1844, and settled on this section. 
In 1864 he purchased the present farm of 124 acres. Also owns 
other lands in the tp. He was one of the founders of the woolen 
mill in whicli he has been eugaired for some years. He was mar- 
ried in May, 1849, to Miss Harriet Stevens, a native of New York 
State, who died in 1866. J3v this raarriao^e he has 3 children 
living, — John W., Emeliiie and Eva. His present wife was Beu- 
lah Nations, widow of John Nations, by whom he has 3 children, — 
George, Hattie and Oliver. Two step-children, Norman W. and 
Florence, complete the family record. Mr. G. is one of the mem- 
bers of the Board of Trustees of the town, and is one of the active 
business men and farmers of Barry. In politics he is a Demo- 
crat, and cast his first vote for Martin Yan Buren. 

£. F . Guss, farmer, sec. 3; P. O., Barry; was born in Juniata 
county, Pa., in 1835, and is a son of William and Mary (Foltz) 
Guss, natives of Pennsylvania, where she died. Wm. Guss came to 
this count}" with his family in 1848, and settled in this tp., where he 
is at this time livinof. The subject of this sketch was married in 
1859 to Miss Jane Sellers, a native of Pennsylvania. To them 
have been born 4 children, all of whom are living: Rosaline, Ed- 
win S., William C. and Hattie E. He settled on his present farm 
in the f\ill of 1859, consisting of 116 acres, valued at $50 per acre. • 
Mr. Guss has served as a School Director, and in politics is a 
Democrat. 

George Hack^ farmer, sec. 30; P. O., Kinderhook; was born in 
Germany Feb. 19, 1819; was married in 1844 to Miss Fernan- 
drika Auer, a native of Germany. They emigrated to this coun- 
try in 1853 and stopped one year in New York city, thence to 
Quincy, thence to this county, and engaged at his trade, brewing 
and coopering, at Kinderhook. This business he sold and pur- 
chased, in 1863, his present farm, consisting of over 500 acres of 
land, valued at $50 per acre. They have 7 children: Caroline, 
Frederick, Daniel, Rosena, Jennie, Harry and Annie. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hack are members of the German Lutheran Church, and he 
is a member of the Masonic order. 



818 HISTORY OF PIKE OOUNTV. 

G. A. Hancock, fanner, sec. 27; P. O., Barry; was Iwrn in Lick- 
ing Co., O., in 1830, and is a son of Isaac and Cynthia A. (Ford) 
Hancock, both natives of that State, who emigrated to Adams 
county, thence to this county, in 1866, and are at this time living 
in Barry. The subject of this sketch was married in 1857 to Miss 
Melissa Shepard, daughter of Thomas J. Shepard, a native of this 
county; and diaries W., George H., Mary E., Ernestine, Mary B., 
Lena, Lora and Frank, are their living children. Mr. Hancock set- 
tled on his present estate in 1872, consisting of 160 acres, valued 
at $60 per acre. He is a Democrat and a thorough farmer. 

George II. Hancock, farmer, sec. 21; P. O,, Barry ; ,was born in 
Adams Co., 111., in 1855, and is a son of G. A. Hancock, an early 
settler of this county; was married in 1876 to Miss Lizzie, daughter 
of John McDaniel, by whom he has one child, Arthur A. He settled 
on the present farm of his father's in 1877, consisting of over 200 
acres of valuable land. Mr. II. is one of the busy and enterpris- 
ing young farmers of Barry tp. 

J. W. Hcirt, farmer, sec. 33; P. O., Barry; was born in Che- 
shire Co., N. H., in 1830, the son of Joel and Anna (Hardy) Hart, 
natives of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, respectively. He 
came to this county in the fall of 1836, entered land in this tp„ and 
returned East. The following year he brought his family and settled 
here. Subsequently he purchased tlie estate of his son, where he 
moved and spent the remainder jof his life; he died in 1877: she 
died in 1840. He was a Deacon of the Baptist Church in his native 
place, and at Barry, holding the office nearly ever since he was a 
member of the Church, and was widely known through the county. 
The subject of this sketch was married in 1860 to Miss Caroline, 
daughter of B. F. Brownell, by whom he has 3 children, Henry 
E., Edward L. and Jennie. The homestead farm consists of 50 
acres, valued at $60 per acre. He also owns 80 acres on sec. 29. 
Mr. H. is a Deacon in the Baptist Church, of which he and his 
family are members. He has been School Director, and can be 
counted among prominent and old settlers of this tp. He is a 
Repnblican . 

N. P. Ilai't, farmer, sec. 26; P. O., Barry; was born in Ash- 
burton, Mass., in 1826, son of Nathaniel and Clarissa (Hill) Hart, 
who came to this tp. in 1838, where they still reside. He enlisted 
in 1846 in Co. K, 5th Reg. 111. Vol., and served 18 months in the 
Mexican war, when he was honorably, discharged. He returned to 
bis home, and in 1850 was married to Miss Louisa, daughter of 
Samuel Blair, a native of this tp. ; the same year he settled on his 
present estate of 100 acres, valued at $75 per acre. He also owns 
400 acres in the tp. Mr. II. has been for 10 3'ears engaged in the 
brick manufactory, besides attending to the duties of his extensive 
farming interests. He has served as Assessor since 1862, except- 
ing 2 years, and School Director most of the time. He is a mem- 
ber of the Odd Fellows order. 



\ 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 819 

Orlando Hart, deQe-a,s,ed, was born in Massachusetts in 1829, and 
emigrated to this county quite early. He was married to Miss Jen- 
nette Wirt, who died leaving one child, Alvin. In April, 1854, he 
again married, this time Miss Mary, daughter of Harvej^ Blair. 
Of their children 7 are living, — Eilie, John, Charles W., Katie, 
Alfred and Nettie. Mr. H. resided on the homestead until his 
death, which occurred in 1879. Mrs. H. has on sec. 33 a farm of 
80 acres, valued at $40 per acre. P. O., Barry, Mr. H. was a 
member of the Odd Fellows, and a man highly esteemed by all 
who knew him. 

A. C. Hollenheck & Son, hardware merchants, Barry. This 
firm erected the building of their present location and established 
themselves in business in 1870. They carry a stock of $5,000 to 
$6,000, and deal largely in farm machinery. Mr. H. is a native of 
Genesee Co., JST. Y., where he was born in 1820. He was married 
in 1845 to Miss Mary J. Oram, a native of Ohio, and came to this 
count}'- in 1859, settling in this city. He was appointed Post- 
master in 1861, re-appointed under Grant, and filled the ofiice 14 
or 15 years. He was Mayor one term, Justice of the Peace, and 
Alderman, and is a strong adherent of the temperance cause, and 
Republican principles. His only child, C. R., is his partner, and 
the firm enjoy a large trade. Mr. Hollenbeck's parents were 
Ruloif and Electa (Ames) Hollcnbeck, natives of Massachusetts. 

William Hoy t, jr., fa,rmer, sec. 28 ; P. O., Barry; son of William and 
Kancy (Bayne) Hoyt, who came to this county in 1845 and settled 
in this tp., where they still reside. The subject of this sketch was 
married in 1859 to Miss Millie, daughter of Levi McDaniel, de- 
ceased. To them have been born 6 children, — Nancy E., Elvira E., 
William H., Levi W., Roscoe S. and Floyd. He settled on his 
present estate in 1865, consisting of 160 acres, valued at $40 per 
acre. Mr. H. is a member of the Methodist Church, He is a 
School Director, and in politics is a Democrat. Is a zealous tem- 
perance advocate. 

W. G. Huhhard, farmer, sec. 15; P. O., Barry; was born in Lin- 
coln county. Mo., in 1829, and is a son of Eli and Margaret (Myers) 
Hubbard, wlio came to this State in 1831, and are now residents of 
Oregon. The subject of this sketch was married in 1867 to Miss 
Sarah Selby, a native of Pennsylvania. He enlisted in 1862 in Co. D, 
99th I. V. I., and served 3 years, participating in battles of Harts- 
ville, Yicksburg, Spanish Fort, and all the battles in which the 
Regiment was engaged; was 4th Sergeant and promoted to 1st Ser 
geant. He served as Sheriff of the county 2 years, from 1866 t4 
1868; is a School Director at present time. He is the father of 
children, — Hattie, William, Mary and Lottie. 

Loran J. Huntley^ constable, was born in Ashtabula county, 
O., July 5, 1838; parents were Harlem and Almira (Partridge) 
Huntley, natives of New York and Massachusetts, respectively, 
who came to this county in 1843, and settled in Hadley tp., where 
he died March 6, 1880; she died in Sept., 1877. Loran J. was 



820 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

married in 1861 to Miss Martha M., dano^hter of Wm. Davis. He 
engaged in fanning nntil 1872, when he accepted a position as 
Depnty Slieriff, serving 3 years; also Constable in Iladlej 4 years, 
and elected in Barry to the same position in Aug., 1SY8; is also a 
member of the Government detective force, 'in which he has been 
enorao-ed 5 years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Politics, 
Dejiiocratic. 

Elhha Hurt, retired farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Barry; is a native of 
Kentucky, where he v/as born May 26, 1809, the son of Joshna and 
Sallie (Davis) Hurt, natives of Virginia, who emigrated to Illinois 
at an early day, settlino; in Logan county, where he died the same 
year. She died in Tennessee. Tlie subject of this sketcli came to 
this county in 1839 and settled on his present estate, consisting of 
one-half section of land, valued at $20,000. He was married in 
1838 to Miss Margaret J. Lee, a native of Morgan county, Ya., 
where she was born in 1818. To them have been born 11 children, 
T of whom are living, — Charles C.,John M., Elisha, jr.. Berry man, 
Albert Clay and Edwin. Mr. II. was commissioned Captain in the 
28th 111. Inf. in 1861, and raised Co. I, and served 3 years. He 
participated in the battles of Shiloh, where he was wounded, siege 
of Vicksburg, Hatchie, Corinth, Jackson, Miss., and all the battles 
of that Regiment. He had also 3 sons in the war, — Charles, Moses 
and Elisha. Moses was taken prisoner at Jackson and contined at 
Belle Isle, where he was exchanged. Charles was wounded at 
Shiloh through the arm and side, but held his place in the ranks 
by his comrades. Moses was also wounded at Hatchie; but all 
escaped through the siege of war, and returned to their home. 
Mr. H. went to California in 1849, being among the first to cross 
the plains in that year. He returned in 1851 and engaged in the 
mercantile business in this city until 1863, when he retired to 
the qniet of his beautiful home. His opportunities for an early 
education were limited. Left with a widowed mother, he has by 
his energy and perseverance attained success. Politically he is a 
descendant of the old-line Whigs, devoted to Republican principles, 
and an ardent admirer of Gi"ant. 

Thomas C. Johnson, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., Kinderhook; was 
born in Louisa county, Ya,, in 1826. His parents were William 
F. and Eliza Johnson, natives of that State, who emigrated to Mis- 
souri in 1835, where they both died. Thomas C. came to this 
county in 1859 and settled on his present farm, consisting of 127' 
acres, valued at $2,000. He was married in 1853 to Miss Mary E. 
Tyler, a native of Yirginia, the fruits of which are 3 children, — 
William T., Columbus and Wesley M. Mr. J. is Class-Leader and 
Trustee in the Methodist Church at Kinderhook, and he is well 
and favorably known. 

D. D. Kidwell, clerk, was born in this county in 1841, and is a 
son of William and Mahala (Girard), Kidweli, natives of Ohio, 
who emigrated at an early day to this county, and settled in this 
tp., where he died in 1851. He was a mechanic, and from 1845 to 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 821 

« 

1851 was engaged ii the furniture business in Barry. The subject 
of this sketch was married in 1863 to Miss Matilda J. Dibens, a 
native of Ohio, by whom he has one cliild, Lottie M. Mr. K. is a 
member of the Masonic order, a Republican, and a man highly 
esteemed by all who know him. 

/S. Kirtright^ saloon-keeper, Barry, was born in Clermont county, 
O., in 1831, and is a son of John and Sophia (Troy) Kirtright, 
natives of that State, who came to this county in 1840, and settled 
in Hadley tp., where they both died in 1848. The subject of this 
sketch moved to New Salem, where he lived nntil 18Y2, when he 
came to this city, and opened a market in which he continued until 
1879, when he engaged in his present business. He was married 
in 1856 to Miss Nancy E. "Walls, a native of this county, who died 
in 1871. His present wife isMary J., daughter of William Hill, an 
early settler of this county. Mr. K. still owns his homestead and 4 
lots in Salem, and 20 acres of other land. He served as Constable 
6 years, and City Marshal some years. Is a Republican. 

Ma j 07' Klein, attorney at law, Barry; is the 3d son of Joseph 
Klein, an old resident of this city, where he lived for more than 20 
years, following the profession of law, in which he became promi- 
nent for his skill and ability. He died at his home in this city 
Feb. 26, 1869. As a citizen father and friend, Mr. K. had no su- 
perior, and he left a large circle of friends throughout the«county. 
The subject of this sketch was a graduate of the (Tniversity at Ann 
Arbor, Mich., in 1878, and admitted to the bar in 1879. " In 1878 
he was married to Miss Jennie Klein, of Springfield, 111., and began 
the practice of his profession. He was elected City Attorney in 
1879, and enjoys a lucrative practice. 

Sa^nnel Knox, proprietor of livery and feed stable, Barry; is a 
son of James and Nancy (Beaks) Knox, natives of Pennsylvania, 
who settled in Missouri at an early time, where he died in 1854. 
The subject of this sketch was born in Pike county. Mo., in 1851, 
and with his widowed mother moved to this county in 1857, and 
settled 2 miles west of Barry; 3 years afterward she moved to Adams 
county, where she is now living. Mr. K. was married in 1875 to 
Miss Leah Hendricks, a native of Adams county, and they have 
one child, Flandy D. He engaged in farming until Jan., 1880, at 
which time he opened his present place of business, where he keeps 
on hand a good stock of horses and cari-iages, carries a stock of 
$2,000, and enjoys a good trade. His wife is a member of the 
Methodist Church. He is a Democrat. 

Alvah C. Laing, attorney at law, Barry, is a native of New 
York, where he was born Aug. 6, 1820; commenced the study of 
law at the age of 21 years; was admitted to the bar in Michigan in 
1850; came to this county in 1869 and settled in Barry, where he 
has continued in the practice of his profession, and in the enjoy- 
ment of a large circle of friends. He is the father of 7 children, 4 
boys and 3 girls. Politically, he is a Democrat. 



822 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

M. Lane, harness-maker, JJarrj^, came to this city in 1857, where 
he opened a, ])lace of business the following year; with the exception 
of three years' residence on the coast of California, he has since 
been a resident of this place. Mr. L. is a native of Ireland, where 
hfe was born in 1838, and he cmi^-rated with his parent?, John and 
Mary (Burns) Lane, who settled in Pennsylvania, where they still 
reside. Mr. L. can-ies a stock of $1,000, and enjoys a good trade. 

Jonathan D. Lewis, engineer, sec. 26; P. O., Barry; was born 
in Pickaway county, O., in 1836, and is a son of Thomas and Mary 
(Wilgins) Lewis, natives of Pennsylvania, where they both died. 
The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1859, and settled 
in this tp., and followed his professional calling at the Woolen 
Mill, where he is still engaged. He was married in 1857 to Miss 
Mary J. O'Connor, a native of Ireland, by whom he has 3 
children, — Hannah F., William F. and Thomas J. Owns a house 
and three acres of land. In politics he is a strong Greenbacker, 

John Liggett, of the tirm of Liggett & Roasa, grocers, Barrj', 
was born in Carroll Co., O., in 1847, the son of John and Nancy 
(Young) Liggett, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. 
She died in Indiana in 1866. He is a resident of Allen count}^ 
Ind. The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1872, and 
engaged in farn)ing 3 years, when he formed a partnership with 
J. C. Moore in the livei'v business, where he was connected until 
March, 1880, at which time the present concern was consolidated. 
He was married in 1875 to Miss Dotha, daughter of William Da- 
vis, by whom he has 2 children, — Charles, and one not christened. 
Mr. L. is a member of the tire company, and one of the energetic 
young business men of Barry. Politics, Democratic. 

Ja7nes Likes, farmer, sec. 33; P.O., Barry; was born in Ross 
county, O., in 1827, and is a son of William C. and Dorcas (Day) 
Likes, natives of that State, who settled in Indiana at an early 
time, from which State he came to Pike county and settled in 
Barry tp., where he died in 1859. James was married in 1848 to 
Miss Hannah Decker, who was born in Wabash count}'. 111., in 
1828. Mr. L. settled on the present farm in 1864, consisting of 
160 acres of valuable land, where he has since made it his home, 
and numbers among the enterprising farmers of Barry tp. Mari- 
etta, William, Telasco, Melinda, Scott, Martha and Xovilla are 
their living children. 

C. p. Lippincott, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., Barry; was born in this 
tp. in 1839, and is a son of William and Delina (Decker) Lippin- 
cott, natives of New Jersey, who emigrated from Ohio to this 
county at an early day, and settled in Barry, where he opened the 
first store in this city. He also erected the old distiller}^ and car- 
ried on an extensive business, and was engaged in milling for 
some years. He then went to Cincinnati, O., and ran a saw-mill 
and lumber yard, where he died in 1851. His wife died in 1867 
in this tp. The subject of this sketch was married in 1867 to 
Miss Chloe Bill, a native of this county, by whom he has 5 chil- 




9'a^cc^/^J^ 



BARRY 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 825 

dren living: Ibbie, William, Olive M., Charles and George. Mr. 
L. has served as Koad Commissioner and Overseer sonie years. 
He settled on his present estate in 1867, consisting of 160 acres* 
valued at $50 per acre. Is a Democrat in politics. 

Thomas J. Long, retired farmer, Barry, was born in Baltimore, 
Md., Jane 25, 1808, where he was reared and educated; he emi- 
grated to this county in 1829, arriving at Atlas the 1st day of 
July, and the same day becoming acquainted with Benj. Barney. 
Mr. Long followed farming until 1872, when he retired and moved 
to Barry, where he now resides. .In June, 1831:, he married Miss 
Elizabeth M. Irwin, by whom he has had 9 children, 8 now living, 
namely: Adelaide J., Margaret E., Mary A., Wm. H., Thomas C.,' 
Isadore E., Zillah V. and Marion E. the name of the deceased 
was Josephine L. 

W. R. Long, of the firm of Long & Koehler, grocers, Barry, is 
a native of Adams county, 111., where he was born in 1846. He 
was married in 1871 to Miss Mary J. Hendricks, a native of Ohio 
where she was born in 1847. In 1877 Mr. L. erected the building 
he now occupies, and formed the present partnership. The firm 
carry a stock of $1,5^0 to $1,600, and although a young firm in the 
business circles of Barry, they have a lucrative and increasino- 
business. Mr. L. served as Constable some years, and is the father 
of 2 children, Gracie L. and Don D. 

J. H. Mallory, dealer in dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes. 
This house was established in 1863 by Louis Angle, who was suc- 
ceeded by Sweet & Mallory. This co-partnership existed until 
1879, when Sweet retired. Mr. M. carries a stock of $13,000 to 
$15,000, and controls a large trade. He is a native of New York 
city, where he was born Jan. 1, 1830; came to this county in 1846, 
and engaged in farming until he entered upon a mercantile pursuit! 
In 1852 he married Miss Annetta E. Brown, a native of New York! 
Of this union one child is living, George. Mr. M. is Trustee of the 
Christian Church, and is one of the solid, enterprising business men 
of Bari'y. 

T. M. Martin was born in Ralls county. Mo., May 6, 1845, and 
with his parents came to Pike county. 111., in the spring of 1847. 
He is the 3d son of George and Levica A. Martin. His father is a 
native of Virginia, and mother of Kentucky. T. M. was married 
to Miss Laura A. Wike, Nov. 4, 1869. He is a farmer, and resides 
on sec. 11. His wife is a daughter of George Wike. They have 
born to them 4 children, 2 girls and 2 sons. 

■ Charles Mason, merchant, Barry, was born in Liverpool, Eno-. 
in 1816; at the age ot 21 years he moved to Manchester, where he 
was extensively engaged in the manufacture of wall-paper, until the 
introduction of a tariff bill by Eobert Peel, which ruined his busi- 
ness. He was married in 1838 to Miss Ann Orton, a native of 
England. They emigrated to this county in 1849 and settled in 
Barry, where he worked at his trade until he was able to open a 
small place of business. Subsequently his health failed, and Mrs. 



826 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTV. 

M. opened the millinery establishment of their present location, 
where she has since conducted a very profitable trade. He after- 
ward purchased the building and added a stock of dry-goods and 
groceries, carrying a stock of $4,000. Both stores have a frontage 
of 40 feet. Mr. M. was the first man in his line of business in 
Barry, and nearly all the churches in this city bear the work of his 
hand. He and his wife returned to their native land in 1864; and 
were met by a generous welcome by old friends, and presented with 
a memorial address from the temperance association at Longsight, 
in which cause Mr. M. has alwaj's borne an active part. He is an 
Elder in the Baptist Church of this city, and is highh' esteemed by 
a large circle of friends. 

Charles E. Mason^ deceased, was the son of Deacon Charles E. 
and Martha, (Carrolton), M., natives of New Hampshire, who came 
to this county at an early day, and settled on the present estate, 
where they resided until called to a better home. He was born 
Sept. 10, 1800, and died in Barry Dec. 10, 1849. She was born in 
1803 and died in 1833. The subject of this sketch was born in 
Cheshire county, New Hampshire, in 1825, and came with his 
parents to this county. In 1849 he went overland to California, 
where he remained one year. In 1855 he was married to Mrs. Nancy 
J. Hammon, who was born in Johnson connty, Ind., in 1828. She 
was a daughter of David and Tabitha (Dehart) Woodruii', natives 
of Indiana, where he was born in Brown county, in 1796. To them 
were born 8 children, 6 of whom are living: Nancy J., John, Mary, 
David, Henry and George. Her father settled in this county in 
1843, and is now living with his daughter at the homestead. Mr. 
Mason was an active member of the Baptist Church and died in 
this township in 1877. To them were born 5 children,— 4 sons and 
1 daughter, — 3 of whom arc living: Henry B., Willard B. and 
Anna B., Chas. B. and Edson B., deceased. The estate of Mrs. M. 
consists of 330 acres of land, valued at $70 per acre. Her residence 
is on sec. 35, and her postotiice address is Barry. 

Elijah L. McAtee, farmer, see. 7; P. O., Barry; is the youngest 
son of Hezekiah and Sarah (Smith) McAfee, natives of Maryland 
and North Cai:olina respectively, who came to this county in 1827, 
and settled on the present farm, consisting of 300 acres, valued at 
$50 per acre, 80 acres of which he entered, and Elijah entered the 
remainder and purchased ^ sec, most of which has been cleared. 
Two brothers, who came in 1826, cleared a portion of it. Heze- 
kiah lived here until his death in December, 1850. Mrs. McAfee 
died in 1855. They were among the earliest settlers of the tp. The 
subject of this sketch was born in Clark county, Ky., in 1811, and 
was Tnarried in 1836 to Miss Lucy F., daughter of Judge Grubb, a 
native of Kentucky. To them have been born 8 children, 2 of 
whom are living: Bell, wife of Alfred Leach; and Alfred, who mar- 
ried Ellen, daughter of George Hancock, by whom he has 3 children, 
Lottie, Ennit, and one not yet christened. In 1849 Mr. M., with 
his brother John and 2 sons, crossed the plains to California with 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 827 

an ox team. In Sacramento and San Jose he became prominent as 
an auctioneer, in selling outfits, and the party all returned by way 
of the Isthmus, reaching St. Louis, Mo., where John was taken 
sick and died. This family number among the early settlers of 
Barry tp. They came in a wagon drawn b}' oxen, and erected a 
rude hut, which to this day shelters occupants of his farm. His 
first vote was cast for Gen. Jackson before he was 21 years of age, 
and he has always voted the Democratic ticket. Mr. McAtee stands 
6 feet 3^ inches in his stockings, and weighs from ISO to 185 lbs. 

George K. MoDaniel^ farmer, sec. 26; P. O., Barry; was born 
in Pike county, 111., July 24, 1845, and is a son of Levi McDaniel, 
who came to this county in 1836, where he resided until his death, 
March 1, 1877. The subject of this sketch was married to Miss 
Lizzie M. Lippincott, by whom he has 5 children, 3 boys and 2 
girls. Politically Mr. McD. has ever been a Democrat, and in 
1878 espoused the Greenback cause. 

William McDaniel., farmer, sec. 23; P. O., Barry; is a son of 
Levi and Elizabeth (Jennings) McDaniels, natives of Edgefield 
District, S. C., who came to this county in 1836 and settled in 
Barry tp., where he entered 260 acres of timbered land in sec. 26, 
where he lived until his death in 1876. She died in September, 
1878. The subject of this sketch was born in Edgefield District, 
S. C, in 1823. He was married in 1845 to Miss Angeline, daugh- 
ter of Ephraim Blake, an early settler in this county from Pennsyl- 
vania, who died at his son's residence, Jerry Blake. By this mar- 
riage 9 children have been born, 6 of whom are living: Lottie, 
wife of Hezekiah Thompson; Henry H. ; Hattie, wife of Henry 
Jones; Martha, Nancy A. and "William. The deceased are Ellen, 
Eddie, and one who died in infancy. This family, with 4 others, 
numbering 35 souls, left South Carolina for the West and all set- 
tled in Barry tp. Mr. McD. has been prominently identified with 
the interests of the tp., and the family are members of the Baptist 
Church. Politics, Democratic. 

William Mclntire., Justice of the Peace, Barry, is a son of Jo- 
seph and Joioy (Gates) Mclntire, natives of Kentucky and Alabama 
respectively, who emigrated to Pike county in 1831 and settled in 
Pleasant Yale township. Some jears afterward he removed to 
Barry tp.^ where he died in 1873. Mrs. Mclntire is still living, in 
the 68th year of her age. The subject of this sketch was born in 
this county in 1836. He served as Constable 19 years. He was 
married in 1861 to Miss Diala, daughter of Joel Hart, deceased. 
They have one child, Lillie H. Mr. Mclntire has been Mayor 
and Alderman a number of terms, and has always taken an active 
part in the interests of the town and city. 

John Millhizer\ farmer, sec. 31; was born Aug. 31, 1807, in 
Ohio, and is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Delavan) Millhizer, 
father of German, and mother of English descent; was educated in 
the common schools of Missouri; learned the cooper's trade of his 
father when 17 years of age; came from Pike county, Mo., to this 



828 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

county in 1826, settling on sec. 31, Barry tp., and has made his 
home here ever since. In early day he had to go to Qnincy to get 
work, although that place was scarcely large enough to be called a 
village. About the year 1833 he married Hester Hampton, and of 
their 7 children 5 are living, all married but one, and all in this 
county but one. He is the oldest settler living in this tp. at the 
present time, and remembers, among the many other peculiarities 
of pioneer life descril)ed elsewhere in this history, that hog-steal- 
ers were punished by a thrashing at the whipping- i)ost. He com- 
menced a poor boy, worked at the cooper's trade 12 years in this 
county, and now has 270 acres of land, well improved, 100 acres in 
cultivation. March 20, 1864, he married Lydia Manker, and they 
have had one child, David, who was born Dec. 4, 1864. Politi- 
cally Mr. M. is a Eepublican. 

JoJin O. Moon^ proprietor of livery and feed stable, Barry, was 
born in Brown county, O., in 1853, son of Calvin and Delilah 
(Sewell) Moon, residents of that State. He came to this county in 
1878, and opened his present place of business, carrying now a 
stock of $2,000, and controls a* general trade. He was married 
Jan. J, 1880, to Miss Lelia, daughter of Samuel Davis, deceased, 
an early settler of the county. Mr. M. keeps constantly on hand 
a good assortment of buggies for sale, having bad much experience 
in the manufacture and sale of them. 

Dr. F. M. Parker., dentist, Barry, was born in Cayuga county, 
N. Y., Jan. 15, 1822, and is a son of Samuel B. Parker, well known 
in the history of Pike county; his school education was obtained 
mostly in an old log school-house in this county; in 1826 his pa- 
rents moved with him to Trumbull count}'^, O., and in 1836 to this 
county. Dr. P. studied medicine under Dr. Higgins, of Griggs- 
ville, at intervals for three years, chopping cord-wood in the mean- 
time to obtain money to pay his expenses. He is a graduate of the 
medical department of the State University of Missouri at St. 
Louis, practiced medicine at Ursa, Adams county, III., from 1844 
to 1846; at New Canton, this county, from that time to 1851; 
from that time to 1853 in the country five miles east of Pittsfield, 
and then at Barry from 1853 to 1864, since which time he has been 
engaged in dentistrj^, which he follows with success. He helped 
to build one of the first log school-houses in Pike county, namely, 
the one near Blue River Cemetery, in Detroit tp., in 1843. March 
21, 1850, he married Celia A. Dunham, daughter of John Dun- 
ham, of Newburg Corners, this county, and they have had but one 
child, which died about 7-| months old. 

M. G. Patterson^ railroad and express agent at Barry, was born 
in New York city Feb. 9, 1848. In 1870 he was united in wed- 
lock to Miss Nettie E. Young, a native of Pittsburg, Pa. He was 
appointed to his present position in 1871, and moved to this city, 
where he has since made it his home. He is also extensively 
engaged in thecoal and grain business. To him belongs the honor 
of "introducing the use of anthracite' coal in this county. Large 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 829 

shipments are constantly coming in from the coal mines of Scran - 
ton, Pa., and it is being largely used in various portions of the 
county. He is Secretary of the Masonic order of this city. He 
has two children, Carrie and Ada. 

O. H. Perry^ manufacturer, w^s born in Cumberland county, 
Pa., in 1826, the son of Samuel and Mary (Butts) Perrj^ natives of 
that State, where they both died. Tlie subject of this sketch came 
to this county in 1848, and engaged in the woolen manufactory. 
He was a partner in the company of six tliat erected the woolen 
mill in 1864, where he was successfully engaged for twenty years. 
He was married in 1856 to Miss Virginia Watson, a native of New 
York, who died in 1872, leaving 2 children, Thomas and Mary. 
His present wife, nee Lottie Hart, is a native of this county and 
daughter of Joel Hart, deceased. To this union 1 child has been 
born, Clarence. Mr. P. has a pleasant residence, with 12^ acres of 
land, and he also has 160 acres in other parts of the tp. He served 
as Road Supervisor 11 years, and School Director many years, and 
has always taken an active interest in the business circles of Barry. 
His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics he is 
Democratic always. 

Charles Finger^ lumber dealer, Barry; established in the fall of 
'76. He furnished the means for the erection of the saw- mill and 
buildings in 1875, prior to which time the business was carried on 
in a small yard through his ag^ent. He first began business at Han- 
nibal on a small capital, and increased until he was enabled to run 
6 yards. He shipped over 100 car-loads of lumber to this place. 
He employs from 12 to 20 men, and fills contracts for furnishing 
buildings with sash, doors, mouldings, etc., all of which are made 
at this establishment. Mr. P. is a native of Cincinnati, O., where 
he was born in 1848. Mr. P. is also engaged in the mercantile 
business, where he is having a lucrative trade, and is one of the 
thorough business men of the times. He was married in 1870 to 
Miss Nettie, daughter of John Rice, a native of Ohio. To them 
have been born 4 children. — Harry, Leo, Lulu and Pearl. 

Charles Roasa, of the firm of Liggett & Roasa, grocers, Barry, is 
a native of Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1852. He is the 
son of Charles and Elizabeth Roasa, natives of Germany, who emi- 
grated to America in 1840, and settled in Pennsylvania, and are at 
this time living in Lewis county, Mo. The subject of this sketch 
was married in 187-5 to Miss Nora McDonald, a native of this 
county. To them one child has been born, Paulina. Mr. R. fills 
the office of City Clerk, and is one of the active young business men 
of Barry. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and Republican in 
politics. The firm of which he is a metnber succeeded A. White 
in 1880, and they now carry a stock of $2,000 and enjoy a fair 
trade. 

Dr. J. S. Rowand & Son, drug:gists, Barry. The senior partner 
of this firm was born in Camden, N. J., in 1813; was married in 
1834 to Miss Ellen B. Haines, a native of Philadelphia, where he 



830 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

was engaged in the practice of patent medicine nntil he came to 
this count}' in 1856, and commenced his present business. In 1876 
he erected the building he now occupies. It has a frontage of 37 
feet and is 120 feet deep. The firm carry a stock of $3,000, and 
have a large and lucrative trade. He has 3 children living: John, 
the junior partner of the house, who married Miss McTucker, of 
this city; Horace M, and Bathuel H. Mr, and Mrs. R. are mem- 
bers of the Baptist Church. 

G. TT. Shields, proprietor of lime kiln; P. O., Barry; was born 
in Athens county, O., in 1842, and is a son of William and Lydia 
Selby, natives of Ohio, who emigrated to this State in 1848, and 
settled north of Quincy, where he lived until he moved to this tp., 
where he now resides. The subject of this sketch was married in 
1868 to Miss Martha Freeman, a native of Illinois. Mr. S. has 
been en^ged in his present l)usiness 4 years, and is doing a fair 
trade. He^sie, Josie and Mabel are his living children. Politics, 
Democratic. 

Eugene Smith, merchant and banker, Barry, is a son of Nathaniel 
and Sylvania (Sweet) Smith, natives of New York State, who emi- 
grated to this county and settled in Barry tp. in 1837, where he is 
at this time living. She died in 1879. -The subject of this sketch 
was born in Pike county. 111., in 1839, and during the early years 
of his life engaged in clerking, until called to fill the office of 
cashier in the Exchange Bank at the time of its organization. In 
1872 he was admitted to the concern, forming the present partner- 
ship of Smith, Davis & Brown. He was married in 1879 to Miss 
Helen, daughter of Henry Bonnel, a native of Griggsville. Mr. 
Smith is also a partner of the firm of Crandall & Smith, grocers 
and grain dealers, which is the largest house of the kind in Pike 
county. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and fills the office of 
Dictator in the Knights of Honor, He and Mrs. S. are members 
of the Baptist Church. Probably no man is more deserving of 
success than Mr. Smith, for close attention to business, energy, 
integrity, and the possession of qualities that have won for him 
an active and responsible position in this county. His portrait, 
which appears in tliis work, was taken at the age of 40 years. 

George TT. S^nith, teacher, is a son of James and Sarah Smith, 
of Barry, and was born in Belmont county, ()., Feb. 8, 1851; was 
brought by his parents to this county in 1856-; was educated in 
Barry, where he is now teaching his eighth year in the 2d gram- 
mar school; he taught his first school at Summer Hill, this county. 
In 1874 he married Miss Alta C. Blair, daughter of Samuel Blair, 
of Barry, and they have had 2 children, — George L., deceased, 
and Ida. 

J. J. Smith, dealer in boots and shoes, clothing, hats, caps, and 
gents' furnishiug-goods, established himself in grocery business 
in 1869. In 1870 Mr. Crandall was admitted and they formed a 
partnership. The firm dissolved in 1875. The following year he 
erected the building of his present location, at a cost of $7,500. 



HISTOilT OF PIKE COUNTY. 831 

Being iu poor health, he spent one year in the South, and in 1877 
returned and opened Ins present business, where he enjoys a good 
trade. He is a native of Lynchburg county, Ya., wliere he was 
born in 1840. He was married in Yirginia to Miss Sarah F. 
Crumpton, a native of that State. They have one adopted son, 
James Y. Mr. S. is one of the active and enterprising merchants 
of Barry, and is well and favorably known. 

M. Struhinger was born in Delaware in 1833, and is the eldest 
son of Joseph Strubinger, deceased, whose name is familiar to all 
of the people of Fitte county. The subject of this sketch was 
brought bj his parents to Fike county when he was a boy, and he 
commenced tlie battle of life at the age of 21, working on the farm 
by the month until he was about 30 years of age, at $15 per month. 
He worked for one man seven years. Mr. Strubinger was married 
to Miss Mary H. Chamberlain in 1862, and they" have had four 
children. Mr. Strubinger came'to Barry, where he resided for live 
or six years, and now resides three-fourths of a mile south, on a 
farm of 22o acres of highly improved farm lands. He has the 
past year built him one of the finest farm residences in the county. 
He has in all about 1,200 acres of land. He is a thorough farmer 
and deals extensively in stock. 

D7\ Joseph Jerome Topliff. Dr. Topliff was born in Bridge- 
water, Windsor county, Yermont, Sept. 12, 1832. He remained at 
home until the age of 16, receiving his early education at the dis- 
trict school, working on his father's farm during the summer, and 
attending school in the winter. He was then sent to Black River 
Academy, at Ludlow, Yt., where he remained two years, and then 
entered the Green Mountain Liberal Institute, at South Woodstock, 
Yt., closing his Academic course at that Institution, where he entered 
upon the study of medicine, and graduated at Dartmouth College, N. 
H. In April, 1856, he came to Illinois and located at Pittsfield, Fike 
county, and the following year was elected School Commissioner of 
the county, which office he held for two terms. In the spring of 
1862 he moved to New Salem, and devoted his attention to the 
practice of his profession, where his professional and untiring 
devotion to his patients and his profession, with his accustomed 
social, courteous, and honorable manner, won for him a large circle 
of patrons and warm friends. He was elected Clerk of the Circuit 
Court and Recorder of the county in the fall of 1868, which ofiice 
he held for 4 years, with ability and entire satisfaction to the peo- 
ple of the county, and left his ofiicial record without spot or blem- 
ish. Preparatory to resuming the practice of his profession he 
spent the fall and winter of 1875-6 in New York, pursuing his 
professional studies at Bellevue Hospital Medical College and the 
College of Fhysicians and Surgeons, when two years ago he asso- 
ciated himself with one of the oldest and most highly esteemed 
practitioners of the county. Dr. A. C. Baker, of Barry, 111., where 
we find him in the enjoyment of the full confidence of his profes- 
sional brethren, and a large and increasing demand for his profes- 



832 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

sional services. Dr. Toplift' was married to Laura E. Lake, South 
Woodstock, Vt., in 1856, and they have had 4 children, 1 son and 
3 daughters. The son was accidentally shot and killed when 14 vears 
ofaiije; the wife and daughters are all living. 

J. L. Underwood, attorney at law, Barry, is a son of Rijbert 
and Martha (Onderdonk) Underwood, the former born in New 
York city, March 7, 1803, and the latter born Aug. 2, 1803. They 
emigrated to Illinois and settled in Eldnra, where he died Feb. 11, 
18Y8; she is still living in this city. The subject of this sketch was 
born in New York city, May 16, 1826; came to this county in 1836, 
where he has since made it his home. Li 1847 he enlisted in Co. 
K, 5th 111. Vol., for the Mexican war, and served nearly two years. 
In tlie spring of 1849 he went overland to California; returning the 
following year he was married to Miss Louisa Lyons, daughter of 
Joseph and Elizabeth Lyons, a native of this State. To them were 
born 10 children. 6 of wiiom are living, 5 boys and a girl. He 
began the practice of law in this city in 1862; was appointed under 
Lincoln Inspector of Coal Oils, Liquors and Tobacco, and served 
in that capacity until removed by And}' Johnson. He was Justice 
of the Peace 4 years in Derry, and Police Magistrate 10 years, and 
Supervisor 2 years. He is a member of the Masonic order, and 
has always been identified with the interests of the town and 
county. Mr. U. has traveled extensively through different countries 
of the East, and is well informed on all subjects. His mother has 
for 50 years been a member of the Methodist Church. 

John Weber, proprietor of the Empire House, v.'-as born in St. 
Louis, Mo., in 1813, and is a son of John and Margaret Weber, 
natives of G-ermany, who emigrated to America in 1841 and settled 
in Pittsburg, Pa., from which State they moved to Adams county, 
where they at this time reside. Mr. John Weber was married in 
1867 to Miss Rosa, daughter of Robert High, a native of Adams 
county, where Mr. W. was engaged in milling and merchandising 
until he came to this county in 1877. Here he engaged as sales- 
man, until he took the Empire House in the winter of the same 
year. In the brief experience of Mr. W. in catering to the travel- 
ing public he has won for himself an extended reputation. Court- 
eous, kind, and obliging at all times, the traveler will find the 
"Empire" a place of welcome. He is the father of 3 children, — 
Ralph K, Harry and Nettie. Mr. Weber is an Alderman at pre- 
sent. 

Henry Wendorff, furniture dealer, west side of the Square, Barry, 
111., was born in Germany, June IS, 1828; emigrated to the United 
States in 1856, stopping at Buffalo one year; he then came and 
started in business in a small building only 16 by 24 on the west 
side of the S(iuare in Barry, which building he has greatly en- 
larged on account of his increasing business. He keeps constantly 
on hand the best line of goods, selling them at very low rates. His 
capital stock is now about $3,000. In 1857 he married Caroline 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 833 

Hernion, by whom he has had 7 children: Henry, Louise, Anna, 
Carrie, Mary, May and Irene. 

Alex. White^ retired merchant, Barry, is a native of Scotland, 
where he was born in 1830, and emigrated to America in 1850 with 
his parents, Thomas and Esther (Watson) White, who settled near 
Barry and engaged in farming. They afterward moved to Quincy, 
where they both died. Mr. W. became associated with his brother 
in the mercantile business in 1864, which w^as continued until the 
present year, when the firm dissolved. He was married in 1853 to 
Miss Mary Ferguson, a native of Scotland, by whom he has one 
child living, Alexandria R., wife of Albert Hurt, residents of this 
city. Mr. W. has been School Director 9 years, and is the present 
Clerk of the Board. He has always taken an active interest in 
school matters, and other matters pertaining to the welfare of Barry. 
In politics he is a Republican. 

W. F. White, merchant, Barry, 111., is the son of Thomas and 
Esther (Watson)White, natives of Scotland : with their family they 
emigrated to this country in 1850 and located in Quincy; thence 
they moved to Barry, on a farm. They were the parents of 12 
children, 11 boys and 1 girl, of which W. F. was the seventh son, 
being about 15 years of age when he came to this city. In his 
early life he learned the carpenter's trade and superintended the 
building of many fine houses in the neighborhood; and by strict 
perseverance and economy, in 1857 he embarked in the mercantile 
business, of which he has stood at the head (firm of W. F. White & 
Brother) for 23 years; was a large operator in grain and pork-pack- 
ing till within the last three years; is now engaged in mercantile 
business, — dry-goods, boots and shoes, hardware and agricultural 
implements, and doing a good business. He also holds an interest 
in the Opera House, which was commenced by his energy, also in- 
terested in many buildings and dwellings, etc., in the city. He has 
also held some very prominent positions before the people, as City 
Treasurer and Alderman; has served the township as Supervisor 
for several years, with great credit and honor. Is a prominent Free- 
mason, in which order he has held many ofiices of prominence; is 
now M. E. Scribe of Barry Chapter IS'o. 88, R. A. M.; is an un- 
flinching Democrat in politics, and now a prominent candidate before 
the people for the nomination of Circuit Clerk of Pike county. He 
was married in 1862 to Miss Mary A. Rush, daughter of Josiali 
Rush, and they have had two children, Caroline and William A. 
Caroline died in 1864, aged 15 months. His wife Mary died in 
1866, aged 33 years. 

D. J. Wike, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Barry; was born in Cumber- 
land county. Pa., in 1821, and is the youngest son of George and 
Mary (Essig) Wike, natives of Pennsylvania, where his father died 
in 1825. The subject of this sketch settled in Quincy in 1842, 
where he engaged in the woolen business for 2 years, when he came 
to this tp., and wnth two brothers, George and Josejth, and P. 
Grubb, erected a woolen factory on sec. 23, where he carried on an 



834 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

extensive business for 5 years; then he sold liis interest and pur- 
chased a farm in New Salem tp. Three years afterward he re- 
turned to Barry, and in 184:7 was married to Drusilla, daui^hter of 
Thomas Orr, a native of Randol])h county, 111., where she was 
born in 1828; settled on his present estate in the spring of 1853, 
consisting of 200 acres, valued at $75 per acre. Mr. W. has been 
prominently identitied with the interests of the tp., and was the 
first member initiated in the Masonic Order at I3arry, in 1845. 
He is the father of 7 children, 6 of whom are living. — Thomas O., 
Dallas, William M., Mary E., Charles S. and Louis L. 

Thomas O. Wike^ farmer, sec. 34; P. O., Barry; was born in this 
tp. in 1848, and is a son of David and Drnsilla (Orr) Wike, early 
Barry pioneers. The subject of this sketch was married in 1872 
to Miss Elmira Uchran, a native of this county. Two children 
are the fruits of this marriage, — George H. and Elizabeth E. Mr. 
Wike has a farm of 40 acres, valued at $75 per acre. lie is a mem- 
ber of I. O. O. F., arid one of the pioneer generation of Barry. 

J. R. Williams, fai-mer, sec. 36: P. O., Barry; is the son of 
John and Margaret (Reno) Williams, natives of Tennessee, who 
settled in Indiana when it was a Territory, where he died in 1817. 
She died in 1833. The subject of this sketch was born in Overton 
county, Tenn., in 1817; in 1834 he went to Iowa, then the Territory 
of Wiscotisin, where he purchased land, which he afterward sold, 
receiving in payment Illinois State scri]), payable at 6 per cent, 
interest, which was never redeemed. This was valuable time and 
labor lost, and in 1842 he evacuated that Territory for the growing 
settlements of Illinois, and rented a farm in Pleasant Vale tp. 
He was married March 10, 1845, to Miss Elizabeth A. Baldwin, a 
native of New York State, who died Nov. 15, of the same year. 
She was born Aug. 6, 1828. His present wife, lately Mrs. 
Mary Blair, widow of Hon. AVm. Blair, who died in the State Leg- 
islature in 1845, was born in New York State Nov. 1, 1814. Mr. 
W. settled on his present farm in 1845, consisting of 140 acres, 
valued at $70 per acre. Mr. W. has been prominently identified 
with the interests of the township in several offices, and the family 
are members of the Baptist Church. Of their several children 2 
are living, John R. and Calvin J. Politically, Mr. W. is a Demo- 
crat. 



PLEASANT VALE TOWNSHIP. 

Long before railroads were thought of in the West, and wlien tiie 
red man and wild beasts roamed at will across the prairies and 
through the forests of Illinois; and when this expanse of country was 
one vase wilderness, two young men wended their way into this 
then far West, and took up theij- dwelling among the treacherous 
Indians and savage beasts. They pitched their tent first on sec. 16 
of what is now Pleasant Yale township. These men, who were 
then young and sturdy, both won wealth, position and honor, in 
this great State. They were John Wood and Willard Keyes, both 
names familiar to almost every man in this part of the State, and 
the former of whom was chosen Lieutenant Governor, and on the 
death of Governor Bissell acted as Governor. These two men met 
about this time and formed a friendship which was never broken 
until the death of Mr. Keyes in 1872. They lived here in one little 
cabin; indeed, they had much in common; youth, energy and am- 
bition, — common aims and sympathies, and for half a century they 
watched the growth and gradual development of the city they had 
founded. 

Wood and Willard soon moved from sec. 16 to the southwest 
quarter of sec. 22, where they made the first improvements that 
were made in the township. They soon afterward, however, sold 
their possessions here and moved to Quincy and founded that city, 
where Mr. Wood still resides, and where Mr. Keyes lived until his 
death. 

Amos and Joseph Jackson, David Dutton, Major Hinckley, Par- 
ley Jackson, Daniel Howard, Mr. Rice, Mr. Mitchell and Andrew 
Shearer were also very early settlers in this township, and did much 
for the improvement of the county. 

These early settlers endured many hardships and privations in 
preparing the way for future generations and future prosperity, 
which the people of to-day know not of. They ground their corn 
for food on a hand-mill, and at times crushed it in a hominy block. 
The latter consisted of a hole burnt in a stump or block of wood, 
in which corn was placed and crushed with an iron wedge or mallet. 
In a short time, however, these odd and rude pieces of pioneer ma- 
chinery were replaced by horse-mills. These were generally situ- 
ated eight or ten miles from the settlers here, and although they 
were a great improvement upon the hand-mills and hominy blocks, 
the process of grinding would be considered very slow, indeed, by 



836 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

the people of this day and age of steam-mills. The bovs then 
went to mill on horseback, and seldom ever returned the same day. 
They would congregate under the old shed of the horse-mill while 
waiting for their turn, and there make a fire and parch corn, tell 
jokes, etc. In this way they would pass the night very pleasantly 
without supper or sleep; for the supper could not be had, and there 
was no place to sleep, save on the sacks of corn. 

Then came the days of schools and churches. The first school- 
house erected by the settlers was on sec. 22, in 1825. It was a log 
cabin with a clapboard door, puncheon floor, slab benches for seats 
and a huge fire-place at one end of the room. The desks consisted 
of puncheons supported by pins in the wall; the fire-place had no 
chimney except above the roof; there were two doors, one at each 
side of the fire-place. The fuel used consisted of huge logs, which 
were often di-agged into the house by a horse coming in at one door 
and passing through and out at the other. Around and near the 
fire-place there was no floor except the ground, the puncheon floor 
covering the back part of theroom only. The window consisted of a 
log removed from one side of the room, with greased paper pasted 
over the aperture. The first teacher here was a Mr. Rankin. The 
pioneer teacher was of the ox-driver class, and generally carried a 
large ''gad" in his hands, to maintain order in the school. 

Religious worship was early instituted in the first settlement of 
this township. The first sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Hunter, 
of the Methodist denomination, and the first regularly organized 
religious so3iety was also that of the Methodists. This society first 
worshiped in the house of Mr. Jackson, and afterward in the school- 
house on sec. 22. The Mormons also fio'ured largelv in a Church 
organization here some years later. They at one time had a soci- 
ety of about 100 communicants, and erected a house of worship in 
the northwest part of the township. When the Nauvoo trouble, 
came, however, they left this neighborhood to join their brethren 
at that place. The old Mormon church was afterward moved to 
the Mississippi river, and thei'e used for a warehouse. 

The first white child born in the tp. was Andrew J. Stanley, in 
1823. The first death was that of Mary Jane McDaniel which occurred 
in the autumn of the same year. The first parties married were 
Potter Saxhorn and Matilda Stanley, in the year 1825. 

In those early days the wagons, for the most part, were rudely 
constructed by the settlers themselves, and consisted wholly of 
wood. The wheels were sawn from large sycamore trees, and holes 
were bored in the center, in which to insert the axletrees. The 
farmers often used these wagons in going to mill, hauling their 
produce to market, and fur a conveyance in which to attend 
Church. 

In jiioneer times, when there were scarcely any fences, and not 
land enough ut'der cultivation to stop the great prairie fires which 
occurred in the fall of the year, they proved very disastrous to those 
living on the prairie. This township consists, for the most part. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 837 

of Mississippi river bottom land, a large portion of which is prai- 
rie. The grass on this bottom land grew to an enormous height, 
was very thick, and as high as a man's head while on horseback. 
This grass was so heavj' and thick that when the settlers went a-iish- 
ing in the Sny thej would hitch the team to a large brush or tree 
and drag it through the grass and mash it down, to make a road 
for them to pass over. In the fall of the year this luxuriant growth 
of grass would be set on fire by the Indians or hunters, and espe- 
cially when the wind was high, would sweep resistlessly over the 
whole country, high and low, destroying a great deal of property. 

The pioneers early learned to guard against this destructive ele- 
ment by plowing wide strips of land around their premises and 
around their grain and hay. As soon as the alarm of fire was 
given, each settler would immediately begin to " back fire." This 
was done by setting the g^ftss on fire next outside the plowed strip, 
which would burn slowly and meet the i*apidly advancing flames 
that came rolling in majestic grandeur, from 20 to 30 feet in the 
air. 

This bottom land is now under a high state of cultivation, and 
since the completion of the levee has become one of the richest 
farming districts of America. The land lying between the Sny 
and the Mississippi is timber land, and as fertile as the prairie. It 
is now rapidly being cleared and improved. This district bears 
the appearance of being a new country, however, for wild animals 
are quite numerous here, and also the gray and bald eagle. 

Most of the land in this township was obtained from the Gov- 
ernment at $1.25 per acre, and it was very readily paid for. The 
fur-bearing animals were very plenty here then, and a settler would 
obtain fur enough during the fall and winter to pay for 160 acres 
of land. We have it from good authority that it was not an un- 
common occurrence to see five or six coons in one tree at one time 
during those pioneer days. Mr. Francis Jackson related to us that 
he saw" at one time nine coons in one tree. Snakes also were very 
numerous and annoying, and especially the rattlesnake. The Mis- 
sissippi bluffs, which extend from the northwest to the southeast, 
through this township, were a constant den for the timber rattle- 
snakes, which were from five to eight feet long. The settlers were 
lasting enemies of these reptiles, and finally adopted a plan which 
resulted in their almost total extermination. They fastened beard- 
ed hooks to long poles and thrust these into their dens, drawing 
the snakes out and killing them, until no more snakes could be 
found. This was done in the spring of the year, before the snakes 
could crawl. 

Wild cats, wild hogs, foxes, wolves, panthers and other wild ani- 
mals abounded here when this township was first settled; some of 
which species remain to this day. 

On the N. W. qr. of sec. 29 is a salt spring, which at one time 
afforded considerable salt water. Mr. Keyes carried water from this 
spring to his home, on sec. 22, a distance of a mile and a half, 



838 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

boiled it down, and made salt for family use and for his neighbors. 

As the bluffs extend from the northwest to the southeast through 
the township, the up land is divided from the bottom land, form- 
ing a triangular section. This land is very rough and broken, and 
is underlaid with a heavy bed of limestone, and is consequently 
better adapted to the growing of small grain and fruit than to gen- 
eral farming. There is some excellent farming land along the 
course of Keyes creek, which extends along the eastern portion of 
the township. This creek was named in honor of Mr. Keyes, of 
whom we have spoken in the first part of this sketch. At one time 
this creek and others abounded in countless numbers of fish, and 
thus aided in furnishing the settlers with the necessaries of life. 
Although the pioneers were deprived of many things that are en- 
joyed at the present day, yet they always had abundance to eat 
and wear. If their store clothes or liomtBpun gave way, they would 
simpl}^ construct clothing from the hides of animals. 

The first Justice of the Peace of this township was Major Hinck- 
ley. James Talbert was the first Supervisor. Francis Jackson is 
the oldest settler now residing in the township. He came in 1825, 
and is the only man now living who went from this locality to the 
Black Hawk War. 

NEW CANTON. 

This enterprising town is situated on sees. 9 and 16, Pleasant 
Vale township. It was founded April 2, 1835, by Charles T. Brews- 
ter, Hiram Smith and Jesse Tittsworth. It contains four stores, 
four blacksmith shops, two wagon shops, two carpenter shops, two 
boot and shoe shops, one ])aint shop, one cooper shop, one excellent 
flouring mill, two hotels, one livery stable, one lodge of the Inde- 
pendent Order of the Mutual Aid Society, which was established 
in February, 1880, with a membership of 25 ; and is the residence 
of four physicians. The present population of the town is about 

350. 

There was a church erected here in 1866, which is known as the 
Union Church. It is not owned by any one denomination, but by 
the community in general. There are two Church organizations 
Jiere, — the Methodists and the Baptists. The former is a remnant 
of the original M. E. Church that was organized in pioneer days. 
The Baptists merged the old society into a new one in 1879. The 
music furnished by the young people during the hours of worship 
is excellent. Considerable interest is manifested here in this high 
art, and two choirs have been formed, both of which exhibit supe- 
rior musical talent. 

The first school taught where the village now stands was in a 
dwelling house, by Mr. Hale in 1832. The first school-house was 
a log structure and was erected in 1836. The present building is 
a handsome frame structure, and was erected in 1866. The teacher 
at present is Prof. Warren D. Bigelow, formerly of Ohio. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 839 



PERSONAL SKETCHES. 



Below we make personal mention of the leading citizens of the 
township. 

M. M. Aldrich, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Hannibal, Mo.; was born 
in New York in 1828, and is the son of M. M. and Mary (Herring- 
ton) Aldrich; was educated in the common schools of Michigan, in 
which State he also kept store from 1850 to 1856 ; was a sailor 
on' the lakes 6 years ; he came to Pike county in 1860, settling on 
sec. 6, this tp., where he now owns 350 acres of land; all he is now 
worth he has made within the last 20 years; he has a splendid farm 
in the Mississippi bottom. Mr. A. has been married twice, — the 
first time to Martha Parnell, and they had 3 daughters, 2 of whom 
are living. Mrs. A. died in 1860, and subsequently Mr. A. married 
Catharine Kendall, and of their 7 children 5 are living. Politically, 
Mr. A. is a Democrat. 

John E. Alexander^ farmer, sec. 23 ; P. O., Cincinnati; was born 
in Indiana in 1849, and is the son of William and Mary Ann (Dyke) 
Alexander; was educated in Iowa ; in 1873 he married Mary E. 
Knight, and they have had 2 children, one of whom is deceased. 
Mr. A. owns a good farm, and has the reputation of being an 
honest, industrious man. In politics he is a Republican. 

Jonas Edward Arts, teacher and minister of the Gospel, was 
born in Pennsylvania, and is a son of Israel B. and Elizabeth (Eby) 
Artz, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent; was edu- 
cated at Hamilton College, Hamilton county. 111.; has been preach- 
ing 3 years in the M. E. Church; now attends two or three appoint- 
ments every Sunday, besides teaching, in which latter profession 
he is also successful. P. 0., New Canton. 

Henry B. Atkinson, merchant, New Canton ; was born in St. 
Louis, Mo., in 1842, and is the son of B. H. and Harriet (Morgan) 
Atkinson, father a native of New Jersey, and mother of Pennsyl- 
vania; educated in the common schools of Pike county; in 1868 
he married Orpha M. Witt, and they have had 3 children, 2 of 
whom are living; commenced mercantile business in company with 
his father at Pittsfield in 1865, and came to New Canton in 1876, 
where he has succeeded well, dealing in drugs, medicines, groceries, 
farming im])lements, etc.; also buys and ships grain. New Canton 
is considered by man}^ to be the best grain market in Pike county. 

Elias Baldwin^ farmer, sec. 16; P. 0., New Canton; was born 
in Connecticut May 3, 1816, and is a son of Wm. and Clara (Ives) 
Baldwin, natives also of that State; both his grandfathers drew 
pensions as Revolutionary soldiers; was educated i:i Connecticut; 
came to this county in 1836. In 1846 he married Permelia Safers, 
and they have had one child, Margaret, who is still at home. As a 
farmer, Mr. B. has been successful. 

George BaJzer, butcher. New Canton; was born in Bavaria in 
1845, the son of George and Catharine (Wizenberger) Balzer, na- 
tives of the same country; emigrated to Quincy, 111., in 1847. and 



84.0 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

in 1864 to Pike county; received his education in the graded 
schools, and Ray tfe VeriePs Commercial College one term, and 
Baker's three terms. In 1808 he married Orintha Yearly, and 
thej have had 4 children, all of whom are living. Mr. Ji. com- 
menced his present business two years ago, and so far has pros- 
pered well in it. He commenced clerking at the age of 10 years, and 
continued until he was 16, when he passed muster in the 27th 111. 
Inf., and served in the war 3 years; was in every battle in which 
the Regiment was engaged, and was discharged in 1864. 

Warren D. JBigelow, principal of the New Canton schools; is a 
native of Portage county, 0., and was born Jan. 29, 1845; his pa- 
rents were Johiison and Mary (Lewis) Bigelow; he received a com- 
mon-school education in Ohio, and came to this county in 1865; 
he is a self-made teacher, having obtained the greater part of his 
education while teaching; has now pursued his chosen occupation 
15 years, and at present has charge of the New Canton schools the 
second 3'ear, adopting the latest normal plans. He has been mar- 
ried three times and is the father of 6 children, of whom 5 are liv- 
ing. James AY., Albert D., Elbert J., Mary O. and Lela Maud, 
the last 3 by his present wife. His first two wives died of quick 
consumption. 

WilliaTn Bolln, !New Canton; was born in Jefferson county, 
Ind., and is the son of John and Celia (Sliarp) Bolin, the latter a 
native of Yirginia; Avas educated in the common schools of Indiana 
and Kentucky. He first married America Lawhorne, and by her 
had 11 children, 4 of whom are living; she and 3 of the children 
died in one week. Mr. Bolin afterward married Elizabeth Yano- 
ver, and by her had 2 children, one of whom is living; this Mrs. 
B. died in 1872, and for his third wife Mr. B. selected Miss Nancy 
M. Sharp, and of their 3 children 2 are living. 

Charles N. Brammell^ farmer, sec. 17; P. O., New Canton; 
was born in this county in 1847, and is the son of Thomas and 
Amelia (Butler) Brammell, who emigrated to this county in 1834; 
Charles N. now has charge of his mother's farm, and is doing well; 
he was brought up a farmer, and was educated in the common 
schools of this county. Politically, he is a Democrat. 

Charles T. Brewster^ deceased, was born in New York in 1811; 
remained with his father until 1832, when he bought a piece of 
land on sec. 27 in this tp., and commenced farming; in 1849 he 
went overland w^ith an ox team to California, and engaged success- 
fully in gold mining for 2 years; returning home, he enlarged his 
farming operations, adding the business of stock-raising. He ac- 
cumulated considerable property and was a very popular man in 
his neighborhood; always paid his hands good wages, and promptly; 
one man worked for him 30 years; was Supervisor many years, 
and held other local oflSces. In 1852 he married Miss Melvina 
Percell, and of their 8 children 3 are living, — Charles E., Anna M. 
and Minnie M. Mr. B. died Sept. 3, 1875. We present Mr. 
Brewster's portrait in this volume. 



\ 



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J 



f: 




NEW CANTON 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 843 

)orn in 



Earnson hrowu, farmer; P. O, New Canton; was .uiii m 
Pike county Mo., Feb. 6, 1828, and is a son of Joseph and I^ancy 
C. (Unllen) Brown, natives of Kentucky, and both born in 1798 
near Lexington— father, Aug. 18, and mother, Sept. 17; father was 
ot Irish descent, and mother of Scotch. The subject of tliis sketch 
was the third child (2d son) of a family of 7 children, and is the 
only one living at present; a brother and two sisters died in 1856 
Harrison was educated in this tp., having been brought here by his 
lather m 1829; has been a farmer all his life, except 4 years in 
California gold-mining, 1852-(3. Feb. 25, 1857, he married Eliza 
C Shewe, and of their 7 children only 2 are now living: Joseph 
who was born Oct. 25, 1861, and Mallie, Nov. 3, 1868. He owns' 
440 acres ot land, 420 of it here in one body. Mr. Brown's por- 
trait is given m this volume. 

William S. Coon, carpenter, was born in the town of Fabius 
Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 16, 1819, and is the son of Joseph and 
l^ydia Coon, ot Dutch ancestry; was educated in the common 
schools ot New lork State; at the age of 24 he commenced to 
learn his trade. In 1853 he married Asha A. Ballan, who was 
born in the town of Sandy Creek, Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1835, and 
they have one child, Frank E., who was born in 1865. Mr and 
Mrs. Coon are members of the Christian Church. He is a Re- 
publican. P. O., New Canton, 

George A Butcher, farmer, sec. 17; P.O., New Canton; was 
born Aug. 7, 1840, in the State of New York, and is the son of 
Stephen M and Mary (Hunt) Dutcher, natives of the same State, 
lather of German ancestry, and mother of English. George re- 
ceived his education in the common schools of this county whither 
he emigrated in 1844 or 1845. In 1873 he married Sarah A 

T'^nK^' "S^ ^'^'^-^ ^^^^^ ^'"^^ ^"^ ^^"^^' Stephen A., born Dec. 25 
1875. Mr. Dutcher has taught school 7 or 8 terms in this county' 
and as a tanner he has been successful, now owning 160 acres of 
land. He is a Republican, and a member of the Christian Church. 

F. Jd. JJavts, New Canton, was born in Fountain county, Ind 
in 1826, and is the son of Robert and Amanda (Blair) Davi's the 
former a native of Kentucky, and mother of Indiana, and of Sc'otch 
descent; was brought to this county in 1829, settling in Kinder- 
hook, where he received his education. In 1851 he married Eliza 
Shipman, and of their 5 children but two are livino-. The same 
year he moved to New Canton, where he engaged fn mercantile 
business until 1862, when he was elected Sheriff; serving two years 
m that office he resumed his mercantile business until 1878, when 
he sold out. Mr. Davis has also pleaded law to some extent, with 
success. _ In politics he is a Democrat. He has seen this county 
in Its primitive wild state, with deer, wolves, etc., in abundance. 

W^U^am A. Davis, New Canton, was born in Marietta, Wash- 
ington Co., Ohio, in 1820, the son of Stephen and Patience 
(Springer) Davis, natives of Maine. Of his 6 children 5 are living 
and all married but one; 4 reside in this county, and one in Car- 



844 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

roll county, Mo. Most of his life Mr. Davis has followed the river; 
piloted a tlat-boat for 20 years, and has traveled 4,000 miles. In 
his young-er days he worked 2 years at the carpenter's trade, and 
works at it some yet. He owns 40 acres of land, besides a honse 
and lot. In politics he is a Democrat. 

James Emerson^ farmer, sec. 8; P. O., New Canton; was born 
Dec. 21, 1836, in Ohio, and is the son of Ephraim and Elizabeth 
(Wallace) Emerson, father a native of Maryland, and mother of 
Ohio, and qf German descent; was brought to this county in 1S38 
by his parents in emigration, and here received his education in 
the common school. March 10, 1859, he married Lydia Yearly, 
and their 3 children are all living. He owns 60 acres of land, and 
in politics is a Republican. 

Cioero Gard, farmer, sec. 10; P. O., New jOanton ; was born in 
Barry tp., this county, in 1836, and is the son of M. and Clarissa 
(Baker) Gard, father a native of Yirginia, and of English and Irish 
descent, and mother a native of Ohio, and of English descent; 
educated at Knox College, Galesburg, 111. Oct. 23, 1860, he mar- 
ried Lydia Halstead, and of their 4 children 2 are living. He 
owns 80 acres of land, and as a farmer he has been successful. In 
politics he is a Republican. 

Lorenzo Gard^ farmer, brother of the preceding, was born in 
"Washington county, O., April 15, 1818; was educated mostly in 
the common schools of this county; in 1841 he taught school 6 
months. In 1843 he married Maro:aret Yearlv, and of their 7 chil- 
dren 5 are livino^ one sinijie, "and all living in this countv. Mr 
Gard came to Pike county in 1831 and settled near New Canton, 
where he still lives. When his father came here he had only 6^ 
cents in money, but now he has 300 acres of land. Mr. Gard has 
seen this country in its wild state, and has experienced the poverty 
and hardships of pioneer times. In politics he is a Republican. 

8eth Gard. Prominent among the business men of New Canton, 
is the subject of this sketch, Mr. Seth Gard, who was born in this 
county in 1832, and although comparatively a young man he is 
classed among the early inhabitants of Pike county; is the son of 
Robert and Martha (Putnam) Gard, natives of Ohio. In 18T9 Mr. 
G. was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Philli])S. who is a mem- 
ber of the M. E. Church. Mr. Gard started in life without much 
of this world's o-oods, or, as the savin": is, "bare-handed;" he first 
worked by the month on a farm, l)ut at present is the Postmaster 
at New Canton, and keeps a grocerj^ store, etc. As a business man 
he is prompt, obliging, and enjoys a fair share of the trade of the 
place; he is a Republican in politics, and has been Postmaster at 
New Canton since 1873. 

Eugene Gray is a native of this county, and was born in 1829; 
his parents were Thomas T. and Mary F. (Crandall) Gray, natives 
of ^QVi York, who came to Pike county the year of his birth. Our 
subject has spent the most of his life in mercantile pursuits ; he 
first beffan to clerk in the store of Mowrv & Massie at New Can- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 845 

ton, and since 1872 has been a full partner with Mr. M. D. Massie, 
and as a firm they have met with success. In 1862 he enlisted in 
the 68th 111. Inf., and the following year entered the 28th 111. Inf., 
and was mustered out in 1866. During the last year of the service 
he was Quartermaster Sergeant, and prior to that he was most of 
the time on detached duty as Clerk. Politically Mr. G. is a Ee- 
publican, is a member of the Town Board of New Canton, and 
Treasurer of Pleasant Vale tp. Mr. G. was married in 1868 to 
Lydia Ware, who is a member of the Baptist Church. 

T. A. Hayden^ farmer, sec. 8; P. O., J^ew Canton ; is the son of 
J. and Elizabeth (Barnard) Hayden, and was born in Missouri in 
1844; his father, who was of Irish ancestry, and also his mother, 
who was of English descent, were born in that State. He received 
his education in the common schools of his native State, and for a 
time engaged in teaching. He came to Pike county in 1873, and 
embarked in farming; in 1869 he was married to Clara E. Freeman, 
who has borne him 9 children, 3 of whom are living. 

E. K. Highee, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., JNew Canton; was born in 
Adams county. 111., April 6, 1839; his parents, Elias and Sarah 
(Ward) Higbee, were natives of Ohio; he received his education in 
the common schools and the Griggsville high school. He form- 
erly engaged in the mercantile business at Detroit and 4 years in 
Missouri, and in 1875 came to this tp., where he is farming 3 quar- 
ters of land. In 1864 he was united in marriage with Mana L. 
Peebles, who is a member of the Church. Politically Mr. H. is a 
Democrat. 

John B. Hill, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., New Canton. The parents 
of our subject, Isaac W. and Tabitha Hill, were both natives of 
Franklin county, Ya., and of Irish ancestry. John B. was born in 
Tennessee in 1824, received his early education in the common 
schools of Scott county, III, whither his parents had moved, and 
was married to his first wife, Emily A. Sraithson, in 1843; she died 
in 1844, and the following year he was married to Millie E. Taylor, 
and they have 12 children, 10 of whom are living, 7 boys and 3 
girls. Mr. H. came to Pike county in 1866 and engaged in farming. 

Z. G. Hosford, deceased, was born in the State "of New York, 
Jan. 15, 1811, and obtained his education in the public schools of 
that State. His early occupation was that of carpenter and mill- 
wright. He emigrated to this county in 1842, and he has built 
several mills in this county; he followed mining in California 3 
years, between 1850 and 1854. Dec. 19, 1844, he married Mary 
Smith, and of their 6 children 3 are living; one daughter is mar- 
ried to Andrew Cruse. Mr. H. died Nov. 18, 1874, the owner of 
a steam saw-mill, house and lot, and 700 acres of land; at one time 
during life he owned 1,200 acres. Politically he was a Democrat. 
Mrs. Hosford, who is a member of the Dunkard Church, is keepino- 
a first-class boarding-house in New Canton, in company with her 
daughter. 



846 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

George W. House, farmer, sec. 23, 5 S., 6 W. ; P. O., New Can- 
ton ; was born in Ohio in 1823, the son of Willard and Deborah 
(Emerson) House, natives of Maryland, fatlier of German and Irish 
descent and mother of German and Scotch; was educated in the 
common schools of Ohio. In 1853 lie married Frances Jane Carter, 
and they have had 6 children, 5 of whom are livin^^. Mrs. House died 
Sept. 15, 18Y5. He came to Pike county in 1844, and now owns 
178 acres of land. He worked by the month until he got a start. 
Has worked some at carpentering. Spent one year in Arkansas 
and Mississippi. In politics Mr. H. is a Republican. 

James S. Hyde, farmer, New Canton, was born in this county in 
1844, and is the son of J. F. and Eliza (Seeley) Hyde; educated 
in the Pittstield high school; by occupation is a farmer; in 1878 
lie married Ilachel Smith, and they have one child, Mary E. He 
owns 320 acres of land, and for the last 18 months he has kept a 
livery stable in New Canton. He has just bonght the right for 
the State, to sell the patent Band-cutter, to cut bands of the sheaves 
of grain for threshing-machines. He is now introducing it, and it 
gives entire satisfaction, it being superior to the old method of cut- 
ting with knives, which was always a dangerous process. Where 
this cutter is used the feeder can safely reach for the bundles with- 
out having to look up every time to dodge a knife. 

F. J. Jackson, farmer; P. O., New Canton; was born in Ken- 
tucky in 1815, and is the son of Vincent and Jane (Shearer) Jack- 
son, father from Maryland and of English descent, and mother 
from Pennsvlvania and of Irish descent. His father havino' died 
when he was but 6 years old, he was brought up by a kind step- 
father, Mr. Henry Parker; his education was obtained by attending 
school 3 months a year in the old-fashioned log school-house. In 
1839 he married Louisa Ferry, and of their 7 children 2 are living, 
both married and living in this county. He was brought to this 
county in 1825, the family settling on sec. 21, this tp. He was in 
the Black Hawk war under Capt. Petty. As a farmer he has been 
successful. He is a Republican and a granger, and has been Com- 
missioner of Highways, Road Overseer and School Director. 

Ehen Jordan, farmer, sec. 27; P. O., Cincinnati; was born in 
Maine in 1833, and is the son of Richard and Sarah (Dotty) Jordan, 
natives also of Maine; was educated in the public schools of his 
native State. In 1848 he married Mary Wheeler, and of the 9 
children born to them 8 are living, 6 boys and 2 girls. He came 
to Pike county in 1877, from Portland, Me. Mr. Jordan, although 
of a literary turn of mind, is a hard-working, energetic laborer on 
his farm, where he is doing well. In politics he is a Democrat. 

John Judd, railroad section overseer, New Canton, was born in 
Germany in 1834, the son of Frank Judd; came to America in 
1845 and to this county in 1851; lived at Cincinnati Landings 
years, then came to New Canton, where in 1861 he married Jane 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 847 

Saxbury, and they have had 3 children. Mrs. J, is a daa^^hter of 
early pioneers of this county, her parents being the first couple 
married after the county-seat was moved to Pittsfield. Her mother 
carried the banner at the old settlers' meeting in 1879, but died the 
same year. Mr. Judd's early life was spent in a tobacco factory. 
Since 1873 he has been in the employ of the C, B. & Q. R. R. 
Has never had any accident happen on his part of the road. Mrs. 
J. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

Charles A. Kendall^ formerly school-teacher, now farmer, sec. 
13 ; P. O., New Canton; was born in Ohio in 1833, and is the son 
of Richard and Ann (Brown) Kendall, natives of New Jersey; ob- 
tained his education mostly by his own exertions outside the 
school-room; has gone to school but 2 months since he was 10 
years of age, but his scholarship entitles him to a first-grade cer- 
tilicate to teach; has taught school 20 years. In 1860 he married 
Eveline Fesler, and of their 8 children 6 are living. In 1852 he 
came from St. Louis, Mo., to this county, on the steamer " Golden 
Era," and first settled at Eldara. He owns 140 acres of land, and 
has been farming since 1862. 

H. IT. Kceller, jr., station agent,New Canton, was born in Perry 
this county, Feb. 10, 1855, and is the son of H. H. Koeller, sr., the 
patentee of '* Koeller'.s Corn-Planter." The latter mentioned and 
his wife emigrated from Germany to this country in 1848, stopping 
at first with his brother-in-law. Mi*. Thiele, at Perry. Observing the 
method then in vogue of planting corn with hoes, he set to work in- 
venting a machine to do the work better; he succeeded, and com- 
menced the manufacture of the planters at Perry on a small scale which 
was greatly enlarged, an extensive establishment being put up and 
run at Camp Point, where Mr. KoiUer was general superintendent; 
but the company there becoming insolvent, Mr. K. went into other 
business at St. Louis, Mo., and Leadville, Col., which was more 
remunerative. Mr. Koeller, jr., spent the greater part of his boy- 
hood with his uncle, Mr. Thiele, his mother having died when he 
was an infant; he afterward joined his father at Camj) Point, 
where he received his education in the Maplewood High School, 
and later at tlie Gem City Business College, Quincy, 111. Return- 
ing to Camp Point he entered the service of the company as trav- 
eling salesman; in 2 years he was appointed assistant secretary, 
which position he filled until the company became insolvent ; he 
then entered the grain and agricultural implement trade at Car- 
thage, 111., in wliicli business, however, he did not do well ; he 
then came to New Canton and took his present place. July 15, 
1877, he married Mary Ziegler, of Camp Point, and they have a 
son, Walter H. 

Dr. John S. Lockwood was born in Kent county, Del., Jan. 10, 
1840, and is the son of JdIiu and Ann (Slay) Lockwood, of Eng- 
lish descent. Until 17 years of age the subject of this sketch 
spent his time on the farm, in store and at school; graduated in 
the scientific and classical courses at Fairfield Seminary, New 



848 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

York; then visited Missouri, taught school 2 months in Adams 
county, 111.; returned to New York and spent a winter studying 
at Schenectady; on account of declining health he abandoned the 
collegiate course and returned to Delaware, where he entered mer- 
cantile business, which lie followed 2 years; commenced as sales- 
man in a wholesale establishment in Philadelphia, but not liking 
the business he began the study of medicine with Dr. Paine, in 
the Eclectic Medical College in that city; traveled East and West 
in search of a medical college in which to complete his studies, 
settling on the Keokuk College; having spent nearly all his means 
traveling, he confined his eating to dry bread and beans during 
the iirst term of study; in the summer of 1865 he graduated with 
honor, but not having the means to commence practice, he went 
into Adams county, lib, and worked on a farm until fall, and dur- 
ing the winter taught the Cliola school; then entered partnership 
with Dr. John Torrence at Quincy in the practice of his profession; 
in the fall of 1866 he came to New Canton, where he has since 
resided. In 1873 he went to St. Louis, New York and Philadel- 
phia to attend medical lectures, and in the spring of 1874 grad- 
uated at the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and the Mis- 
souri Medical College at St. Louis. In December of that year he 
married Miss Ella, daughter of Eben Clauson, a pioneer in this 
section, and who has been Supervisor two terms, and has held other 
important town offices. The Doctor has been very successful as a 
physician, and moderately so financially. He owns several houses 
and lots in New Canton, is entirely free from debt, and has money 
at interest. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religion a free- 
thinker, as almost all doctors are, but is liberal toward all sects and 
parties. What he has accumulated in property has all been by 
his own unaided exertions. 

Cayt. M. D. Massie, of New Canton, was born in Pittsfield, 
this county, Jan, 21, 1838, and is the son of John Gr. and Mary 
(Shaw) Massie, the former a native of Kentucky, the latter of New 
York; parents were married in Derry tp., in 1837. Mr. M,'s boy- 
hood was passed in Pike county, Mo., and Pike county. 111.; 
received a common-school education, and was engaged as clerk and 
book-keeper until 1862, when he enlisted as a private in the Pike 
county regiment, 99th 111. Inf., and served 3 years; was promoted 
Captain, and also acted as Adjutant; was in all the battles of the 
Regiment save one. After the war he engaged in mercantile bus- 
iness at New Canton, dealing in a general assortment of goods, 
and also running a mill; has been in the business now for 15 years, 
with success. In 1866 he married Mary E. Morev, and thev have 
had 3 children — all now living. In 1872 he was elected a mem- 
ber of the 28th General Assembly, and at the close of his term was 
offered a re-election, but refused on account of declining health. 
We give Mr. Massie's portrait in this volume. 

Joseph McFarland, deceased, was born in Ireland in 1840; 
lived in this county about 20 years, when he died, aged 39 years 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, 849 

and 7 months. In 1872 he married Mary Kelly, daughter of Na- 
than Kelly, and they had 2 daughters ^and 1 son. Mr. Mc. F. held 
responsible public positions, followed clerking awhile, and farming 
for a portion of his life. At the time of his death he owned 347|- 
acres of land, besides property in town. He was successful in 
whatever he undertook. Mrs. Mc. F. resides on sec. 27; P. O., 
New Canton, 

William. H. Odiorne^ merchant, Cincinnati, was born in Pike 
county, 111., in 1845, and is the son of Eben and Ann (Wingert) 
Odiorne, father a native of Massachusetts and mother of Ohio ; 
received his education at Rockport, 111., and at Jones Commercial 
College at St. Louis, Mo., at which latter place he graduated in 
1864. In 1876 he married Addie C. Hendricks, and their only 
child, Elmer, died when one year old. Mr. O. has been in mer- 
cantile business the most of his life, and been successful. He 
came to Cincinnati in 1876, whece he is Postmaster and ticket 
agent, and has been School Treasurer several terms. In politics he 
is a Republican. 

Samuel Pfrimmer^ New Canton, was born in Harrison county, 
Ind., Jan. 16, 1837, and is the son of John George and Sarah 
(Friedly) Pfrimraer, father a native of Pennsylvania and of Ger- 
man and French descent, and mother a native of Indiana and of 
English descent. Has attended school but three months in his 
life. March 15, 1868, he married Kate Mosier, and the)' have had 
2 sons, George, born Jan. 15, 1869, and Cliarles, born March 9, 
1870, Mr. P. came to this county in 1844, settling on sec. 23, 5 s., 
7 w., this tp. Has been a farmer most of his life, and has followed 
flat-boating some. He now owns 158 acres of land. He is a 
Democrat, and has been School Director 3 years; has had charge 
of the light-house one mile above the landing at Cincinnati, this 
tp. In 1861 he enlisted in Company I, 28th 111. Inf., under Capt. 
Hurt, and was discharged in 1864; was in all the battles of the 
Regiment. 

Alexander K. Ross, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., New Canton; was 
born in Pennsylvania in 1838, and is the son of John and Eliza- 
be'th (McDaniel) Ross, natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch an- 
cestry; obtained his education in the public schools of his native 
State; emigrated to this county in 1860; in 1862 he enlisted in 
Co. E, 78th 111. Inf., and was discharged in July, 1865, having 
been in all the battles of the Regiment but one; was 3d Sergeant. 
In 1878 he married Malvina Brewster. He owns 100 acres o 
land. In politics is a Republican. 

NatJianiel Shearer, i^iYvaev, sec. 10; P. O., New Canton; was 
born in this county Dec. 26, 1839, and is the son of Andrew and 
Harriet (Parker) Shearer, the former of Irish descent and born in 
1800, and the latter of German descent and born in 1806; they 
came to this county in 1822, settling on the present homestead. 
Mr. S. died May 13, 1853, and Mrs S. resides with her son, Na- 
thaniel was educated in the asylum for the deaf and dumb at Jack- 



850 HISTORY OF PIKK COUNTV. 

sonvillo, 111. lie is a fanner, now ovviiinor five shares in 80 acres 
of land, wliich property he has earned by his own exertions. Sept. 
23, 1868, he was married at Brigliton, III, to Miss Rebecca Berry, 
by whom he has had 3 children, Luther, Ellen and Eddie B. Mr. 
and Mrs. S. are deaf and dmnh. Tier father is a carj)enter at 
Brighton, and she has one brother and two sisters who are also 
deaf and dumb. One sister married James W. Walker and resides 
in Dakota, Stephenson county. 111., and one sister is matron of the 
State Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb at Jacksonville. Her brother 
is a tobacco dealer at Brighton. 

Alonzo Sheioe., New Canton, was born in Washington county, 
O., in 1848, and is the son of Solomon and Ellen (Willis) Shewe; 
his father was born in Pennsylvania and of German descent, and 
his mother was born in Virginia and of Irish descent; he was edu- 
cated in the public schools in this county. In 1866 he married 
Miss E. Gillan,and they have 3 children. Mr. S. has run a thresh- 
ing-machine ever since he was 19 years of age; at present he uses 
a steam thresher and a steam wood saw; can saw 10 to 12 cords 
of wood in 10 hours. He also ran the first patent band-cutter 
ever used in this State. In politics he is a Democrat. 

S. P. Sheioe^ sec. 17; P. (3., New Canton; was born in Ohio in 
1820 and is the son of Martin and Leona (Dunbar) Shewe, the 
former a native of Ohio and of German descent, and the latter of 
Yirginia ; was educated in the public schools of his native State. 
His first marriage was to Caroline Atkinson, by whom he had 4 
children, only 1 now living; his second marriage was to Sarah 
Baughman. Mr. Shewe came to Pike county in 1844, and has 
lived in the county ever since. When he first came here he had 
but 75 cents, but is now worth at least $2,000 ; has made all he 
owns by honest labor; politically he is a Democrat. 

John \V. Smith, farmer, sec. 6; P. O., Hannibal, Mo.; was born 
in Pennsylvania in 1844, being the son of Henry and Mary (Clair) 
Smith, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent ; was edu- 
cated in the public schools of Adams county. 111. In 1866 he 
married Hattie Breslar, and they have had 4 cliildren. He came 
to Pike county in 1868, and now is on a farm of 120 acres. He is 
a Democrat, 

J. W. Stephenson, Cincinnati, was born in Kentucky May 20, 
1816, tlie son of James and Margaret (Clinton) Stephenson, natives 
of the sunny South and of Irish descent; was brought to this State 
by his ])arents in 1819; June 6,. 1841, he married Mary Eliza 
Allen, and 6 of their 9 children are living. In 1861 Mr. S. en- 
listed in Co. E, 27th 111. Inf.. and was wagon master of the Regi- 
ment. Mr. S. seems to like frontier life, as he has followed close 
after the Indians in three States; but he is a quiet, unassuming 
man. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion he is a Pres- 
byterian. His wife, who was also a Presbvterian, died March 6, 
1880. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 851 

Amos Stout, farmer, sec. 7; P. O,, Hannibai, Mo.; was born in 
Butler county, O., in 1S34, and is the sun of Ijel and Julia (Briant) 
Stout, natives of Ohio, and of German descent; received his educa- 
tion in the public schools of Ohio; came to Pike county in 1851; 
was married in 1856 to Miss Kate Hall, and the}^ have 4 children 
living. Mr. Stout is a farmer, occupying 500 acres of land, and 
has great promise of success; he had nothing to start with. Politi- 
cally he is a Republican. 

Nicholas Sttcmp, farmer; P. O.. Cincinnati; was born in Ohio, 
in 1839, the son of George and Mary (Risher) Stump, natives of 
Pennsvlvania and of German descent; received his education in 
the public schools of Iowa, principally in Independence. In 1860 
he married Ann J. Smith, and they have had 1 children. In 
Iowa Mr. S. was in the mercantile business 3 years. He came to 
Pike county in 1875, since which time he has been farming and 
keeping the warehouse at Cincinnati Landing; has been successful 
in his business. Has been School Director, and politically he is a 
Democrat. Mr. S. is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

Isaac Tamsett, shoemaker and cutter, jM^ew Canton, was born in 
England in 1815, and is the son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Goodman) 
Tamsett; f?ther was commander of revenue in England. The subject 
of this notice obtained his education in the mother land. In 1836 
he married Sarah Smith, and they have had two sons, both mar- 
ried, one living in this county and the other in Missouri. Mr. T. 
came to America in 1846, landing at ISTew Orleans, in 1849 to Pitts- 
field, and in 1861 to New Canton. He has traveled a gi-eat deal, 
and has worked at his trade in England, France, Belgium and this 
country, besides visiting Ireland, Wales and the West Indies; once 
suffered shipwreck. Mr. T. is an interesting converser, having seen a 
great deal of tins world. Politically he is a Democrat, and his 
wife is a member of the Baptist Church. 

George Ttpler, farmer; P. O., Barry; was born in England, at 
Eckington, Lincolnshire; he is a son of George and Sarah Ann 
(Baten) Tipler; although he never attended school he can read and 
write, and he has a very retentive memory; in the old country he 
was a shepherd boy, but since he has been in this country he has 
followed farming, and is a horse and cattle doctor. He came to 
America in 1853, settling the same year at New Canton. At first 
he worked by the month at $18 per month, and his wife taught 
school. Her maiden name was Ann Bunning, and they were mar- 
ried in 1846, June 11. Mr. T. now owns 207 acres of good land. 
In religion he is a Latter-Day Saint, and in politics he votes for 
the best man. 

Franklin Tittswortli, farmer, sec. 15; was born Jan. 12, 1826, 
in Tennessee; was brought to this county in the spring of 1831; 
went to California in 1849 and returned in 1852; June 9, 1853, he 
married Miss Adeline Browning. Children: Thomas, Charles, Al- 
bert, Myram, Elmer, Franklin, Frederic, and two deceased, Jessie 
and an infant. Mr. T. owns 480 acres of land, worth $40 per acre, 



852 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

and he resides two miles west of Eldara, which is his P. O. address. 
Politicall}- lie is a Democrat. 

Bradford Upplnghouse^ miller, New Canton; was born in 
Jackson county, Ind., in 1820, and is the son of James and Me- 
linda (Helms) Uppinghouse, natives of Pennsylvania, father of Ger- 
man and mother of Scottish descent; obtained his education in the 
common schools of his native State. In ISIT he married Christi- 
na Clark, and their 6 children are all living. He arrived in Pike 
county June 8, 1865, and has been in New Canton most of the 
time since. Politically he is a Pepublican. 

James Wallace^ farmer, sec. 28; P. O., New Canton; was born 
in Ohio in 1816, and is the son of John and Catharine (Straira); 
father a native of Virmnia and Scottish descent, mother born in 
Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. Nathaniel Wallace, a 
t;randfather of James, was a Scotchman and a captain under Lord 
Cornwallis. James received his education in the common schools 
of Ohio; he married Sarah Ann Blacklidge in 1836; of their 12 
children 5 are living,"all married, and residing in this county. Mr. 
Wallace's early occupation was that of a stone-mason, but has been 
farming the most of his life, in which business he has well suc- 
ceeded, and now owns 240 acres of land; he first settled on sec. 24 
in this tp., but is now on sec. 28. He has taken 10 degrees in 
Masonry. Politically he is a Democrat. He has been Supervisor 
9 years, Road Commissioner 6 years, School Trustee 4 years, and is 
now School Director. Mrs, W. is a member of the M. E. Church. 

James Wheela?i, blacksmith, sec. 1; P.O., New Canton; was 
born in Ireland in 1836, and is the son of Richard and Mary 
(Scully) Wheelan ; came to America in 1848; received his educa- 
tion in the public schools of St. Louis, Mo.; came to Pike county 
in 1855, settling in New Canton; in 1856 he married Isabella 
Brown, and they had 7 children; she died in 1873; in 1877 Mr. 
W. married Elizabeth Brown, a consin of his first wife. He also 
carries on farming, owning 160 acres of land; his house on the farm 
cost $2,000. He has been successful in both businesses. In poli- 
tics he is a Democrat, and keeps well posted. 



KINDERHOOK TOWNSHIP. 

This township lies directly west of Barry and north of Pleasant 
Vale, and consists largely of Mississippi bottom land, which is the 
most fertile land in Illinois. Onr description of the land as i^iven 
in the sketch of Pleasant Yale township will apply as well to Kin- 
derhook. The first settlers of this township were David Cole, Bird 
Brewer, Mr. Lyle, Amasa Shinn, Mr. McCraney, James Hull, 
Charles Smith, Charles and James Stratton, C. DevoU, Thomas 
Orr and othei's. Mr. McCraney made improvements in the center 
of the township on the creek which has since borne his name. 

Great credit is due these pioneers for their untiring efforts in 
settling and improving this country. Indians were numerous 
here then, and the wild animals roamed at will over this then wild 
country. The settlers had to go to Bear creek, above Quincy, to 
have their milling done. There was a corn-mill run by oxen on 
Hadley creek two miles above Kinderhook, owned by W. M. Blair, 
which proved a great convenience. These early pilgrims first lived 
in log cabins, with stick chimneys, puncheon floors, clapboard 
doors fastened together by wooden pins, and with only a single 
four-light window. Mr. Thomas Hull first lived in a house with 
uo window at all. The family would build a large fire and leave 
the door open. On one occasion the Indians came to the house of 
Mr. Hull, when Mrs. Hull was alone, begging for something to eat. 
Mrs. H., however, could not understand them and would not let 
them into the house. They pointed to some pumpkins, signifying 
their desire to have some of them. Of these she willingly gave 
them as many as they could carry. 

Mr. Orr tells us that he has killed many a deer and wolf in his 
neighborhood. He saw at one time as many as seven deer in one 
herd. The wolves were very troublesome and would frequently 
run the sheep to the house during the day-time ; and at night, Mr. 
Orr states, they had to corral the sheep at one end of the house. 

In the pioneer days boys very frequently met with encounters 
before which the modern boy would quail. In a very early day 
Wm. J. Talbert, of this township, and his brother Basil were sent 
some distance from home on an errand. As usual, they took their 
dog and gun (for these were necessary companions in those days), 
and started on their journey through the wild country. When near 
the Sn}', in the Mississippi valley, they encountered a huge buck, 
with immense antlers; and although a boy, William could not re- 



854 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

sist the temptation of bringin*; down such fine game. He shot 
him, but succeeded only in breaking one of his legs. Lest the deer 
sliould hobble off beyond reach and be lost, he immediately rushed 
forward and caught him by the horns. His faithful dog soon came 
to his assistance and laid hold of one of the deer's ears. In this way all 
three tussled around and around for some time, neither being al)le 
to gain much advantage. At last AVilliam took out his old knife, 
which had no back spring, and attempted to cut the deer's throat, 
using his fingers as a spring to support tlie blade. In this attempt, 
however, he failed. He then opened the little blade, plunged it 
into the deer and it broke off". He again returned to the use of the 
big blade, using his fingers for a back.S])ring, as before. All this 
time the deer kept tussling and bleeding, while the faithful dog kept 
tugging away at his ear. Basil stood a few rods away, calling with 
all his might to his brother to come away, fearful that the deer 
would kill him. William soon got astride the deer's shoulders 
and faithfully jabbed away with his old, backless knife, and, with 
the assistance of the dog, he finally succeeded in killing the deer. 
But this was not all. If they left their game there the wolves would 
soon devour it, and it was too heavy for them to carry ; and so the 
ingenuity often manifested in pioneer times, and which would have 
been commendable in older heads, was manifested by these young 
brothers in order to save the deer. They bent a sapling, upon 
which they hung the deer, and when straightened it lifted the deer 
some distance from the ground. Then William hung his vest up 
by it, which had the desired effect of keeping all animals from it, 
and notifying the hunters that it was the game of another party. 

KINDERHOOK. 

The town of Kinderhook was founded in 1836 by Chester 
Churchill and Bridge Whitten. The first settler in the town was 
Peter Harper. The first store was kept by Mr. Churchill. The 
village now contains several stores, blacksmith shops, a flour mill, 
and other industries. It also has a graded school and two church 
edifices located here. Many of the early pioneers of Kinderhook 
have passed away, and it is with difficulty that its earlier history is 
obtained. We acknowledge our indebtedness to Samuel Clark and 
others for valuable information received from this neighborhood. 

Kinderhook Exchange Mills. — This establishment was erected 
in 1871 by Blain & Steers, who operated it for about four years. 
It then fell into the hands of Elijah McA.tee and Dr. Penick. This 
firm sold out in 1877 to E. B. Hyde and C. C. Colvin, who oper- 
ated it about two years, when they sold it to J. C, Colvin, who a 
few months later took Wm. Fantz as a partner. They ruu four 
sets of burrs, and do a large business. They make an excellent 
quality of flour, which meets with a ready sale in the New York 
markets. 

Kinderhook Puhlio Schools. — The high-school department of 
the Kinderhook schools is in an excellent running order under the 



HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 865 

management of Prof. Elkanah Sellers, who conducts the school on 
the latest Normal plan. The recitations of the B. class in geogra- 
phy are given in writing by the entire class upon the blackboard. 
This work is examined the following morning and criticised, the 
pupils generally manifesting great interest in their studies. The 
school building is a large two-story brick structure, and contains 
three rooms. 

CHURCHES. 

Kinderhook Baptist Church. — This society was organized Jan. 
28, 1859, at the honse of David Devol, by Elder JS". Kinne. Mr. 
Kinne was chosen Chairman, and Mr. Devol Clerk, of this meeting. 
He was then elected permanent Clerk, and shortly afterward S. 
Sprague and S. B. Gaines were chosen Deacons. Rev. Wm. Cleve- 
land was called as their first Pastor. The congregation erected a 
house of worship in 1864, which was dedicated in October, 1865, 
by Elder N. Kinne. The present membership is 200. The Church 
has sustained a Sunday-school ever since it was organized. 

Akers M. E. Church. — This Church was organized over 40 years 
ago, and although we worked assiduously to obtain its history, as 
well as that of the other M. E. Church, we fail to receive very much 
satisfactory information. The present church edifice of the Akers 
Society, which was the second one erected, was built in 1868-9. It 
is constructed of brick, and cost about $5,500. 

hull's. 

This town is located on sec. 21, and at the junction of the Wabash 
and the Quincy, Alton & St. Louis Railroads. It was laid out in 
December, 18Y1, by David Hull, Rensellaer Sweet and William 
Bridge. It is situated in the midst of one of the finest agricultural 
districts in the county, and has promise of making a nice local 
town. 

BIOGRAPHICAL DEPARTMENT. 

In alphabetical order we speak of many of the leading citizens of 
Kinderhook. 

James B. Allen., druggist, was born in South Carolina, March 
18, 1824, and is a son of Josiali Allen, deceased. He came to Bike 
county in 1850, and pursued the mason's trade until 1874, when he 
engaged in his present business. He is engaged in general mer- 
chandising and carries a stock of $4,000, consisting of a full line of 
drugs, groceries, boots and shoes, queensware, and occupies a two- 
story brick block, which he erected in 1876 at a cost of about $4,000. 
Mr. Allen did the mason work on the Barry high-school building. 
In 1852 he married Sarah, daughter of the late Judge Alfred Grubb, 
of this county. Mrs. Allen was born in Kentucky, April 2, 1828. 
Mr. and Mrs. Allen have 5 children, — Alfred, Mary E., Edward C, 
Bessie and Fannie. 

Alexander Anderson was born in Reading, Berks county, Fa., 
and is a son of Edward Anderson, deceased, who came to this 
county in 1845. Alex, came with his father and euffasred with him 



856 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

in the mercantile business in Kinderhook until the death of the 
latter, which occurred in 1848. Mr. Anderson then engaged in 
farming until 1878; then formed a partnership with Frank Ester- 
gren, but in 1879 the firm dissolved, and Mr. A. went into business 
for himself. He now carries a general stock of hardware, furniture, 
etc., and also has a harness shop attached and does a good business. 
In 1847 he married Anice Hull, daughter of James Hull, deceased, 
an early pioneer of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have had 
9 children, of whom 6 are living, — Elizabeth, Edward, Marks, 
James, Charles and Alexander. 

Clement V. Ayles worth was born in New York in 1848, lived 
there until he was 5 years old, thenjnoved with his parents to Pike 
county, 111., and remained there until 1861; then moved to Wis- 
consin and remained there until 1870, then returned to this county. 
Jan. 26, 1871, he married Sarah Z. Dutton of this county. Their 
2 chjildren are Elbert and Myrtle; they are both members of the M. 
E. Church. He is engaged in butchering, also carries on the con- 
fectionery business. He owns a dwelling house and two lots in 
Kinderhook, and is an enterprising, industrious business man and 
a good citizen. In politics he is a Republican. 

Susan Benson was born in Butler county, O., in 1823, and lived 
there until she was^ 15 years of age, when she moved with her 
parents to this county. At the age of 21 she married Macom Col- 
man, and they had 4 children, — James Thomas, John Macom, 
George and Catharine. After the death of Mr. Colman Mrs. C. 
married Thomas Benson and they had 2 children, Lydia Margaret 
and Linosa Lee. Mrs. Benson is a member of the Baptist Church 
and politically is a Democrat. She owns 61 acres of land and fol- 
lows farming. 

Edmund T. Bridge was born in Augusta county, Va., Dec. 15, 
1837. His father left Augusta county and moved to Lewis county 
in 1847, and in 1853 moved to Fayette county, Ohio, and after 
living there one year, moved to Hancock county. 111., and when 
there enlisted in the 119th Reg. of III. Vol., and remained until 
Aug., 1865, and since then has been living in this tp. Feb. 14, 
1867, he married Mary A. Sweet, and their children are 2 boys and 
1 girl. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church. 
Mr. B. followed farming until 1872, and since then has been en- 
gaged in merchandising at Hull's Station, and is an enterprising 
business man, and in politics is a Republican. Heowns 50 acres 
of land, three houses and three lots, and a dry-goods store. 

Mrs. Mary (7A«se, farmer, sees. 33 and 36; was born in Pennsyl- 
vania in 1821, and lived with her parents until she was 10 years 
old. They moved to Ohio and remained there until 1844, then to 
Indiana, and lived there 2 years, then came to this county, where 
she \v,u in iri-ie 1 N" )v. 20, L841, to Alonzo Chase. Their chil- 
dren were, Daniel, William Lanson, Samantha, Sarah Frances, Alice 
Melvina and Isadora. She owns 134 acres of land, and is a Demo- 
crat. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 867 

A. S. GhurGhill came to this county in 1833, when but 19 years 
of age. He traveled the entire distance from Batavia in a one- 
horse buggy in one month and 15 days. Arrived in this tp. the 
15th of Oct., and joined his father and brother, who had preceded 
him. In the spring of 1834: he returned to New York and, Oct. 
20, 1835, married Mary A. Hunn, daughter of Samuel Hunn, de- 
ceased. Mrs. C. is a native of Hartford, Conn., and was born 
March 8, 1814. They have had 7 children, 4 of whom are living, — 
James A., Wm. E., Hiram S. and Nancy M. They removed here 
in 1836, and Mr. C. kept hotel until the railroads were built. When 
he arrived in this tp. he had $250, a team, a wife and one child. 
Now he is comfortably situated and has given his children each a 
large farm. The lirst land he bought here he secured by giving a 
cloth coat for his claim on the land. He went to Whipple's mill 
for flour, a distance of 23 miles. 

William E. Churchill was born May 2, 1847, in Barry tp., 
and is a son of the preceding; he resides on sec. 9, this tp., and 
is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married March 
26, 1868, to Mary Carr, daughter of Solomon Carr, deceased, and 
they have 4 children, — Charles E., Ora D., Roy S. and Edward C. 

Sannuel Olarh is a native of Harrison county, Ya., and was 
born Sept. 23, 1826, and is a son of Rev. Samuel Claik, deceased, 
who removed to this county with his family in. 1829. Mr. Clark 
was raised on a farm and educated in a common school. In 1851 
he was married to Emma Shinn, daughter of Isaiah Sliinn, de- 
ceased, who came to this State in 1867. Mrs. Clark was born Sept. 
8, 1831, in Harrison county, Ya. They have had 7 children, of 
whom 6 are living, — Henrietta A., Frances Y., Sabra E., Minnie, 
Cyrus and Florence N. Mr. Clark resides on sec. 3, this tp., and 
is engaged in farming and stock-raising. 

Alexander Clutch, farmer, sec. 33, was born in Warren county, 
O., in 1833, and lived there until he was 13 years of age, then 
moved to Pike county with his parents, who were farmers, and 
lived with them until he was 21 years old; he then went to Macon 
county and remained 2 years, following farming, then to this State, 
again locating in McLean county for 14 years; then returned to 
Pike county and married Christina Fine, who had been previously 
married, and had one child named Wm. Isaac. Mrs. Clutch died 
and Mr. C. married Mrs. Elizabeth Halstead, who had 7 children, — 
Henry R. and Wm. F. Wilson, Drusilla J., Edith M. and Susan 
Edna. Her children by her first husband were Rachel, Ellen, 
Lomira and Emma. By his first wife Mr. Clutch had 4 children, — 
Thomas Marion, Edward Francis, Anna and Clarissa. He and 
his wife are Baptists, and politically he is a Democrat. His farm 
comprises 70 acres. 

John Clutch was born March 28, 1839, in Warren county, O., 
and is a son of David P. and Martha Clutch, deceased, who brought 
their family to this county in the spring of 1847, landing at Quincy 
on the 1st day of April. In 1852 he was married to Alvira, 



858 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

daughter of Sylvanus Baker, deceased, one of the pioneers of this 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Clutch have had 8 children, of wiiom 6 are 
living, viz: Warren, Mary E., John, Sarah, Ellen and Everett. 
Mr. C. engaged in farming until 187G, when he entered into the 
mercantile business in Kiuderhook. lie carries a stock of $5,000, 
consisting of dry-goods, hats and caps, boots and shoes, groceries, 
queensware, and everj'^thing usually kept in a first-class mixed 
store. He also deals in agricultural implements. He still owns a 
farm, and still gives some attention to farming. 

Samuel Colgrove was born in Steuben county, N. Y., June 24, 
1822, and is a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Smith) Colgrove, of 
the same county. Mrs. C. died in 1871. Samuel was reared on a 
farm and had but limited opportunities for an education. In 184)) 
he came West, traveling through Iowa, Minnesota and ]*»[orthern 
Illinois; went to Lake Superior during the silver excitement in 
1845; engaged in sawing and rafting lumber to St. Louis for 4 
years; traveled through Indiana, Ohio and Michigan to some ex- 
tent. He returned to New York in 1849, where he remained until 
1866, except what time he was in the war. Aug. 2, 1851, lie mar^ 
ried Mary P. Marlatt, and moved to Huron county, O.; in 1867 
came to Adams county. 111., and 3 years afterward he came into 
this county, where he resides on sec. 26, farming and raising stock. 
He has had 7 children, viz: Elizabeth M., Olive A., Emily L., 
Samuel A., Ira M., George D. and Lillie M. Mr. C. served in Co. 
H, 86th N. Y. Inf., and hence was in the army of the Potomac. 
He participated in the second battle of Bull Run; became disa- 
bled in the service, and was discharged Nov, 6, 1862. 

J. C. Colvin was born in Hartford county. Conn., Oct. 19, 1823, 
a son of Timothy Colvin, dec; in 1854 he came and settled in this 
tp. ; the next year he returned to Connecticut and married Miss 
Ann M. Andrew^s, and returned to his home here. Of his 5 chil- 
dren Flora, Charlotte and Joseph A. are living. After farming for 
9 years Mr. Colvin has followed merchandising, trading, milling, 
etc. He still owns a farm. 

John Cook, farmer, sec. 24, owning 280 acres of land in this tp., 
was born in Chatham county, N. C.,'july 5, 1800; at the age of 7 
years he came with his parents to Davidson county, Tenn., where 
in about 6 months his father died; his mother then moved to Rob- 
inson county until he was 17 years old, when they moved to Trigg 
county, Ky., and there, March 20, 1828, he married Miss Martha 
Kennedy; in 1830 he arrived in Pike county. His children are 
John K., Mary E., Clarinda Ann and Milly Jane. Mr. C. is a 
Democrat. 

W. H. Davison was born in Wales in 1842; in 1846 the family 
emigrated to Pittsburg, Pa., in 1849 to Louisville, Ky., in 1851 to 
Naples, 111.; he served IS months in the 8th R^g. I. Y. I., and was 
honorably discharged; then followed steam-boating for 6 years; and 
for the last 6 years he has been in Pike county conducting a hotel 
and restaurant. At Naples he was a farmer. May 4, 1868, he 




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KINDERHOOK T!" 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 861 

married Miss Mary E. Smith, and they have one child, Annie E., 
aged 11. Mr. D. is a Baptist and his wife a Methodist. In poli- 
tics Mr. D. is a Democrat. He owns 2 houses and lots at Hull's 
Station. 

Moses Decker "^2,^ born in Knox county, Ind., Dec. 16, 1806, son 
of Moses Decker, who was born in 1780 in Washington county, 
Pa., and was brought by his parents to the Northwestern Territory 
in 1785; he was raised in the fort at Yincennes, and when large 
enough to carry a gun he went into the war against the Indians; 
he died in 1864. Moses, jr. was raised on a farm in pioneer style; 
education, likewise, being in the usual old-fashioned log school- 
house, with a greased deer-skin for a window, and a lire-place for 
heating the room. In 1827 he married Melinda, daughter of 
Tarleton Boren, dec. In 1835 they came to this county, settling 
on sec. 1, this tp., where he still resides, a farmer and stock-raiser. 
Of his 11 children these 9 are living: Hannah, Martha, Melinda, 
Christina, Ezra, Asher, Amry, Margaret and Emery. Mrs. D. died 
May 25, 1877, an honored member of society. 

David Devoid farmer and stock-raiser; was born in Washington 
county, O., March 20, 1826, the son of Daniel Devol, dec, who was 
among the lirst born in that county. Mr. D. came to Illinois in 
1854, settling in this tp., where he still resides. He has mar- 
ried twice, and is the father of 8 children. He is a descendant of 
Daniel Devol, who was one of four brothers that emigrated to 
America from England about 1760. Their names were Stephen, 
Daniel, Jonathan and Gilbert. 

Frank Edergren^ dealer in stoves and tin ware, was born in 
Sweden jSTov. 4, 1844; when 20 years of age he emigrated to Amer- 
ica; worked at common labor a few months at Fall Brook, Pa.; 
then was in Minnesota four years in the tin business; then followed 
the same business one year in Wisconsin; then at Hannibal, Mo., 
3 months; then Kinderhook, where he worked as journeyman for 3 
or 4 years, then commenced business for himself. In 1874 he mar- 
ried Amanda McPherson. and they have 2 children, Joseph Tim- 
othy and Nellie Josephine. He and wife are Baptists, and he is a 
staunch Democrat. Is the owner of his residence and business 
house and lots. 

Thomas F itzjpatrick^ hotel-keeper at Kinderhook, was born in 
1828, in Butler Co., O.; at the age of 9 years he moved with his 
parents to Pike county; they were farmers; at 21 he spent 13 
months in California; then returned to Pike county and married 
Miss Emily Woolum, of this county, and they have 6 children, — 
Josephine, Laura Ann, Thomas, Charlie, Bartholomew and Eugene. 
He has been engaged in the hotel business for 16 years, and at other 
times he has followed farming. He owns his hotel, three other 
buildings and \\ acres of land. He is a Democrat, and he and his 
wife are Methodists. 

Samuel B. Gaines was born in Otsego Co., N. T., April 19, 1821 ; 
his father, Ebenezer, was a native of Connecticut, a farmer, who 

49 



862 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

died in 1825, and Mrs. G. soon moved to Hartford Co., Conn., 
where Sara'l B. was brought up; in 1842 he moved to Ohio, where 
he engaged in the clock business 7 years, [n 1844 he married in 
Huron Co., Margaret M. Twaddle; in 1847" they removed to tliis 
count}', where in the following year Mrs. G. died; in 1849 Mr. G. 
married Mary A., daughter of Thomas Fitzpatrick, an early set- 
tler of this county, who died in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Gaines have 
had 10 children, of whom 6 are living: Lorinda A., Mary E., Lydia 
A., Sylvester S., Edward N. and Minnie M. For the first 3 years 
in Dlinois Mr. G. engaged in the clock business, and since that 
time he has followed farming and merchandising; he now carries a 
stock of $6,000, which consists of dry-goods, boots and shoes, 
groceries, notions, hats and caps, hardware, etc. He owns over 
500 acres of valuable land in this county. He now (Feb.) has 270 
acres of wheat sown. 

A. A. Gose^ farmer, sec, 14, owning 152 acres of land, was born 
in Kinderhook tp. June 24, 1836, the son of John Gose, deceased, an 
early pioneer. Oct. 25, 1863, he married Elizabeth Bailey; 4 of 
their 5 children are living: Ada B., Harry L., Elbert and Ella 
Myrtle. 

Charles B. Gose was born in this tp. Sept. 4, 1837, where he has 
since resided; Oct. 20, 1863, he married Miss Cynthia J.Jones; 
their children are Ernest B., born Nov. 15, 1868, and Charles J., 
Dec. 16, 1871. He owns 145 acres of land and follows farming. 
He is Assessor of Kinderhook tp., a Democrat and a Good Templar. 
His wife is a "Republican." 

Eliza J. Gose was born in Russell Co., Ya., Dec. 4, 1815; when 
19 years of age she married John Gose and moved to this tp., since 
which time she has remained on her farm of 300 acres. Her maiden 
name was Eliza J. Bickley. She has 4 children, — Abel A., Charles 
B., George C. and Frances. She is a Methodist. 

Barna Hinds^ farmer, sec. 25, was born in Brown Co., O., March 
6, 1824, the son of James Hinds, of this tp. ; was reared on a farm 
and educated in the common schools; removed with his parents to 
Montgomery Co., Mo., in 1843, and in the following year to this 
county. Dec. 31, 1849, he married Elizabeth Lumax, a daughter of 
Theophilus Lomax, deceased, who came to this count}' in 1848. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hinds have 3 children, — James, John and Henry. 
James married Amanda Gladson and resides in this tp.; John mar- 
ried Helen Lane and also resides in this tp. Mr. Hinds has been 
a farmer since he was 23 years of age; he owns 415 acres of valu- 
able land. 

Charles S. Rull^ deceased, was born in this tp. Jan. 26, 1843, 
the son of Thos. Hull, deceased, who came to Southern Illinois in 
1822, and to this county in 1829. Charles was raised on a farm 
and educated in the public school; June 4, 1868, he married Louisa, 
daughter of Nathan H. Davis, near Griggsville. Mr. Hull was a 
farmer and stock-raiser, and resided on the old homestead until 
his death, which occurred Jan. 11, 1879, a zealous Methodist. Mr. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 863 

and Mrs. Hull had 2 children, Mary A. and Sarah A. The Hull 
farm was one of the first farms settled and improved in this tp. 
Mrs. H. still resides there and carries on the farm. 

David Hull, deceased', was born in Pickaway Co., O., IS'ov. 9, 
1830, and emigrated to this State in 1836 ; Oct. 16, 1858, he mar- 
ried Sarah Sperry, daughter of John and Catharine Sperry; the 
former died Oct. 3, 1878, and the latter resides with her daughter 
at Hull's Station. Mr. and Mrs. Hull had 5 children, of whom 3 
are living, Everett, Mary and Minnie. Mr. Hull was a prominent 
farmer and stock- raiser in the Mississippi valley, and was the founder 
of Hull's Station, which was named for him. He died March 
16, 1875, a devoted Christian man, liberal, public-spirited, etc. Two 
of his brothers, James and William, 'died in the late war. Jan. 17, 
1878, Mrs. Hull married Stephen Whitaker, a native of New York, 
who came to this county with Benj. Brown in 1833. Mr. Whit- 
aker's mother died when he was but a small boy, and he was 
brought up by Mr. and Mrs. Brown. He resides at Hull, engaged 
in farming. He followed broom-making for about 20 years, with 
good success. We give Mr. H.'s portrait in these pages. 

David D. Hull, jr., merchant, is a native of this county, born in 
Barry tp. Sept. 25, 1844, a son of Tate Hull. In his 18th year he 
shouldered a gun and fought for Uncle Sam in the late war, in Co. 
H, 99th Reg. I. Y. I,, for about two years, when his company was 
consolidated with Co. C. He was in the Yicksburg campaign, the 
battles of Champion Hills, Raymond, Fort Blakeley, Fort Spanish, 
Mobile and others. His two brothers, Thomas and Albert, also 
served in the war. In 1865 Mr. Hull married Sai'ah A., daughter 
of Granville Scott, deceased; and they have had 6 children, of whom 
5 are living: Minnie A., Norton C, Everett, Wily and Hubert. 
As a merchant Mr. Hull carries a general line of goods. 

J. N. Hull was born Jan. 9, 1836; the son of Thomas Hull, an 
early settler, and the first supervisor of this tp. J. N. owns 400 
acres of valuable land, and has 260 acres in wheat at present. He 
is engaged in the grain business at Hull's Station, and has recently 
erected a grain elevator and agricultural warehouse, 24 by 56 feet. 
January, 1860, he married Miss Mary M. Sprague, daughter of 
Deacon Seaman Sprague, of Kinderhook tp., and they have had 6 
children, of whom 3 are living: Loyal S., Jennie B., and James L. 

Marietta B. Johnson was born in Berkshire county, Mass., 
where she resided until 34 years of age. She married Greorge Snow 
in 1857, who lived but 3 years afterward; in 1870 she married Mr. 
L. Johnson, who lived 6 years. She is now a widow, and proprietor 
of a hotel at Hull's, where she has resided for 7 years. Her maiden 
name was Marietta B. Stuitevan. 

Charles E. Jones was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., Feb. 11, 
1847, and is the son of Jeremiah Jones, of that State; he came to 
this county in 1869, and was assistant foreman on the Hannibal di- 
vision of the Wabash railroad the same year. May 25, 1872, he 
married Miss Almira E. Steadraan, daughter of Revilo B. Steadman, 



864 HISTOKY OF PIKE COrNTY. 

of Hull's. They have 3 children: J'ertha A., Althea R. and Grace 
L. Mr. Jones now resides at Hull's, and is foreman on the C. B. 
& Q. R. R, which position he has held for 9 years. 

James P. Journey w?^.?, born in Adams county, 111., April 10, 
1847, a son of Joseph W., deceased, an early settler in that county. 
Au<^. 22, 1869, he married Nancy A. Wagy, and they reside on the 
old homestead, sec. 5, engaged in farming. His grandfather, Peter 
Journey, settled in Adams county prior to 1825; was a member of 
the first Board of County Commissioners of that county, and mar- 
ried the first couple that were married by license in that county. 
The license was written on brown paper, and the ceremony was 
solemnized July 26, 1825. Joseph W. Journey married Caroline 
Young, daughter of Austin and Margaret Young, Jan. 1, 1839, 
and of their 10 children but 5 survive: Peter, James, Andrew, Dora 
S. (now Mrs.Wm. Jellison) and Mary. The family removed to Pike 
county in 1853, where they resided until after his death, when in 
1865 they returned to Adams county. Peter and James now re- 
side in this county. 

Charles H. Kenady, farmer, sec. 10, was born in this tp. Dec. 
10, 1846, the son of Benj. Kenady, deceased, an early settler. April 
22, 1870, he married Louisa Toner, daughter of Wm. Toner, of this 
tp., and their children are Mary and Charlie. 

Jacob Lease \S'AS> born in Hampshire county, Va., April 30, 1813; 
was reared on a farm; came to Illinois in 1850, locating in Adams 
county, and in 1855 came to this county. He is now living with 
his third w^ife, and is the father of 14 children; 12 of these are liv- 
ing: Mary E., Phcebe E., Joseph T., Sarah A, Susan F., Emery L., 
Wm. H., Oliver B., U. S. Grant, Eva D., Dora and Cyrus. The 
5 eldest are married. Joseph married Sophronia Kennedy. 

Mi flin Dallas Liggett v^Q.^ hovn Dec. 27, 1845, in this county, 
and was engaged in farming until 1864, when he learned the black- 
smith's trade, which he is still following in Kinderhook. In 1866 
he married Miss Ellen Beard, of New York State, and their only 
child is George D., aged 8 years. Politically, Mr. L. is a Demo- 
crat, and he is also an Odd Fellow. 

D. Lively, iarmev, sec. 6, was born in Jefferson county, Ky., May 
10,1812; was a mechanic by trade; came to Missouri in 1837, and 
to this county in 1856. 

Harrison McKee was born in Holmes county, O., April 5, 1837, 
son of John McKee, deceased, who brought his family to Pike 
county in the autumn of 1841. They traveled the entire distance 
of 800 miles and crossed but one railroad. There were 7 
children, of whom 5 are living, Charles, Lois, Nancy (now Mrs. 
Bedwell) Allen and Harrison. Mrs. McKee is living on the 
old homestead, at the age of ^'o. Harrison follows farming in 
the summer time and teaches school in the winter. He has taught 
for 17 successive winters, a part of the time in Adams and Morgan 
counties, but mostly in Pike. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 865 

Samuel E. Morris was born in Ross connty, O., in 1836; moved 
to Pike county with his parents in 1851; from 1857 to 1860 traveled 
to California and through the West, when he returned to Pike county 
to work at his trade, blacksmithing. In May, 1861, he enlisted in 
the 16th 111. Inf. Yol., and served with distinction for 3 years; in 
1864 he married Lucinda F. Bolin, and their children are : Zella, 
Minnie B., America JST. and MyrtieMay. Mr. M. is a Greenbaeker 
in politics. He is an auctioneer and blacksmith, and owns con- 
siderable city property. 

James T. Murray^ attorney, Kinderhook, was born in this 
county, April 19, 1839, where he resided until 1862 ; followed mill- 
ing 2 years in Minnesota, then the mercantile business in Quincy 
for a short time, and then commenced the study of law. In 1869 
he removed to Lewis county. Mo., where he was admitted to prac- 
tice; in 1872 he returned to this county, settling at Kinderhook, 
where he has since practiced his profession. Oct, 18, 1864, he mar- 
ried Belle Sisler, of La Grange, Mo., and the names of their chil- 
dren were Mary E. and Jennie K. ; both of whom died in 1872. In 
politics Mr. M. claims to be a Socialist. 

Milly Murray was born in Trigg county, Ky., in 1808 ; her 
maiden name was Milly Kennedy; she came to this county with 
lier parents in 1830. In 1831 she married Eleazer Murray, who 
died in 1852, leaving 4 children : James T., Rufus M., Mary Ann 
and Nancy Ellen. She lives on her farm of 100 acres; is 72 years 
old and in good health. 

Elhanah W. Sellers, school-teacher, was born in Barry tp., Sept. 
27, 1857, son of David Sellers, of the same tp., who brought his 
family to this county in 1852. Mr. S. received a part of his educa- 
tion at the Christian University, Canton, Mo., and a part at Chad- 
dock College at Quincy, and is the present principal of the Kinder- 
hook schools. 

Jam.es W. S perry, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 22, was born in 
Ross county, O., May 24, 1842, son of John Sperry, deceased. At 
the age of 19 he enlisted in Co. H, 73d Reg. O. Y. I., and 
served 2 years and 3 months in the late war, being in the battles 
of 'rettysburg, Chancellorsville, Lookout Mountain, etc. In 
November, 1867, he married Nancy L., daughter of Noah Corey, 
of Ross Co., O. Their children are : Cora, Johnnie N., Bessie and 
Otis O. He is now building a two-story frame house 32 by 54 
feet, which will add to the beauty of the valley. 

Charles C Sprague, physician aad surgeon, was born in Washing- 
ton county, Ohio, Jan. 21, 1837; educated in Beverly College, Ohio, 
and is a graduate of Rush Medical College of Chicago; came to this 
county in 1860, taught a term of school in Payson, Adams Co., the 
followino; winter; at the same time studving: medicine under Dr. 
M. M. Bane, of Quincy. He then enlisted in tlie war as Hospital 
Steward in Co. C, 50th I. Y. L, serving 3 years, and was present 
at the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Resaca, etc., 
assisting in dressing the wounds of the soldiers. He began the 
practice of medicine in 1865, in Kinderhook, where he still remains. 



866 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

with a large practice. In 1864 he married Frances E., daughter of 
Mrs. Eliza J. Close, of this tp. They are Baptists, and their two 
living children are Laura and Justin L. 

Revllo B. Steadman, farmer, sec. 21, was horn in Cortland county, 
N. Y., Nov. 14, 1810, son of Jushua and Fatha (Beach) Steadman, 
Dec. 24, 1846, in Wilkesharre, Luzerne Co., Pa., he married 
Maria A. Beisel, a native of tliat count}', who was born Nov. 18, 
1822. Four of their live children are living — Peter K, Almira E. 
(now Mrs. Charles E. Jones, of Hull), Haimah M. and Alfred B. 
Mr. S. came to Illinois in 1862, stopping in Barry 3 years, when he 
removed to Hull's. They are Baptists. 

Rensellaer Sweet was born in Rensellaer county, N. Y., Feb. 
22, 1827, and is a son of Ira Sweet, deceased, who brought his 
family to this county in 1847. Mr. Sweet was raised on a farm 
and received his education in the common schools of New York. 
After his arrival in this county, his educational advantages were 
very limited, the present free-school system not being in vogue 
then. He was married in 1848 to Rebecca Hull, daughter of the 
well known D.D. Hull. Thev have 5 children, of whom 4 are 
living : Mary A., Jane A., Roscoe A. and Delia M. The one 
deceased was Eddie E. Mr. S. resides in Hull, and is enorafjed in 
general rarming. 

Thomas 0. Talbert, farmer, sec. 10, was born at Kaskaskia, 111., 
Dec. 14, 1829, son of Col. James Talbert, a pioneer of this county. 
April 8, 1855, he married Elizabeth C, daughter of Wm. Crump, 
deceased, also an early settler of this county. 

William J. Talhert, farmer, sec. 36, was born in Washington 
county, Va., July 12, 1818, son of James Talbert, deceased, who 
brought his family to the American Bottom, on Kaskaskia river, 
in 1829, within a mile of the house of Gov. Bond. After spending 
one year in Missouri he came back to Illinois in 1831, and the 
same year removed with his family to Atlas, then the county-seat, 
where he kept a hotel for a year; he then removed near New Canton, 
where he resided until 1863, when he retired and resided in Barry > 
until his death, which occurred in 1865. Wra. J., being a pioneer, 
underwent the usual privations of early times; he received his 
school education in an old log school-house, with slab benches, the 
window extending the entire length of the building, it being 
simply the absence of a log; the lire-place occupied nearly the en- 
tire end of the room; the back-logs were drawn in by a horse, there 
being a door on each side of the room near the fire-place ; the floor 
consisted of mother earth. Nov. 24, 1844, he married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Lewis Hull, deceased, and they have had 9 children, of 
whom 6 are living : Thomas N., Martha E., Maiw I., Charley L., 
Hattie and Ettie T. Mr. Talbert was the second tanner in Pike 
county, having run a tannery near New Canton for several years. 
He was jailor while in Atlas, and witnessed the whipping of a hog 
thief by Sheriff Col. Seeley. 

Isaac If. Thompson., farmer, sec. 13, was born in Hampshire 
county, Ya., Feb. 17, 1830, son of Elisha Thompson, deceased; in 



HISTOKT OF PIKE COUNTY. 867 

1854 he removed to Missouri, where he engaged in farming and 
merchandising ; after 10 years he came to this county; in 1852 he 
married Nancy A. Sperry, in Columbus, O. They had one child, 
Wm. A., now dead. In 1858 Mrs. T. died, and in 1859 Mr. T. mar- 
ried Elizabeth Edgar. Of their 8 children 7 are living : Fannie 
M., John H., Louisa, Jennie, Willy^ M., Berzelius and Kufus. The 
name of the deceased was Albert L. 

J. A. Wdleh is a native of Yan Wert county, O., where he was 
born Aug. 19, 1846, and is a son of J. A. Walch, deceased; he came 
to Illinois with his mother and step-father in 1858, locating in Stark 
county, and to Pike in 1863. March 18, 1869, he married Charlotte 
Hull, and of their 4 children these 3 are living : Frank, Roy and 
Charley. Mr. AY. owns a half interest in a steam thresher, corn- 
sheller and wood saw, which keeps him continuall}^ employed. 

Itohert D, Warinner, jeweler, was born in Casey county, Ky., 
Sept. 16, 1819; in 1837 his parents moved with him to Ray county, 
Mo.; followed farming until he was 24 years old, when he married 
Mary Blane, of Kentucky, and in 1847 they moved to Pike county, 
where he engaged in the storing and shipping business at Cincin- 
nati Landing for 2 years; then clerked in a dry -goods store in New 
Canton for 2 years; then followed merchandising for himself in ISTew- 
burg3years; then back to New Canton in the same business until 
1859; then sold out and returned to Missouri, where he sold goods 
2 years, when the rebellion broke out and he was robbed by guer- 
rillas and barely escaped with his life; in 1862 he returned to Pike 
county and engaged in the sewing-machine business for 6 months; 
in 1863 went to Barry, where he remained until 1876; engaged in 
the jewelry business; he then came to Kinderhook, where he con- 
tinues in that line of work, and owns a residence and a store. In 
religion he is a " Christadelphian, " and in politics a Republican. 

Wilson Brothers. These enterprising farmers are located on 
sec. 27 this tp., and are the sons of John A. Wilson, deceased, 
who brought his family from Kane county. 111., to tiiis county in 
1864. Alexander D. was born Jan. 29, 1850, and William was 
born Oct. 3, 1854. They are bachelors and prospering in business. 
Their household is presided over by their sister Eliza, who was 
born Feb. 22, 1860, in Kane county, 111. 



LEVEE TOWNSHIP. 

This township was originally a partof Kinderhook township, but 
in 1875 the citizens of the island petitioned the Board of Super- 
visors for the organization of a separate township. This was 
f ranted, and included the remainder of the territory west to the 
lississippi river, reserving enough to make a regular " Congres- 
sional township.'- The township was named by the first Super- 
visor, Mr. Frank Lyon, for the levee across its western portion. 
This levee was constructed in 1872-4 by a company organized for 
the purpose, in order to prevent the overflow of the fertile valley 
of the Mississippi. It is 51f miles in length. In the year 1876 
it gave wa}^, and the valley was inundated, and a large amount of 
property, consisting for the most part of crops and fences, was 
destroyed. People removed to Hannibal, Mo., in boats. The stock 
was also conveyed away in boats to the Missouri side. The freshet 
in 1851 was the highest ever known on the Upper Mississippi that 
we have any record of. 

In some parts of the county the impression has gone forth that 
Levee township is a wilderness, and that sickness prevails to a 
great extent. In confutation of this erroneous charge we refer to 
Mr. Marcus Hardy, the present Supervisor of this township. He, 
with a large family, has resided here for five years, and has incurred 
but a $5 doctor bill during this period. Some also think that the 
people here see some hard times financially, but be it to the credit 
of Levee township, that every man uy)on whom we called in that 
township subscribed for a copy of the History of the County with- 
out a murmur. Indeed, the people of Levee township are prosper- 
ous, and have the garden spot of Illinois for producing grain of all 
kinds. 

The township contains three fine school buildings, two of which 
are on that portion known as '' The Island," which lies between the 
Sny and the Mississippi river. There is a macadamized road pass- 
ing through the township, owned and maintained by the Ferry 
Company at Hannibal. , 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Marcus Hardy. This gentleman was born and raised in Mis- 
souri; came to Pike county in 1875, and now has the charge of the 
farm, bridge and macadamized road belonging to the Ferry Com- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 869 

pany. He was married in 1869 to Ellen Hai^ar, by whom he has 6 
children: Susan, Virginia, Anna, Hilera, William and Ernest, His 
P. O. address is Hannibal. 

J. B. On\ farmer, sec. 26; was born in Harrison county, O., 
Sept. 26, 1833, and is a son of William Orr, of Derry tp., this 
county. He was brought to Pike county in 1839 by his parents; 
served 3 years in the late war, in Co. D, 99th 111. Inf., and partici- 
pated in the battles of Grand Gulf, Magnolia Hill (or Port Gibson), 
Champion Hills, Black River, siege and capture of Yicl^sburg, etc. 
He was united in marriage Aug. 31, 1854, to Lydia A. Pence, by 
whom he has had 5 children, namelj^: Mary A., Herbert S., Jerry 
J., deceased, Theresa B., Francis M. 

Noah 8. Rouse, being an old pioneer in these parts, is entitled 
to more than a passing notice in Pike county's history. He settled 
on sec. 22, on what is commonly known as "The Island," in 1847. 
He is a native of Madison county, Ya., and was born July 16, 1819. 
His father, Nicholas Rouse, was also a native of Virginia and a 
farmer. He removed to Kentucky with his family when our sub- 
ject was but 7 years old, and remained there 10 years, and then 
removed to Ralls county, Mo. Here in 1878 the elder Rouse died. 
Our subject was married in 1840 to Miss Levise Settle. The fol- 
lowing are the names of the children : Margaret A., now Mrs. Frank 
Leach, William M., Robert A., Amanda E., George N. and Emma 
F., now Mrs. Alfred James. Mr. R. is engaged in farming and 
stock-raising, at which business he has been quite successful. 
When he crossed the river in 1847 he did not possess a cent, and 
was $150 in debt. He did not intend to remain here when he first 
came, expecting to leave as soon as he had fulfilled a contract for 
manufacturing some staves. He prospered, made money easy, and 
the longer he staid the better he liked the valley. 

William Smiley was born in Ireland, April 15, 1801; in 1821 
he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Tophan, and to them 
were born 12 children, the follow^ing 6 of whom are living: Letitia, 
(now Mrs. Dennis Green), Joseph, Benjamin, Ann (now Mrs. John 
Pratt), David and John. Mr, Smiley brought his family to America 
in 1838, stopped in ISTew York for 10 weeks, went to New Orleans, 
soon after came to Hannibal, Mo., and remained there for 9 years, 
when he removed to The Island, between the Sny and the Missis- 
sippi, where he still resides on sec, 8, engaged in farming and 
stock-raising. There were but 4 acres of land improved upon his 
place when he came. There were no churches or schools on The 
Island, but plenty of wild hogs, deer and other game. He has been 
in all the high waters since the great freshet of 1851. During 
these periods of inundation he would convey his family and stock 
to the Missouri shore. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

COUNTY OFFICIALS. 

A list of the County Officers of Pike county, past and present, 
presents an array of names, most of which are or have been famil- 
iar to every resident of the county. Since itsor^^anization in 1821, 
Pike county has ever been represented by able, shrewd and honest 
officials. Man}' names will be noticed in the following list, under 
the different headings, that are familiar to the people of the entire 
county. Many of these men, by a life of usefulness and honor, have 
won warm and affectionate places in the hearts of the people of 
Pike county. Many names here are not familiar to the present 
generation, but were almost household words to the past. Many 
of these veterans have long since ceased life's labors and left to the 
remaining pioneers and to posterity, as a pleasant souvenir, a spot- 
less reputation. 

Tlie gentlemen who at present fill the various official positions 
of this county, as to ability, are inferior to none who have filled 
their respective positions before them. They are courteous, capa- 
ble and faithful as officers, honored and respected as citizens, and 
enterprising as business men. To some of these, especially the 
County and Circuit Clerks, we shall ever feel grateful for the kind 
and courteous manner in which they treated us all daring our labors 
in their offices during the compilation of this work. They, as all 
the others, evinced an interest in the work, and were ever ready and 
willing to give the information and lend that aid which are so nec- 
essary in gathering and arranging a full record of the county's 
history. 

Below we give as full and complete a list of all the officers, with 
the years of serving, as it was possible to obtain. In most cases 
the figures after the dash signify the year into which the officer 
served. In some instances, however, they only served to the be- 
ginning of the year denoted. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



871 



COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 



Leonard Ross 

John Shaw 

William Ward...'. ., 

David Dutton 

James M. Seeley. . . 

Ossian M. Ross 

Amos Bancroft* 

Ebenezer Smith 

James Nixon 

William Metz , 

Levi Hadley 

Rufus Brown 

James M. Seeley 

James M. Seeley 

Garrett Vandeusen.. 
Thomas Proctor. . . . 
Nathaniel Hinckley. 
Joseph W. Petty . . . 
Thomas Christian.. 

Ozias Hale 

Benjamin Barney. . . 

Andrew Phillips 

Charles Stratton. . . . 



^1821 

I 

- 1822-3 
1823 

-1824 

■1825 

■1826 

1827 
1828 to 
■ Sept. 

1830. 
1830 to 

Sept. 

1832. 



*To fill vacancy made by resignation 



Benjamin Barney 

Geo. W. Hinman 

Hawkins Judd 

Benjamin Barney 

Geo. W. Hinman 

Andrew Phillips 

James D. Moirison. . . 

Richard Wade 

Fisher Petty . 

Alfred Grubb 

John W. Burch 

John Neeley 

Alexander Starne 

William Blair 

John Neeley 

Clement Lippincott. . . 

Thomas Bates 

Charles Stratton 

Bonaparte Greathouse. 

J. M. Blackerby 

Wm. McCormick 

Joshua Woosley 

Henry R. Ramsey 

J. D. Philbrick 

of O. M. Ross. 



I 1832 to 
!- Sept. 
) 1834. 
I 1834 to 

- Sept. 
I 1836. 

I 1836 to 

- Sept. 
I 1838. 

-1838 

.1839 
.1840 
.1841 
.1842 
.1842 
.1843 
.1844 
.1844 
.1845 
.1846 
,1847 
.1848 



COUNTY JUDGES. 



Abraham Beck 1821 

Nicholas Hanson 1821-22 

William Ross 1823 

George W. Hagar 1825-27 

Wm. Ross 1827-34 

M. E. Rattan 1835-37 

William Watson 1837 

Daniel B. Bush 1838 

Parvin Paullin 1839-43 

J. B. Donaldson 1843-47 



James Ward 1847 

Wm.P. Harpole 

Joshua Woosley, [■ 1849 

Associate Judges. ) 

Charles Harrington 1853-57 

Alfred Grubb 1857-61 

John W.Allen 1861-65 

R. M. Atkinson 1865-73 

Strother Grigsby 1873 



CIRCUIT CLERKS. 



James W. Whitney 1821-25 

George W. Hight 1825-27 

William Ross 1827-35 

James Davis ,... 1835 

John J. Turnbaugh 1835-43 

P. N. O. Thomson 1843-52 

James Kenney 1852-56 



Wm. R. Archer 1856-60 

George W. Jones 1860-64 

J. H. Crane 1864-68 

J. J. Topliff 1868-72 

J. A. Rider 1872-76 

George W. Jones 1876 



COUNTY CLERKS. 



James W. Whitney 1821 

George W. Britton 1825-26 

William Ross 1826-34 

James Davis 1834-36 

Asa D. Cooper 1836 

James Davis 1837-38 

Wm. H. Boling 1838-43 

Henry T. Mudd 1843-47 



John J. Collard 1847-49 

Peter V. Shankland 1849-53 

Austin Barber , 1853-57 

Strother Grigsby , 1857-61 

William Steers .1861-69 

Wm. B. Grimes 1869-73 

J. L. Frye 1873-77 

E. F. Binns 1877 



872 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



COUNTY TREASCKERS. 



Nathaniel Hinckley 1822 

Leonard Ross 1823 

Henry J. Ross 1824 

Nathaniel Shaw 1825 

John Ross 1827-29 

Isaac Vandevcnter 1829-80 

John Barney 1834-37 

JohnBritton 1838 

Jones ^;iark 1839-43 

William Watson 1843-47 

Samuel L. Crane 1847-49 

Charles Mason 1849 



Samuel L. Crane 1850 

Jones Clark 1850 

William T. Harper 1851-53 

Slrother Grijrsby 1853-63 

R. A. McCliiatock 1863-65 

Uavid S. Hill 1865-67 

L. J. Smitherman 1867-71 

Thomas Gray. .'. 1871-73 

D. Hollis 1873-75 

Thomas Reynolds 1875-77 

R. M. Murray 1877-79 

B. W. Flinn 1879 



SHERIFFS. 



Rigdou C. Fenton 1821 

Leonard Ross 1822-27 

Levi Hadley 1827 

Leonard Ross 1827-29 

James M. Seeley 1829-32 

Nathaniel Hinckley 1832-34 

James M. Seeley 1834-40 

Alfred Grubb 1840 

Ephraim Cannon 1842 

D. D. Hicks 1846-50 

Stephen R. Gray 1850 

H. W. McClintock 1852 



George T. Edwards 1854 

Wilson S. Dennis 1856 

John Houston 1858 

Perry H. Davis 1862 

J. B. Landrum 1864 

W. G. Hubbard 1866 

J. J. Manker 1868 

Joseph McFarland 1870 

Augustus Simpkins 1874 

G. W. Blades 1876 

Theodore Kellogg 1878 



SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS. 



Joseph H. Goodin 1832 

Lyman Scott 1833 

D.B. Bush 1841 

T. G. Trumbull 1845 

James F. Hyde 1849 



J. G. Pettingill.. 
John N. Dewell. 



M. H. Abbott 1851 

John D. Thomson 1853 

,1 oseph J. Topliff , 1859 

J. G. Pettingill 1861 



COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. 



.1865 
,1869 



J. W. Johnson 1873 

Wm. H. Crow 1877 



SURVEYORS. 



Stephen Dewey 1821-24 

James W. Whitney 1824 

Charles Pollock 1834 

David Johnston 1835-39 

Joseph Goodin 1839 

David Johnston 1841-49 



James H. Ferguson 1849 

A. G. Chamberlain 1853 

H. P. Buchanan 1857 

John A. Harvey 1859 

Hiram J. Harris 1863 

Isaac A. Clare 1875 



CORONERS. 



Daniel Whipple 1822 

Israel N. Burt 1832 

Benj. E. Dunning 1834 

Stephen St. John 1838 

James Brown 1842 

C.H. Brown 1844 

Cyrus B. Hull 1846 

Edward Conuet 1850 

R. S Undei-wood 1852 

Samuel Sitton 1854 



William Benn 1856 

H. St. John 1857 

Lewis E. Hayden 1858 

G. W. Molliuix 1860 

Eli Farris 1862 

Sherman Brown 1868 

Martin Camp 1872 

Martin V. Shive 1874 

A. C. Peebles 1876 

Fred Ottowa 1879 



CHAPTER XYIII. 

POLITICAL. 

During the first few years of the county's history party lines in 
politics were not drawn nor conventions held, and no organized 
mode of placing candidates in the field adopted. The first political 
meeting ever held in Pike county was at Montezuma in 1834. 
This meeting was conducted by Wra. Ross and Benj. Barney; the 
former was running for the Legislature, and the latter for County 
Commissioner. There were perhaps 50 voters present, besides 
some boys. Col. Ross made a speech, but no announcements or 
appointments were made for future meetings, and we presume none 
were ever held. Col. Barney was attacked for being a Universalist, 
and was told by one man that he would not vote for him on that 
ground. 

The first political convention where nominations were made for 
office was held at Pittsfield in 1836, when the main issue was 
" Jackson " and " anti-Jackson," referring to the policy of the late 
President. There were five candidates in the field that year, one 
Democrat, — Martin Yan Buren, and four Whigs — W. H. Harri- 
son, Hugh L. White, Daniel Webster and Willie P. Mangum. 
After that period political conventions were regularly held by all 
parties, and men were brought out in that way to run for a particu- 
lar office. 

When Pike county was first laid off" it will be remembered that 
it embraced the vast region lying between the Mississippi and Illi- 
nois rivers, extending east to the Indiana line, and north to the 
Wisconsin State line. The few settlers scattered here and there 
over this large territory had to travel long distances to cast their 
ballot. At the first election in the county only 35 votes were 
polled, even though it did extend over the entire northern part of 
the State, and out of which over 60 counties have since been made. 

As before remarked party lines were scarcely recognized, yet an 
antagonism existed between the settlers of one section against an- 
other, and particularly against the Rosses and some of the people. 
The several members of this family were from New York, and full 
of enterprise, and desired to push the new county on to prosperity. 
They wielded great influence, and were almost always in some public 
position. Naturally, as a result, they received the censure and an- 
tagonism of many of the numerous Southern settlers. 



874 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

During the earliest elections it will be noticed in the returns 
given below that the Whigs carried the day without difficulty. 
Soon, when the two great parties were more evenly represented 
here, the contests for political supremacy sharpened, until the old 
Whig party was completely dethroned, and the Democrats were 
for years, indeed until recently, easy victors. 

In 1834: and 1836 the Den^ocrats elected Hon. Wm. L. May to 
Congress, in this, then, Third District. In 1838 and 1841 the 
Whigs elected Hon. John T. Stewart, although Douglas received a 
majority of 94 in tiiis county during the former year, and Ralston 
36 over Stewart at the election of 1841. Stewart defeated Douglas 
in the district by only 17 votes. From that time on the Democrats 
were able generally by good management to carry this county in 
general and local elections, with majorities ranging from 12 to 2,000. 
Sometimes the majority was very small, and occasionally a Dem- 
ocratic candidate was beaten. This state of things continued for 
several years, the Democratic majorities gradually increasing as the 
feeling became more and more antagonistic among the people on 
the subject of slavery. In those days Illinois was always Demo- 
cratic, aided very materially by Pike's votes. In 1840 the Whigs 
carried the county by a small majority, owing to the fact, however, 
that every Mormon in the county, and they were numerous, voted 
for Harrison. 

In 1854 came the time to try men's political souls. The com- 
promise between the two parties in Congress that year, in which it 
was agreed not to introduce any more discussion on the slavery 
question, and to ignore the subject, gave dissatisfaction to many 
people of both parties. Their attachment to party began to loosen, 
and there was uneasiness on all sides. A feeling that there was 
approaching a breaking of political ranks and rallying on new 
issues, and under new leaders, beofan to pervade the people of Pike 
county. Hon. A. Williams, Republican candidate for Congress, 
received a majority of 100 over Hon. W. A. Ricliardson, Demo- 
cratic candidate, and Hon. H. K. Sutphin, Democratic candidate 
for State Senator, received but one more ballot in Pike countv than 
did Hon. N. M. Knapp, Republican. 

Properly speaking, we think the people of this county have 
never been political Abolitionists. They were never in favor of 
disturbing the constitutional rights of the people of the South, nor 
of clandestinely assisting their slaves to escape. They were op- 
posed to the violent and premature commotion that occasional!}' 
broke out on the subject, hoping that some peaceful and legal way 
out of the difficulty might be found. But when the direct question 
of introducing slavery .nto the more northern and free territories, 
either by law, by indifference or by violence, was broached, the people 
of this county were sharply divided. In 1856, on the issue of allow- 
ing or preventing slavery in Nebraska, Kansas and indefinitely West, 
a large vote was called out, and James Buchanan received a larger 
majority than any candidate ever before in Pike county. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



875 



On the death of the old Whig party about this time (1856) there 
sprang up two parties, neither of whicii could really claim to possess 
any of the vital principles that gave power to the old party. The 
American party, believing the country in danger by the influx of 
foreigners and the alarming growth of the Roman Catholic power, 
emblazoned- on their banners, "Americans must rule America ;" 
" Put none but Americans on guard." Republicans pleaded for 
''Equal rights to all; " ''Free press and free speech." The Ameri- 
can party made very rapid growth in many States, particularly in 
the South, while the Republican party secured a foothold onl}' in 
the North, its principles being deemed antagonistic to some of 
the peculiar institutions of the South. In 1856 we find both of 
these parties in this county in considerable numbers, each striving 
for power, and both battling against a common enemy, the Demo- 
cratic party. This largely accounts for the heavy majority of Bu- 
chanan, as Fremont, the Republican candidate, and Fillmore, the 
American candidate, each received about an equal number of votes 
here. An alliance, ^ however, was formed between them for the 
purpose of electing local officers. 

No otlier Republican succeeded in being elected to office in this 
county until Judge Grigsby appeared as a candidate. He was 
elected by a majority of 78. County Clerk Binns, however, who 
is a Democrat, was elected the same year by 66Q majority. This 
is owing largely to the personal popularit}^ of the two gentlemen. 
In 1878 Sherift* Kellogg, a Republican, was elected. 

It is not in the province of this work to enter into a minute de- 
tailed history of the political workings of the diiferent parties of 
this county. To unfold the secrets" of the caucus, the manipula- 
tions of the party rings and cliques, and all the inside history of 
county politics, belongs to another work. Only those who have 
taken an active part in politics here are capable of performing such 
a task. That such a work would be interesting none will doubt. 

Below are given the returns of every election ever held in Pike 
count}^, of which any records are extant. 

ELECTION RETURNS. 



ELECTION AUG. 4, 1828. 

Congress. 

Joseph Duncan, whig 107 4 

George Forquier 103 

SPECIAL ELECTION MAR. 7, 1831. 

Sheriff. 
James M. Seeley, whig 117 117 

ELECTION AUG. 1, 1831. 

Congress. 

Joseph Duncan, whig 137 22 

Edward Coles, whig 137 

Sidney Bieese, dem 115 



ELECTION Aug. 6, 1833. 

Congress. 

Joseph Duncan, whig 327 

Jonathan H. Pugh 90 

Senator. 
Archibald Williams, whig.. .110 
Henry .J. Ross, whig 292 

Representative. 

Peter Karges, whig 313 

Thomas Proctor, dem 274 

County Commissioners. 

George W. Hinman 264 

Benjamin Barney, whig 356 

H. Judd, whig 249 



337 



182 



870 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



Joseph W. Petty, clem 89 

Joseph Jackson 23 

A.udrew McAtee 46 

Sheri]}'. 

Nathaniel Hinckley 13 13 

Coroner. 
Israel N. Burt 314 314 

ELECTION NOV. 9, 1833. 

President. 

Andrew Jackson 161 30 

Henry Clay 131 

ELECTION AUG. 4. 1834. 

Congress. 

Benjamin Mills 300 85 

Wm. L.May 215 

Representatives. 

Wm. Ross, whig 644 

Wm. G. Flood.' 69 

James H. Ralston, dem 55 

Thomas H. Owens 521 ? 

Governor. 

Joseph Duncan 499 341 

Wm. Kinney 158 

County Commissioners. 

Benjamin Barney, whig 407 

George W. Hinman. 324 

John W. Burch, whig 275 

Andrew Phillips, dem. 280 

Robert Eells 150 

Joseph H. Goodin 181 

Hawkins ,Iudd, whig 150 

James Farrington ,..117 

Nebuzaradau Coffey, whig. . 46 
Sheriff. 

James M. Seeley, whig 545 429 

Israel N. Burt 116 

Coroner. 

Benjamin E. Dunniway, dem.334 119 
Elisha W. Hickerson, whig. .215 

Location of State Capital. 

Alton 496 430 

Springfield 66 

Jacksonville 2i 

Geographical Center 63 

Peoria. 4 

Vandalia 2 

SPECIAL ELECTION OCT. 27, 1834. 

Congress. 

Wm. L.May, dem 125 11 

Benj. Mills 114 

ELECTION AUG. 3, 1835. 

Recorder. 

Jno. J. Turnbaugh, dem 309 02 

David Seeley 247 



194 



116 



John Lyster, dem 172 

Francis Webster 25 

Moses Riggs 13 

Surveyor. 

David Johnston, whig 281 90 

Joseph H. Goodin 191 

Soltunon Farrington 135 

Josejih W. Barney 116 

Charles Pollock 148 

ELECTION AUG. 1, 1836. 

Congress. 

Wm. L. May, dem .542 

John T. Stewart, whig 348 

Senator. 

Wm. Ross, whig 491 

Merrill E. Rattan, whig 375 

Representatives. 

Alplieus Wheeler, dem 513 

Parvin Paullin, dem 403 

Thomas Proctor, dem 276 

John W. Burch, whig 294 

Daniel B. Bush, dem 157 

Charles Scott 183 

County Commissioners. 

James D. Morrison, dem 486 

Fisher Petty, dem 361 

Elisha McEvars 340 

Isaac Davis 338 

Charles Stratton, whig 267 

Edward B. Scholl 139 

Clement Lippincott, dem. . . 269 

James Talbert 110 

Richard Wade, whig 375 

Sheriff. 

James M. Seeley, whig 565 

John Lyster, dem 341 

Coroner. 

Benj. C. Dunniwav, dem 406 

Alfred Grubb....r 270 

E. W. Hickerson 41 

Cornelius Jones 62 

ELECTION NOV. 7, 1836. 

President. 

Martin Van Buren, dem 366 35 

William H. Harrison 331 

ELECTION AUG. 6, 1838. 

Congress. 

Stephen A. Douglas, dem 857 94 

John T. Stewait,whig 763 

Governor. 

Thomas Carlin, dem 865 118 

Cyrus Edwards 747 

State Senator. 

Wm. Ross, whig 822 93 

Alpheus Wheeler, dem 729 



224 



136 





y9 





PLEASANT VALE Tf 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



879 



Representatives. 

Richard Kerr, whig 803 

Peter Karges, whig 751 

Parvin Paullin, dem 796 

James H. McWilliams, dem. 847 
County Commissioners. 

Elisha McEvers 683 

Nicholas Hobbs, whig 681 

Johu W. Burch 708 

Alfred Grubb, dem 810 

Charles Scott 734 

John Neeley, dem 800 

Sheriff. 

James M. Seeley, whig 817 43 

James D. Brentz 774 

Coroner. 

Joseph Jackson, whig 704 

Stephen St. John, dem 764 60 

County Clerk. 

Wm. H. Bolin, dem 486 103 

Ozias M. Hatch, whig 383 

ELECTION AUG. 5, 1839. 

County Commissioner. 

Alex. Starne 496 3 

James Walker 493 

Recorder. 
John J. Turnbaugh, dem... .1132 928 

Wm. Porter 204 

Henry Taylor, dem 82 

County Clerk. 

Wm. H. Bolin, dem 1179 985 

James Daigh, whig 194 

Probate Justice. 

Parvin Paullin, dem 741 155 

Daniel B. Bush, dem 586 

Treasurer. 

James Clark, dem 713 162 

Robert R. Greene 551 

SPECIAL ELECTION NOV. 25, 1839. 

Represen tatives. 

Oscar Love, dem 206 

R. Hatch 9 

R. A. Read 6 

eter Karges 5 

ELECTION AUG. 3, 1840. 

Representatives. 

Solomon Parsons, dem 1103 

Alpheus Wheeler, dem 1092 

Wm. A. Grimshaw, whig.. .1016 
Peter Karges, whig 1001 

County Commissioner. 

Wm. Blair, dem 1118 130 

Samuel H. Nesmith, whig.. 988 
50 



Sheriff. 

Alfred Grubb, dem 1108 114 

Isaac W. Evans, whig 994 

Coroner. 

Stephen St. John, dem 1100 131 

Joseph Jackson 969 

ELECTION NOV. 2, 1840. 

President. 

W. H. Harrison 1149 112 

Martin VanBuren 1037 

ELECTION AUG. 2, 1841. 
Congress. 

James H. Ralston, dem 791 36 

John T. Stuart, whig 755 

County Commissioners. 

John Neeley, dem 714 409 

James D. Brentz, dem 305 

Robert Davis, whig 327 

School Commissioner. 

Daniel B. Bush, dem 813 553 

Z. N. Garbutt, whig 261 

ELECTION AUG. 1, 1842. 

Governor. 

Thomas Ford, dem 1085 12 

Joseph Duncan, whig 1073 

State Senator. 

Thomas Worthington, whig. 1065 53 
Wm. R. Archer, dem 1012 

Representatives. 

Wm. Blair, dem 1187 

Alex. Starne, dem 1085 

Felix A. Collard.dem 855 

Benjamin D. Brown, whig.. 1148 

Benj. B. Metz, whig 1056 

John Troutner 835 

County Commissioners. 

C. Lippincott, dem , . .1038 

Thomas Bates, whig 1001 

Charles Stratton, whig 998 

James Shinn, dem 723 

John Shinn, dem 192 

Sheriff. 

Ephraim Cannon, dem 1179 445 

George T. Edwards, whig. . . 734 
Coroner. 

E. W. Hickerson, whig 910 

James Brown, dem 1058 148 

Surveyor. 

David Johnston, whig 1266 596 

James B. Johnson 670 

Convention to Ain'',iii Constitution . 

For 1205 708 

Against 497 



880 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



ELECTION AUG. 7, 1843. 

Congress. 

O. H. Browning, whig 1391 163 

Stephen A. Douglas, dem.. .1229 

Co u n ty Commissioners. 

Charles Stratton, whig 1181 

Thomas Bates, whig 1280 

Wm. Morrison, dem 1115 

C. Lippincott, dem 1139 

County Clerk. 

Henry T. Mudd, whig 1308 177 

Wm. H. Boliu, dem 1131 

Mecnrder. 
P. N. O. Thompson, dem . . . 1219 77 
Charles A. Marsh, whig. . . .1142 

Probate Judge. 

J. B. Donaldson 1414 437 

Alfred Gordon, whig 977 

Treasurer and Assessor. 

"Wm. Watson, whig 1267 280 

Edward Kean, dem 987 

Surveyor. 

David Johnston, whig 1387 357 

James H. Ferguson, dem . . . 1030 

School Commissioner. 

Aaron W. Bcmiss, dem 1201 164 

Z. N. Garbutt, whig 1037 

SPECIAL ELECTION FEB. 19, 1844. 

Co u nty Commiss ioners . 
N. B. Greathouso, whig 477 

C. C. Beaven, whig 174 

John Lyster, dem 59 

James Brentz, dem 206 

ELECTION AUG. 5, 1844. 

Confjress. 

D. M.Woodson, whig 1322 

S. A. Douglas, dem 1396 . 74 

R. Eells, free soiler 5 

Representatives. 

B. B. Metz, whig 1328 

D. H. Gilmer 1266 

A. C. Baker, whig 1285 

Alex. Starnc, dem .1341 

W. Blair, dem 1340 

D. Wheelock 1225 

J. Berdan 50 

County Commissioner. 
N. B. Greathouse, whig.. . . .1273 
J. N. Blackerby, dem . . . .1335 62 

Sheriff. 
Ephraim Cannon, dem 1416 190 

B. D. Brown, whig 1226 

Coroner. 

C. H.Brown 1277 

J. Brown 1330 53 



ELECTION NOV. 4, 1844. 

President. 

James K. Polk, dem 1456 45 

Henry Clay, whig 1411 

James G. Birney, free soiler. 11 

ELECTION AUG. 4, 1845. 

County Commissioner. 

Wm. McCormick, dem 930 335 

James McWilliams, whig. . 605 

School Com missioner. 

T. G. Trumbull, dem 841 234 

James F. Hyde, whig. . . . 607 

ELECTION AUG. 3, 1846. 

Congress. 

S. A. Douglis, dem 1639 236 

Isaac Vandeventer, whig . . . 1403 

GoDcrn^or. 

Augustus C. French, dem.. 1636 229 
Thomas L. Kilpatrick 1407 

State Senator. 

Hugh L. Sutphin, dem 1601 203 

Thos. Worthington, whig.. 1398 

liejjresentatives. 

Thomas Hull, whig 1358 

Jon. Frye, whig. . T 1374 

B. B. Metz, whig 1416 

Alfred Grubb, dem 1563 

James M. Higgins, dem. . . 1567 
Wm. P. Harpole, dem 1559 

County Commissioner. 

Joshua Wooslev, dem 1539 142 

Wm. Dustin, whig 1397 

Sheriff. 

D. D. Hicks, dem 1540 164 

Robert F. Nay lor, whig. . . 1376 

Coroner. 

Cyrus B. Hull, dem 1564 189 

Hazen Pressy, whig 1375 

ELECTION APRIL 19, 1847. 
Constittitional Convention. 

Montgomery Blair, dem . . . 999 

Wm. R. Archer, dem 958 

Hai-vey Dunn, dem 924 

Wm. A. Grimshaw, whig. . 887 

H. N. V. Holmes, dem 812 

John Barney, whig 786 

Charles Harrington, whig. 741 

Parvin Paullin, dem 680 

N. E. Quinby, dem 208 

D. B. Bush, dem 243 

The first four were elected. 

ELECTION AUG. 2, 1847. 

Congress. 
Wm. A. Richardson, dem . 1582 1348 
N. G. Wilcox, whig 234 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



881 



Probate Judge. 

James Ward, dem 1317 94 

D. H. ailmer, whig 1223 

County Commissioner. 
Henry R. Ramsey, dem. . . 3520 
County Clerk. 

John J. Collard, dem 1332 37 

O. M. Hatch, whig 1295 

Recorder. 
P. N. O. Thomson, dem. . . 1379 161 
Marshall W. Barney, whig. 1218 

Treasurer and Assessor. 

Samuel L.Crane, dem 1649 768 

James F. Hyde, whig 881 

Surveyor. 

David Johnston, whig 1414 1329 

Philip Stoner, dem 85 

School Commissioner. 

T. G. Trumbull, dem 1295 77 

Michael J. Noyes, whig. . . 1218 

ELECTION NOV. 7, 1848. 

President. 

Zachary Taylor, whig 1401 

Lewis Cass, dem 1633 

Martin Van Buren, free-soil 186 

ELECTION NOV. 6, 1849. 

County Judge. 

James Ward, dem 1392 

Richard Kerr, whig 1324 

Associate Justices. 

Joshua Woosley, dem 1380 

Wm. P. Harpole, dem 1370 

B. B. Metz, whig 1327 

John Barney, whig 1354 

Treasurer and Assessor. 

Charles Mason, dem 1439 184 

Wm. Kinman, whig 1255 

County Clerk. 

Peter V. Shankland, dem. . 1407 69 

Austin Barber, whig 1338 

Surveyor. 

James H. Ferguson, dem. . 1383 47 

David Johnston, whig 1336 

School Commissioner. 

James F. Hyde, whig 1430 176 

John L. Ball, dem 1254 

Toionship Organization. 

For 1563 1246 

Against 317 

ELECTION NOV. 5, 1850. 

Congress. 

O. H. Browning, whig 1064 

Wm. A. Richardson, dem. . 1131 67 



232 



68 



State Senator. 

John Wood, whig 1029 

Calvin Warren, dem 1126 97 

Representatives. 

Ozias M. Hatch, whig 1109 

Wm. D. Hamilton, whig.. . 1086 

James Shinn, dem 983 

Daniel B. Bush, dem 866 

Sheriff. 

Stephen R. Gray, ind. dem. 1237 383 
Cyrus B. Hull, dem 854 

Coroner. 

Edward Connet, ind. dem.. 1298 500 
Samuel L. Crane, dem 798 

ELECTION NOV. 4, 1851. 
Treasurer. 

Wm. F. Hooper, dem 827 153 

James F. Hyde, whig 674 

Jones Clark, dem 234 

Surveyor. 

James H. Ferguson, dem. . 836 33 
David Johnston, whig. . . . 803 
A. G. Chamberlain, whig. . 121 

School Commissioner. 
Milton H. Abbott, dem.... 875 10 
Reuben H. Scanland, whig 865 

ELECTION NOV. 2, 1852. 

President. 

Franklin Pierce, dem 1676 101 

Winfield Scott, whig 1575 

Congress. 

O. H. Browning, whig 1680 75 

Wm. A. Richardson, dem.. 1605 

Governor. 

Edwin B. Webb, whig 1690 4 

Joel A. Matteson, dem 1686 

Representatives. 

O. M. Hatch, whig 160G 

Wm. B. Hamilton, whig. .. 1585 

H. L. Sutphin, dem 1601 

H. P. Buchanan 1588 

State's Attorney. 

Daniel H. Gilmer, whig. . . 2421 948 
John S. Bailey, dem 1473 

Circuit Clerk. 

James A. Kenney, whig.. . . 1627 59 
Joseph M. Bush, dem 1568 

County Clerk, 

Johji J. Collard, dem 1622 61 

Austin Barber, whig.. ... 1561 
Coroner. 

Samuel G. Sitton, whig — 1611 

R. S. Underwood, dem 1675 64 



882 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



Sheriff. 

Elisha Hurt, whig 1496 

Harvy W. McCliutock, dem 1583 

ELECTION NOV. 8, 1853. 

Coanty Judge. 

Charles Harrington, whig. 1222 
Richard M. Atkinson, dem 1181 

County Clerk. 

Austin Barber, whig 1317 

John J. Collar.!, dem 1286 

County Treasurer. 

Strother Grigsby, whig 1289 

Wm. F. Hooper, dem 1283 

Scliool Com m issioner. 

Milton H. Abbott, dem 1237 

John D. Thomson, whig. . . 1295 

Surveyor. 
James H. Ferguson, dem. . 1151 
A. G. Chamberlain, whig. . 1369 

ELECTION NOV. 7, 1854. 
Congress. 

A. Williams, rep -1714 

W. A. Richardson, dem. . . 1614 

Senator. 

N. M. Knapp, rep 1724 

H. L. Sutphin, dem 1725 

Representatives. 

B. L. Matthews, rep 1708 

D. H. Gilmer, rep 1739 

C. L. Higbee, dem 1677 

Jonathan Dearborn, dem. . 1692 

Sheriff. 

George T. Edwards, rep . . 1779 
Wm. Hooper, dem 1669 

Coroner. 

Samuel Sitton, rep 1664 

ELECTION NOV. 6, 1855. 
Treasurer. 

S. Grigsby, rep 1065 

Tyre Jennings, dem 633 

School Commissioner. 

J.D.Thomson 832 

James F. Hyde 623 

Surveyor. 
■ A. G. Chamberlain 1098 

ELECTION NOV. 4, 1856. 
President. 

James Buchanan, dem 2163 

John C. Fremont, rep 1053 

Millard Filmore, Amer 1010 

Congress. 

Isaac N. Morris, dem 2233 

Jackson Grimshaw, rep. . . 1937 



87 



41 



31 



58 



218 



100 



110 



1664 



432 



209 



1098 



1110 



296 



Oovernor. 
W. A. Richardson, dem. . . 2221 383 

Wm. II. Bissell, rep 1938 

State Senator. 

Jacob C. Davis 2200 336 

Thomas C. Sharp 1964 

Hep resentat ives . 

John L. Grimes, dem 2194 

King Kerley, dem 2210 

B. F. Westlake, rep 1993 

Benj. II. Irwin, rep 1974 

State's Attorney. 

John S. Bailey, dem 2191 223 

Charles C. Warren, rep. . . . 1968 

Sheriff. 

Wilson S. Dennis, dem 2190 187 

John S. Brewer, rep 2003 

Circuit Clerk. 

Wm. R. Archer, dem 2204 19» 

James A. Kenney, rep 2005 

Coroner. 

Wm. Benn, dem 2214 233 

E. W. Hickerson, rep 1981 

ELECTION NOV. 3, 1857. 

County Judge. 

Alfred Grubb, dem 1785 169 

C. Harrington, rep 1616 

County Clerk. 

J. S. Roberts, dem 1711 

S. Grigsby, rep 1717 & 

Treasurer. 

D. D. Hicks, dem 1884 358 

E. Wooley, rep., 1526 

Surveyor. 

H. P. Buchanan, dem 1816 318 

A. G. Chamberlain, rep. . . . 1598 

School Commissioner. 

Joseph J. TopliflF, dem 1811 307 

John D. Thomson, rep.... 1604 

Coroner. 

J. N. Griffin, rep 1613 

H. St. John, dem 1756 143 

ELECTION NOV. 3, 1858. 

Congress. 

Isaac N. Morris, dem 2471 480 

Jackson Grimshaw, rep. . . 1991 
State Senator. 

C. L. Higbee, dem 1000 347 

John Moses, rep 653 

Representatives. 

Gilbert J. Shaw 2478 

King Kerley 3473 

Benj. D. Brown 1995 

James S. Irwin 1993 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



883 



Sheriff. 

John Houston 2387 289 

•George T. Edwards 2098 

Coroner. 
Lewis E. Hayden, rep 1963 1963 

ELECTION NOV. 8, 1859. 
Treasurer. 

D. D. Hicks, dem 2225 752 

George T. Edwards, rep. . , 1473 

School Goramissioner. 

J. J. Topliff, dem 2592 1466 

F. A. Benton 1126 

Surveyor. 

John A. Harvey 3664 3664 

ELECTION NOV. 8, 1860. 

President. 

Abraham Lincoln, rep 2553 

S. A. Douglas, dem 3016 463 

Congress. 

W. A. Richardson, dem 3021 426 

B. M. Prentiss, rep 2595 

Oovernor. 

Richard Yates, rep 2576 

James C. Allen, dem 3021 445 

Representatives. 

B. B. Metz, rep 2629 

Vandeventer, rep 2583 

Wm. R. Archer, dem 2947 

Benj. F. DeWitt, dem 3007 

Circuit Clerk. 

Mace, rep 2621 

George "W. Jones, dem 2991 370 

Sheriff. 

Bonnell, rep 2635 

Joshua Woosley, dem 2945 310 

Staters Attorney. 

ThomasE. Morgan, dem.. 2959 2959 

Coro7ier. 

York, rep 2582 

G. W. Mollinix, dem 2890 308 

ELECTION NOV. 7, 1861. 

County Judge. 

John W. Allen, dem 2300 427 

Wm. E. Smith, rep 1873 

County Clerk. 

Wm. Steers, dem 2320 451 

Harvey Dunn, rep 1869 

County 'Treasurer. 

M. H. Abbott, dem 2281 402 

James L. Adams, rep 1879 

School Commissioner. 

J. G. Pettingill, dem 2829 974 

D. L. Freeman, rep 1855 



County Surveyor. 
James H. Ferguson, dem . . 2318 655 
George E. Harvey, rep 1363 

Against the Bank 4129 4129 

Constitutional Convention. 

Alex. Starne, dem 2332 

Archibald A. Glenn, dem. . 2350 

Wm. TurnbuU, rep 1839 

David K. Watson, rep 1655 

ELECTION NOV. 4, 1862. 

Congress. 
State at Largv: 

James C. Allen, dem 2600 1105 

E. C. Ingersoll, rep 1495 

Ninth District: 

Lewis W. Ross 2597 2521 

Wm. Ross 76 

State Senator. 

'L. E. Worcester 2597 1095 

N. M. Knapp 1502 

Representatives. 
Scott Wike, dem 2614 

A. G. Burr, dem 2599 

B. F. Westlake, rep 1464 

R. E. Haggard, rep 1500 

Sheriff. 

Perry H. Davis, dem 2654 1413 

W. H. Johnston 1241 

G. W. Mullinix 253 

Coroner. 

Eli Farris 2574 1085 

J. B. Johnston 1489 

ELECTION NOV. 3, 1863. 

Treasurer. 

R. A. McClintock, rep 1992 47 

R. F. Frazier, dem 1945 

School Commissioner. 

J. G. Pettingill, dem 2035 79 

John K. Bashforth 1956 

Surveyor. 

Hiram Harris, dem 2024 58 

Nathan Kifler 1966 

ELECTION NOV. 8, 1864. 
President. 

George B. McClellan, dem. 2857 522 
Abraham Lincoln, rep 2335 

Congress. 
At large : 

J. C. Allen, dem 2859 503 

L. W. Moulton 2356 

Ninth District : 

L. W. Ross, dem 2857 501 

H. Fullerton, rep 2356 



884 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



Governor. 
James C. Robinson, dem. . .2864 517 

Richard J. Oglesby, rep 2347 

liepresentutives. 

S. Wike, dem 2854 

J. F. Curtis, dem 2858 

A. E. Neiill, rep 2353 

S. R. Powell, rep 2354 

Circuit Clerk. 

J. H. Crane, dem 2833 470 

L. F. Williams, rep 2363 

Sheriff. 

J. B. Landrum, dem 2859 514 

W. W. Burchard, rep 2345 

State's Attorney. 

T. E. Morgan, dem 2859 505 

P. C. Slearnes, rep 2354 

Coroner. 

Eli Farris, dem 2854 498 

L. E. Hayden, rep 2356 

ELECTION NOV. 7, 1865. 
County Judge. 

R. M. Atkinson, dem 2227 143 

— . — . Sever, rep 2085 

County Clerk. 

Wm. Steers, dem 2210 94 

— . — . Clark, rep 2116 

Treasurer. 

David S. Hill, dem 2222 127 

Erastus Foreman, rep 2095 

Superintendent of Schools. 

J. G. Pettingill, dem 2232 136 

— . — . Goodrich, rep 2096 

Survey or. 

Hiram J. Harris, dem 2227 172 

A. G. Chamberlain, rep 2055 

ELECTION NOV. 6, 1866. 
Congress. 
At Large : 

T. Lyle Dickey, dem 2963 250 

John A. Logan, rep 2713 

Ninth District : 

Lewis W. Ross, dem 3971 1260 

C. Lippincott, rep 2711 

State Senator. 

Wm. Shepard, dem 2973 262 

— . — . Miner, rep '.2711 

Hepresentatives. 

James H. Dennis, dem 2973 

Thomas Hollowbush, dem. .2972 

— . — . Dunn, rep 2695 

— . — . Sears, rep 2715 

Sheriff 

W. G. Hubbard, dem 2955 248 

— . — . Jones, rep 2707 



Coroner. 

G. W. Mullini.x, dem 2954 245 

— . — . Chapman, rep 2709 

ELECTION NOV. 5, 1867. 

Treasurer. 

L. J. Smitherman, dem 2181 853 

R. L. Underwood, rep 1328 

Sarmyor. 

Hiram J. Harris, dem 2191 2039 

A. G. Chamberlain, rep 163 

ELECTION NOV. 3, 1868. 

Presidoot. 

II. Seymour, dem 3319 544. 

U. *S. Grant, rep 2775 

Qovernor. 

John M. Palmer, rep 2778 

John R. Eden, dem 3331 553 

Congress. 

At large : 

W. W. O'Brien, dem 3330 55a 

John A. Logan, rep 2777 

Ninth District : 

T. W. McNeeley, dem 3334 559 

Lewis W. Ross, dem 2775 

State's Attorney. 

L. W. James, dem 3336 561 

— . — . Sweeney 3775 

Representative. 

A. Mittower, dem 3334 533 

S. Grigsby, rep 3793 

Circuit Clerk. 

J. J. Toplifl; dem 3395 1586 

— . — . Lawton, rep 3809 

Sheriff. 

J. J. Manker, dem 3335 572 

R. A. McClintock, rep 3763 

Coroner. 

Sherman Brown, dem 3338 560' 

— . — . Sanderson, rep 3768 

Constitution. 

For 820 

Against 2524 1704 

ELECTION NOV. 2, 1869. 

County Judge. 

R. M. Atkinson, dem 2081 545 

R. H. Griffin, rep 1536 

County Clerk. 

Wm. B. Grimes, dem 2098 549 

— . — . Gray, rep 1549 

Treasurer. 

L. J. Smitherman, dem 2089 553 

Chas. Philbrick, rep 1536 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



885 



School Svperintendent. 

John M. Dewell, dem 2145 649 

Jon Shastid, rep 1496 

S^irveyor. 
Hiram J. Harris 2094 2094 

ELECTION NOV. 8, 1870. 

Ninth District : 

Congress. 

T. W. McNeeley, dem 2181 542 

B. F. Westlake, rep 1639 

Stdte Senators. 

Joseph M. Bush, dem 2151 

Wm. Shepard, dem 2223 

George E. Warren, rep 1625 

Thomas E. Flinn, rep 1626 

ReprisentdtiiH'H. 

Albert Landrum, dem 2081 

Charles Kenney, rep 2175 

John A. Thomas, dem 1718 

Thomas H. Dimmitt, rep. . .1658 

Sheriff. 
Joseph McFarland, dem.. . .2056 283 
Aaron F.Hemphill, ind. dem. 1773 

- Treasurer- 

Sherman Brown, dem 2230 605 

E. W. Hickerson, rep 1625 

ELECTION NOV. 7, 1871. 

Congress. 
At large : 

S. S. Hayes, dem 1872 275 

John L. Beveridge, rep 1597 

State Senator. 

Wm. H. Allen, dem 1847 227 

Wm. A. Grimshaw, rep 1620 

Treasurer. 

Thomas Gray, dem 1914 312 

Hamilton Wills, rep 1602 

Surveyor. 

Hiram J. Harris, dem 1927 1859 

A. G. Chamberlain, rep 68 

ELECTION NOV. 5, 1872. 
President. 

Horace Greeley, lib. rep 2827 193 

U. S.Grant, rep 2634 

Charles O'Conor, ind. dem.. 116 

Congress. 

Eleventh District : 

Robert M. Knapp, dem 2849 120 

A. C. Matthews, rep 2729 

Darrah 105 

State Senator. 

Wm. R. Archer, dem 2941 288 

Frost, rep 2653 



Governor. 

G. A. Koerner, dem 2929 291 

R. J. Oglesby, rep 2638 

Sepresentatives. 

Henry Dresser, dem 4319 

S. G. Lewis, dem 43861^ 

M. D. Massie, rep 7963 

Circuit Clerk. 

George W. Jones, dem 3005 455 

P. M. Parlcer, rep 2550 

John C. Hesley, ind. dem.. . 160 
Sheriff. 

Joseph McFarland, dem 2919 261 

J. A. Brown, rep 2658 

J. A. Melton, ind. dem 110 

State's Attorney. 

Jefferson Orr, dem 2891 178 

James S. Irwin, rep 2713 

Coroner. 

Martin Camp, dem 2949 319 

Jean, rep 2630 

Williams Ill 

Animals at Large. 

For 3775 1309 

Against 1466 

ELECTION NOV. 4, 1873. 

County Judge. 

J. G. Pettingill, dem 1676 

S. Grigsby, rep 1890 214 

County Clerk. 

J. L. Frye, dem 1936 291 

J. H. Allen, rep 1645 

Treasurer. 

D. Hollis, dem 2074 557 

Wm. Grammer, rep 1517 

School Superintendent. 

J. W. Johnson, dem 1822 140 

J.Pike, rep -....1682 

In this election the townships of 
Deny and Barry were thrown out. 

ELECTION NOV. 3, 1874. 

Congress. 

Scott Wike, dem 2089 669 

David E. Beatty, rep 1420 

Representatives. 

Joseph T. Harvey, dem 3054^^ 

James Collans, dem 3235 

John Moses, rep 3951 

Thomas H. Dimmitt, rep... 7863^ 

Sheriff. 
Augustus Simpkins, dem . . .2035 547 

Theodore Kellogg, rep 1488 

Thomas H. Wheeling, ind. . 93 



886 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



130 



266 



Coroner. 

Martin V. Shive, dem 2112 584 

B. H. Rowand, rep 1528 

[ELECTION NOV. 2, 1875. 

Treasurer. 

Thomas Reynolds, dem 1469 

Henry Hall, rep 1339 

Surveyor. 

Isaac A. Clare, dem 1525 

R. H. Griffin, rep 1259 

ELECTION NOV. 7, 1876. 

President. 

R, B. Hayes, rep 3055 

S. J. Tilden, dem 4040 985 

Peter Cooper, greenback.. . . 35 

Oovemor. 

S. M. Cullom, rep 3065 

Lewis Steward, dem 4074 1009 

State Senator. 

John Moses, rep 3055 

Wm, R. Archer, dem 4052 997 

Bepresentatives. 

A. C. Matthews, rep 8956)^ 

S. R. Powell, dem 6018 

B. J. Hall, dem 6022)^ 

State's Attorney. 

Joseph Dobbin, rep 3038 

Jeff. Orr, dem 4088 1050 

Circuit Clerk. 

Philip Donah oe, rep 3338 

J. A. Rider, dem 3766 428 

Sheriff. 

O. S. Campbell, rep 3197 

E. W. Blades, dem 3903 706 

Coroner. 

George Barker, rep 3075 

A. C. Peebles, dem 4050 975 

ELECTION NOV. 6, 1877. 

Coxinty Judge. 

R. M. Atkinson, dem 2441 

S. Grigsby, rep 2519 78 



County Clerk. 

E. F. Binns. dem 2815 666 

Wm. H. Raftery, gr. «fc rep. .2149 

Treasurer. 

R. M. Murray, dem 2623 234 

O. H. Barney, gr 2389 

School Superintendent. 

Wm. H. Crow, dem 2534 141 

Belle Moore, rep 2393 

ELECTION NOV. 5, 1878. 

Congress. 

James P. Dimmitt, rep 1972 

James W. Singleton, dem. .2685 713 
Wm. H. Pogue, gr 886 

Representatives. 

A. C. Matthews, rep 5563"^ 

S.R.Powell, dem 41153| 

James H. Pleasants, dem. . .42583^ 
John Kelley, gr 3052i| 

Clerk of Appellate Court. 

George W. Jones, dem 3051 1222 

M. M. Duncan, rep .1829 

Charles E. Schoff, gr 761 

Sheriff'. 

Theodore Kellogg, rep. & gr.2940 227 
John Colyer, dem 2713 

Coroner. 

Allen C. Peebles, dem 2885 1804 

Lewis Farrington, gr 1081 

ELECTION NOV. 4, 1879. 

Treasurer. 

B. W. Flinn, dem 2423 333 

Henry Hall, rep 2100 

Lewis Farrington, gr 600 

Surveyor. 

Isaac A. Clare, dem 2836 2009 

Nathan Kibler, greenback. 827 

Coroner. 

Frederick Ottowa, dem 2445 575 

John C. Burger, rep 1870 

B. F. Jones, greenback 690 



CHAPTER XIX. 

THE PRESS. 

In this chapter we give brief historical sketches of the various 
newspaper enterprises of Fike county. 

THE OLD FLAG. 

In 1842 Mr. Michael J . Noyes started in Pittsfield The Sucker 
and Farmer^ s Record^ the first paper in the county. It was a 
weekly, and was edited by a very able man. In 1846 it was suc- 
ceeded by The Free Press^ wliich was established by Z. N. Gar- 
butt, who liad, most of the time as partner, Mr. M. H. Abbott. 
This was a good paper, having had at its head as much talent prob- 
ably as any paper in this county has ever had. It was a Whig 
paper, with strong anti-slavery and temperance inclinations. Mr. 
Garbutt retired from it in 1849 and went into other business. A 
sketch of his life will be found on pages 397-8 of this volume. 
Some time afterward John G. Nicolay and Mr. Parks had the pa- 
per for a time, and then Kicolay alone. 

The successor of The Free Press was The Pike County Journal^ 
■established by Daniel B. Bush, jr. (the second), and edited by him 
until a short time after the war broke out, when it was sold to Rob- 
ert McKee, a cousin of the eminent Wm. McKee, of the St. Louis 
Glohe- Democrat, who recently died. In 1868 Messrs. McKee and 
"Wm. A. Grimshawgave the paper its present name. The Old Flag, 
which is indeed a very appropriate one for an organ which so boldly 
stands up for the flag of our country. The material of the office 
was subsequently owned for a time by the County Republican Cen- 
tral Committee, and in turn was run by Wm. H. Patterson and 
Mr. Hatch, by Patterson alone, by Bailey & Reynolds, by Reynolds 
alone, by Maj. T. W. Jones, and ftially it was purchased by James 
Criswell in 1868, since which time its circulation has been won- 
derfully increased, and the paper made a grand success. He changed 
it from a seven to an eight-column paper. It was edited for a time 
by Robert Criswell, a spicy writer, who is now in the West; since 
1874 the gentlemanly Mr. Gallaher has led in the editorial columns. 
The Old Flag is a home paper, none of it being printed abroad. 
He has brought to bear a high order of journalism and the wisdom of 



890 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

long experience as a journalist, and as a natural consequence, has 
made of The Old Flag one of the leading llepublican papers in 
Central Illinois. The influence for Republican doctrine and prin- 
ciples of thi>' paper has been felt in this county. The party has 
been rallied and is gaining over its common enemy, the Democratic 
party, new victories here. Mr. Gallaher's locals are crisp and fresh, 
and in theie columns maybe found all the happenings of not only 
Pittstield and immediate vicinity, but in all parts of the country. 
A good job oflice is run in connection with the establishment. 

Michael J. Noyes, founder of The Saoker^ was born at Landaff, 
Grafton county, N. II., March 30, 1791; graduated at college; read 
law for some time; removed to St. Charles county. Mo.; then to 
Pike county, in that State, where he held several responsible posi- 
tions as County and Circuit Clerks, etc. He was a remarkable 
man, of frank manners, industrious, honest, shrewd, of fair educa- 
tion, and had an extraordinary memory of names and faces of per- 
sons. As a land surveyor, in early life he laid off land for the 
United States Government under contract when large surveys were 
made. After quitting the paper he retired to a nice large farm, 
near Pittsfield. He died in May, 1868, a leading officer in the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, leaving a widow and several children. Those of 
the latter now living are: Henry J., in the insurance business in 
Pittstield; John, at Grimshaw's drug store, in the same place; Mrs. 
Emeline Mills, also in Pittsfield; W. H. D., at Carthage; Mrs. 
Harriet Talcott, Olympia, W. T.; and Mrs. Annie T. Hodgen, 
Roodhouse, 111. Ten have died. 

James Gallaher, the present editor of The Old Flag, was born 
in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland, July 23, 1835; came to the 
United States in 1851, landing at New York city, where, Aug. 1, 
1856, he married Miss Lizzie McHugh, daughter of Capt. M. A. T. 
McHugh, of the 60th Royal Rifle Brigade, British army; she was 
born at Gibraltar. Their children are: Margaret C, now Mrs. 
Williams, of New York city, born in 1857; Harry JVI., born in 
1860; Lizzie M., in 1863; and Charles J., in 1868; ^the last three 
were born in Springfield, 111. Soon after landing in America Mr. 
Gallaher located at Bridgeport, Conn., where he learned '* the art 
preservative " in the office of The Standard, 2itt\\?it time a staunch 
organ of the " silver-gray Whigs." He shortly aftei-ward returned 
toNew York, where he remained until the financial panic of-1857, 
when he came to Illinois, obtaining employment in i\\Q State Jour- 
nal office, at Springfield, and was subsequently promoted to the 
position of associate editor, with Ed. L. Baker as chief, and had 
this position for ten years. Here he had the good fortune to be- 
come acquainted with Mr. Lincoln, Mr. Yates, Dr. Wallace and 
other prominent leaders, and had his Republicanism strengthened. 
Later he became connected with the Quincy Whig, and in 1874 as- 
sumed editorial charge of The Old Flag, where he gives entire sat- 
isfaction to all his patrons. He has had a large and varied experi- 
ence in travel and journalism. He has visited Europe several 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 891 

times, and in his profession has been within the inner circles of the 
political and journalistic headquarters of State and nation. 

James Cnswell, proprietor of the Old Flag, was born in Ireland 
of Scotch-Irish parents, May 7, 1810. His parents, Robert and 
Mary (Mamilton) Crisweli, brought him to America at the early 
rage of seven years. They located at Shippensburg, Pa., but soon 
moved to Butler county, of the same State, and began farming. 
His father, who was a great deal in public life, died in 1867 at the 
advanced age of 89 years. Our subject remained in Pennsylvania 
until a few years before the war; he moved to St. Louis, Mo., where 
he ran a rolling mill. His mill burned in 1860, when he went 
South. At the outbreak of the war he started for the J^Torth and 
experienced great difficulty in making the trip. He brought his 
children to Pittstield, that they might be wholly out of danger, and 
receive the benetit of good schools, and then entered the Union 
army, where he took an active and prominent part in suppressing 
the monster Rebellion, He served as Chief Engineer of the Ma- 
chinery Department of the army of the Southwest, with rank as 
Colonel. In 1861 he returned to Pittsfield and then went South 
to Louisiana and opened up a plantation. He met Gen. Sheridan, 
with whom he was personally acquainted, who told him that he was 
heartily glad such men as he had come to settle in the South and 
aid in developing its resources. Mr. C. soon was appointed Com- 
missioner of Elections. At this, however, he was ordered to leave 
the country, merely on political grounds, of course. Having in- 
fluence in the Legislature he had his parish divided, some of his 
neighbors not being antagonistic to him. He was then appointed 
Sheriff of the new parish by Gov. Warmouth, but only accepted 
the position at the urgent request of the Governor and many of 
the citizens of the parish. He appointed two deputies and came to 
Pittslield after his family, intending to remove them to his new 
home. While here, however, he received word that both his depu- 
ties had been killed. This was not encouraging to his family, and 
they would not go South. He returned, however, but was driven 
away hy armed and masked Ku Klux, who came to his house to 
kill him. He was compelled to leave to save his life, for they had 
killed others around him, and he too well knew he would meet with 
the same fate. 

Mr. C. returned to Pittsfield, bought out The Old Flag in 1868, 
and has since owned it and conducted it with success. His present 
wife, Hepsie D. Crisweli, nee Reed, is a native of Kentucky. 

THE PIKE COUNTY DEMOCRAT. 

In tracing the ancestry of this staunch organ of the Democratic 
party in this county we find that the first paper was The Pike 
County Sentinel, which was started in the year 1845 by T. G. 
Trumbull and G. W. Smith, the former as editor. Under their 
regime it flourisiied until April, 1849, when it was purchased by 
John S, Roberts, who changed its name to The Pike County Union, 



892 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

the first number by this name being issued April 25, that year. In 
size it was six columns by 24 inches, and published at $1,50 a year. 
In 1851 Mr. Roberts sold it to M. II. Abbott, who on the SO^th of 
May, 1857, changed its name to The Pike County Democrat, 9,\nQ,e, 
which time it has retained that name. For a short time it was in 
the hands of Brown & Frazier, then of Frazier & McGinnis,then of 
Frazier (Robert F.) alone. Aug. 10, 1865, is the date of the first 
issue of the paper under the control of the present proprietor, J. 
M. Bush, when its circulation was only 350. Mr. Bush by his en- 
ergy and ability has made of it one of the leading political organs 
of the State, and has increased its circulation largely. It is now an 
8 column paper, 27 by 41 inches in size. In 1862 it was a 6-column 
paper, 24 inches to the column; in 1863, probably owing to the 
Lard times produced by the war, it was somewhat reduced in size. 
This paper has always been issued weekly, and has ever been a firm 
advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, the very first 
number of The Union declaring itself in favor of "State rights and 
sovereignty." 

The Democrat, which has no " patent " side, but is all printed at 
home, enjoys a liberal advertising patronage and a large circulation. 
Its locals are abundant, fresh and crisp. Its foreign and general 
news are such as the public desire to become acquainted with. Its 
editorial columns are ably managed. The political measures and 
movements of the day are discussed fearlessly, yet dispassionately. 
The principles of the Democratic party are ably advocated, and all 
other measures that its editor believes for the welfare of the gen- 
eral public. 

The present printing establishment connected with this journal 
is the largest in the county. It is fitted with all the modern con- 
veniences and improvements, among which is a steam-power 
press. The press was bought about 3 years ago, and the engine 
about 1 year ago. H. E. Hanna, nephew of M. H. Abbott, a former 
proprietor, has been foreman for about 12 years. They are pre- 
pared here to do job work in nearly ail its l)ranches, and in the neat- 
est style. We will now speak personally of the leading editors 
who have conducted this paper. 

T. 0. TrumhulU one of the founders of this paper, was an attor- 
ney at law who came from Connecticut, and was a nephew of the 
celebrated painter. Col. Trumbull, of Washington's military fam- 
ily. He had, however, but little business at the Bar. In some 
lespects he was somewhat peculiar. For example, when asked 
about early rising, he would reply that it was not best to be about 
until the world was well aired by the uprising sun. His health 
was feeble, his instincts were gentlemanly, his education good, and 
he was a man of retiring habit. He died many years ago and was 
buried in the Pittsfield cemetery, leaving no relatives in this vicinity. 

George W. Smith went from here to Barry and started The 
Barry Enterprise, but scon got to drinking so that he could not 
control himself, and in Feb., 1861 fell out of a window of the 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 893 

Planter's House in Hannibal and broke his neck. He was a bril- 
liant writer,— indeed, a literary genius, and his flashes of wit and 
rhetoric have seldom been surpassed in local jonrnalisra. 

John S. Hoherts was born in Southern Pennsylvania Nov. 19, 
1809; came to this State about the year 1836, stopping first at 
Shawneetown; afterward he and his brother were at Springfield and 
at Jacksonville, and edited a paper for awhile; also followed farm- 
ing. He came to Pike county in 1849 and bought The Pike 
County Sentinel, as above stated. In 1868 he was appointed Col- 
lector of Internal Revenue for this District, and held the office for 
a year or two ; was also Clerk of the Legislature for several ses- 
sions, was Supervisor of Martinsburg township several terras, and 
was Justice of the Peace from 1869 to 1878, when he died, leavino- 
a widow {nee Elizabeth Twiford) and two sons, — J. Willis Roberts, 
now Justice of the Peace in Pittsfield, and Town Clerk, and Rich- 
ard D., also a resident of Pittsfield. 

Milton H. Abbott was probably a native of this State; he was 
married in Alton, 111.; in a very early day he and his father pub- 
lished hymn-books, etc., in Vandalia, then the State capital. For 
stock he would ride horseback all the way to St. Louis and return. Of 
course, in such early times and under such difiiculties, he could not 
carry on a very extensive business. After assisting on The Free 
Press, in Pittsfield, for a time, he went to Coldwater, Mich., where 
a storm blew down his dwelling, when he returned to Pittsfield. 
He commenced to edit The Pike County Democrat Oct. 11, 1860. 
After selling out the paper to Mr. Bush, in 1865, he emigrated by 
wagon to Oregon, finally settling at The Dalles, where he is now 
publishing The Dalles DemoGrat. Since going to that place he 
has lost his wife and three daughters. His brothers are not now 
living, and of his sisters only Mrs. E. J. Ilanna, of Terre Haute, 
Ind., is livino^. 

Joseph Merrick Bush, editor and proprietor of The Pike County 
Democrat, was born Jan. 16, 1822, in Pittsfield, Berkshire county, 
Mass.; graduated at Williams College (Mass.) in 1838, and re- 
moved the same fall to Pittsfield, Pike county. 111., where he has 
ever since resided. He was admitted to the Bar, and in 1848 he 
married the daughter of John U. Grimshaw, and devoted the most 
of his time to farming up to 1865, when he purchased and took 
the control of the Democrat. He has held the office of State 
Senator, United States Commissioner for the Southern District of 
Illinois, Master in Chancery, President of the Board of Education, 
Pittsfield, President Pike' County Agricultural Society, and has 
taken an active part in all measures looking to the advancement of 
the public interests. He has four sons, three of whom are grown 
to manhood, and two, William and J. M., jr., are connected with 
him in conducting the Democrat and its job rooms. 



894 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



GEIGG8VILLE REFLECTOR. 



The history of founding a local newspaper is almost without ex- 
ception a story of unrealized hopes, misdirected efforts and unpaid 
bills. It is a well-known fact that more failures are recorded in 
the journalistic profession than in any other. Few are those who 
attain success in founding a country or a city new8])aper. Often 
it is not for want of literary al)ility, for many who wield an 
able pen fail, but it takes as well a high order of business tact and 
talent. The successful editor and publisher must necessarily be a 
shrewd business man. He must be a man of business in all that 
that terra implies, for in this field of labor one will find a greater 
variety of influences brought to bear against his eflforts, diffi- 
culties unknown in other branches must be surmounted, the 
genius of dealing with people indiscriminately and successfully 
must be possessed; indeed, the successful editor of to-day must be 
a business man as well as a literary scholar. 

There are few journals which continue long under their original 
jnanaffcraent, seldom longer than two vears. Not so with the 
Reflector^ however, which continues under the control and man- 
agement of its founder, Mr. Strother. He came to Griggs ville in 
1871, and July 15 of that year, sent forth the first number of 
the Reflector. It was then a seven-column folio, and presented a 
neat and tasteful appearance. It was received with favor, and con- 
siderable encouragement offered the editor. He being a practical 
printer, was able to take advantage of many influences and soon 
found his enterprise upon the high road to success. At the end of 
the first year he had a subscription list of 400. Tliis was steadily 
increased until at present it numbers upward of 700. The Reflector 
is purely a local paper; has no patent side, and in politics and 
religion is neutral. People take the Reflector because it is not 
tampered or circumscribed by party principles or religious creeds. 
It is free to applaud or condemn, to advoc ..e or oppose, to build 
up or tear down, any measure it believes beneficial and just, or in- 
jurious or wrong. Though neutral on political and religious ques- 
tions, yet he devotes space in its columns to the discussion of both. 
Mr. Strother is a veteran in the printing business, having begun to 
learn the trade at the early age of 13 years, and has continued it 
without intermission from that day to this. Thus, with practical 
knowledge of his business, he is enabled the better to superintend 
and carry it on successfully. As a writer he is clear, forcible and 
logical, and has made of the Reflector ?a\ excellent provincial paper. 

F. K. Strother., editor and proprietor of the Griggsville Reflec- 
tor, was born in Granville county, N. C, Sept. 30, 1823; educated 
at Kaleigh ; came to Adams county, 111., in 1866, and here pub- 
lished the Clayton Sentinel (now the Enterprise) until 1871, when 
he came to Griggsville and issued the first copy of the Reflector 
Jul}'' 15 of that year, which he still publishes, with a circulation of 
850. January 18, 1851, he married Miss B. Y. House, and they 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 895 

have 6 children : B. L., Ilomolea, Geneva A., Cora A., S. K. and 
F. T. Mr. Strother was with Gen. Canby in the South in 1867-8 ; 
was Government printer while there, where he remained until the 
reconstruction of the States. He has worked in the printing office 
most of the time since he was 14 years of age. 

THE BAKRY ADAGE. 

The newspaper history of Barry well exemplifies a general rule 
characteristic of the profession of journalism. While in most other 
branches of business the first efforts at establishment in a new and 
growing place, are generally successful, in public journalism the 
charm of talking to the people in print, the social and political 
influence to be obtained as a stepping-stone to power and emolu- 
ment, and to ease and luxury, tempt the innumerable, impecunious 
graduates of the printing ofiice to seek some unoccupied field in 
which to establish themselves and rise. Hence they start out, and 
for want of the means necessary to run a newspaper a year or two, 
with but very little pay, they try a new place, and thus continue to 
rove; and it is but a corroboration of this remark to note that all, or 
nearly all, the newspapers now successfully conducted in Pike 
county are owned and edited by old residents having some 
property. 

The first attempt to establish a newspaper in Barry was made by 
Geo. W. Smith, from Pittsfield, spoken of on a preceding page. 
He started The Barry Enterprise^ but the office here was discon- 
tinued and the material was moved to Louisiana, Mo.. The next 
move to establish a paper here was made by Messrs. Shaffner & 
Goldsmith, who published The Barry Weekly Dispatch. The next 
effort was made by L. L. Burke, who started The Barry Observer., 
over White's store. This was run about a year, the last number 
being issued in the fall of 1871. In October of this year Mr. John 
H. Cobb took the same rooms and established The Barry Adage., 
in spite of the most discouraging obstacles. The people of the 
community had lost all faith in the newspaper business as a Barry 
enterprise. Mr. Cobb could find but two men who would pay as 
much as a year's subscription in advance, and not one who would 
pay a cent in advance for advertising. At least three-fourths of 
those who were ajjproached on the subject would refuse to pay a 
cent for the new enterprise. Many men would go into a saloon or 
tobacco store and spend more in a day or two than would pay for 
the paper a whole year, then refuse even a single dime to encourage 
Mr. Cobb in his laudable enterprise, in which, too, he finally suc- 
ceeded. The first number of his paper was issued about J^fov. 1, 
1871. In 1878, however, he sold out to Mr. Colgrove, who ran the in- 
stitution for a short time. Mr. Cobb, in company with Wm. Watson, 
bought back the office and the situation and conducted it together 
with reasonable success until recently, when Mr. Cobb retired, leav- 
ing Mr. Watson sole editor and proprietor. The paper is printed 
on both sides at the home office, is a weekly, and independent in 



896 HISTORY OF riKE COUNTY. 

politics. Price only $1.00 a year, which is certainly quite reasonable 
for a local paper. It is not hampered or bound by any political fetters, 
but is strictly speaking an organ of the people, and for the people. 
While it enjoys a fair advertising patronage, the merchants and 
business men of Barry are not fully alive to their best interests 
when they fail to give their local paper a hearty and liberal sup- 
port. Towns must be advertised us well as individuals and busi- 
nesses, and this can only be done through the medium of the press. 

There is connected with this paper a good job office. 
Mr. Cobb tried a daily for a while, at Pittsfleld, but that city was 
found to be too near the large cities, which furnish dailies at hand. 

William Watson was born in iiarry Feb. 16, 1857, and is a son 
of Jon Watson, deceased, an early settler in Pike county. Mr. 
Watson's future success with The Barry Adage is very promising. 
He is a pleasing writer for a young man, and gives to IBarry an ex- 
cellent local paper. 

THE UNICORN OBEENBACK, 

After Tlie Adage had been under way four or live years there 
was a sheriif's sale of a press, stationery, etc., where Mr. Simeon 
Pitch was a bidder, and he rather jestingly remarked that he 
did not want any one to bid against him on the press, as he 
wanted to run a paper in opposition to The Adage. He also had a 
boy whom he wished to learn the art of printing and thought to 
purchase the press and material for this purpose. This was the ex- 
citing cause of many friends encouraging him to go into the busi- 
ness of printing and publishing a paper. Thus encouraged, and 
having a love for literary labor, he obtained another press and com- 
menced business, issuing the first number of The Unicorn on the 
5th of October, 1877. He subsequently bought the press, which 
was offered at the sheriff's sale. The Unicorn was started as a Re- 
publican paper, but it soon espoused the Greenback cause and 
changed its name to The Unicorn Greenhack. The Unicorn is a 
8 column folio and filled with local and general news, discussions 
upon the political, financial and social issues of the country that 
agitate the public mind, and a general miscellany of excellent and 
instructive reading matter. As above stated it is a Greenback 
paper, and is one of the leading advocates for the measui-es and prin- 
ciples of the Greenback party in this section. The Unicorn, is also 
one of the most zealous advocates of temperance and total absti- 
nence from the use of tobacco there is in the countrj'. No smoking 
is even allowed in the printing office. The motto heading the 
newspaper is, — 

" Tobacco, though handy, is risky to use : 
Together with brandy and whisky, refuse." 

Mr. Fitch is pre-eminently a poetic editor, often throwing into 
rhyme the reports of proceedings in the city, and thus he amuses 
while he teaches and instructs. " His paper has a much larger cir- 



% ic 



f^-. 



'^' i 







HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 899 

culation than he at first anticipated, and promises to be one of the 
established institutions of the city of Barry. Thus, with his tem- 
perance and anti-tobacco principles and his novel way of rhyming 
locals, he is enabled to present to his readers a rare, entertaining 
and elevating class of reading matter. He will not taint the 
morals of the most saintly, and it grieves him greatly to see so 
many of his fellow men, and especially the young, polluting them- 
selves by the use of liquors and tobacco. It will take him a long 
time and much earnest work to change the habits and customs of 
this people in this respect, and that his influence will be felt, is be- 
yond question. No man ever engaged in a reformation more desired, 
and more earnestly and devoted Ij' than Mr. Fitch, and that he may 
live to see a radical change in the filthy and injurious habits so 
common, we most heartily wish. He has a most potent enemy, and 
it will take constant hard battling to conquer it. Mr. Fitch, however, 
appreciates the magnitude of his labors, yet will use his pen and 
voice, his influence and purse to save the young and convert those 
already steeped in the use of liquors and tobacco. 

Simeon Fitch^ editor and proprietor of the Unicorn Greenhack^ 
Barry, 111., was born in Delaware county, K. Y., Dec. 2, 1818, and 
is a son of Samuel Fitch, deceased; was educated in Franklin, N. 
Y., and at the age of 21 he commenced teaching school, which pro- 
fession he followed 10 years, a portion of the time engaging in 
farming during the summer season. He emigrated to Pike county 
in April, 1842, where he has since lived. May 1, 1845, he married 
Lucinda A. Piper, by whom he had one child, since deceased. Mrs. 
Fitch died April 24, 1854, and Aug. 3 of the same year Mr. F. 
married Eliza Kerr, and of the 8 children born to them these 6 are 
living: Ella, Edward E., Charles S., Owen L., Anna and Mary. 
Edward attends to the farm, while Owen L. assists his father in 
the printing-oflice. Ella is a teacher, and is now Mrs. Dr. E. T. 
Myers, of Farber, Mo. 

MILTON BEACON. 

This is one of the leading organs of the Greenback partj'^ in Illi- 
nois, and wields an influence second to none. This fact is evinced 
in the interest manifested by the people of Milton and vicinity in 
this late political movement, and also in the fact that the citizens 
in this district are uniformly well posted in political matters. 
Constant readers of this journal are difficult antagonists to contend 
with in argumentative contests on political questions. They have 
been under the instruction of a wise, original and logical tutor, and 
have gained much information bearing upon the great and im- 
portant political questions, especially the financial, now before the 
public. 

The beacon, although comparatively a new publication, has 
proven a grand success under its present able management. Dur- 
ing the winter of 1874—5 a temperance organization known as the 
Milton Moral Beform Society published a small paper called the 



900 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

Milton Reform. This sheet was issued tor the purpose of setting 
forth the aims and objects of the order. It was distributed gra- 
tuitously, and was received with much favor by the citizens of the 
town. The effect of this small publication was to create a demand 
for a larger jiaper. After its .=econd monthly issue Mr. A. G. Lucas 
proposed to start a live-column folio paper, providing the Society 
would discontinue the publication of the Reform., and turn over 
the advertising alread}"^ secured. This proposition was accepted, 
and on the 16th of April, 1875, the Milton Beacon made its ap- 
pearance. It cam'e forth, however, as a six-column instead of a five- 
column paper, as originally intended. 

The history of all new papers is one of a hard struggle for ex- 
istence; on the whole, however, \\\q Beacon has been unusually suc- 
cessful. After a lapse of three months Mr. Lucas found tlie ex- 
penses incident to founding a paper greater than he had anticipated, 
and suspension was likely to follow. It was the wish of the busi-; 
ness men that the paper should continue. Accordingly in order to 
sustain the enterprise, a stock company was formed. This com- 
pany consisted of F. M. Griuies, T. B. Morton, J. O. Bolin, C. 
E. Bolin, J. M. Faris, S. Hudson, W. Hess, W. D. Mitchell and L. 
N. Hall. Mr. Grimes was chosen President of the company and 
Mr. Morton, Secretary. J. M. Faris was appointed editor. He 
forthwith enlarged it to a seven-column paper, and advanced the 
subscription from $1.00 to $1.50 per year, adopted the '' patent out- 
side," and continued its publication until April, 1876. On that 
date the paper was sold to F. M. Grimes, its present editor, who 
has since purchased all of the shares except two, which have not 
yet been offered for sale. 

Mr. Grimes entered upon his new field of labor with considerable 
enthusiasm. He brought to bear in this enterprise a well stored 
mind, a ready pen, business ability and personal popularity, and as 
a result has obtained a most signal success. During the past year 
(1879) this paper reached a circulation greater than that ever at- 
tained by any other paper published in Pike county, a fact of which 
its editor may well be proud. 

Mr. Grimes continued the patent side until January, 1877, when 
he began the printing of the entire paper in the office. We will 
remark in this connection that in point of equipment this office 
ranks with those much older. It is supplied with a large assort- 
ment of the best material and modern conveniences of the preserva- 
tive art. Mr. Grimes carries a full line of job-printing material, 
and executes some fine specimens in this line. 

The Beacon was started as a neutral paper, politically. But the 
editor believing duty called him to do battle against certain measures 
which he considered highly detrimental to our common country, 
and to advocate others which were subservient to national prosper- 
ity, he unfurled the standard of the Greenback party and has since 
done valiant service in its behalf. He wields a powerful pen, and 
carries conviction to almost all who will unprejudicedly and candidly 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 901 

follow his arguments. As an antagonist he is dreaded by the most 
influential. As an advocate he is earnest, untiring and concen- 
trates his unusual powers in behalf of the measure or person that he 
is supporting. We congratulate the people of Milton and vicinity 
in having in their midst a paper conducted with the ability and 
enterprise of the Beacon. 

Francis Marion Grhnes, editor of the Beacon, was born in 
Montezuma toMaiship, April 28, 1837. He is the son of James and 
Nancy (Davis) Grimes, well known early settlers of Pike county. 
His father was born in County Down, Ireland, Feb. 9, 1789, and 
his mother in Warren county, Ky., Feb. 15, 1797. They were 
united in marriage ISTov. 11, 1813, and came to Montezuma town- 
ship in 1836. His ftither died Sept. 19, 1873, and his mother still 
survives at a ripe old age. Our subject was reared on a farm, and 
received a good common -school education. At the age of 19 he be- 
gan teaching school and taught for 20 consecutive years in the 
schools of Montezuma and Pearl townships, this county. As a 
teacher he was eminently successful, as attested by the above, and 
also by the fact that he never held any other than a first-grade cer- 
tificate. He quit teaching in April, 1876, and took possession of 
the editorial chair of the Beacon, which he has so ably filled to the 
present time. March 17, 1859, he was united in marriage with 
Sarah E. Colvin, the sixth child of Thomas and Rebecca Colvin, 
now deceased. To them have been born 6 children, namely, — 
Albert, Luther, Perry, Henry, Ina and Polio. Mr. G, has been a 
member of the Christian Church for 20 years, and a zealous worker 
in the temperance cause for many years. He now also holds 
membership in the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Workmen lodges. 
He formerly voted with the Democratic party, but paid little atten- 
tion to politics, believing, however, that the financial question was 
paramount to all others at the present; has for the past year devoted 
his time and energies to the interests of the National Greenback 
party. 

PERRY PARAGRAPH. 



This is one of the eight newspaper publications of Pike county, 
and like the others, has experienced its ups and downs. It is con- 
ceded to be one of the most difficult things known in the business 
world to establish a local paper upon a paying basis. It requires 
more energy, patience and perseverance to found one than almost any 
other business. It is less remunerative, more vexatious, and requires 
the expenditure of greater mental and physical force than other 
enterprises. Few there are who properly appreciate the labors, the 
trials and difficulties of a country editor. He enjoys none of the 
advantages, yet he is expected to send forth a sheet that will com- 
pare favorably with the large dailies of cities. 

Mr. Cobb, the editor of this paper, and other editors can appre- 
ciate the force of these remarks perhaps better than people in gen- 
eral. He recently started the Paragraph, and has met with fair 



902 HISTOKY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

success. The paper is independent politically, religiously and in 
everything else. It is free to advocate or oppose any measure or 
view brought before the public. 

H. C. Cobb was born in Chautauqua county, JST. Y., Aug. 20, 
1845, and is the son of James and Mary (Hale) Cobb, both natives 
of the Empire State. His father is of Welsh ancestry, and his 
mother is a direct descendant of Sir. Matthew Hale. Mr. C. was 
■united in marriage Aug. 12, 1871, with Elizabeth Purviance. Three 
children have been borne to them, only one of whom is now living. 
Mr. C. learned his trade in JNew York, where he was connected 
with several papers in the State. 

THE INDEPENDENT PRESS. 

This is the latest newspaper enterprise of Pike county, and has 
promise of becoming one of the inost popular and influential. It 
lirst greeted the public Dec. 11, 18Y9, an eight-column folio. The 
typographical appearance of the Press is neat and tasty. Indeed, 
it would reflect honor to older established offices to send out such 
excellent quality of work. 'The Pr^^s office is furnished all through 
with the best material and presses, and for mechanical execution 
the job work done at this office will compare favorably with that 
turned out from the larger establishments of the State. Its present 
editor, A. Hughes, and its proprietors, Hughes & Nelson, are thor- 
oughly enterprising newspaper men, and that the progress they 
have so early made is appreciated by the general public, is evinced 
b}^ the unusual success attending their enterprise. 

The Independent Press, which is published at Griggsville, was 
founded, as its name implies, as an independent journal so far as 
politics or religion are concerned. Its editor believes he can exert a 
greater influence under that banner than under any other. He will 
not be influenced by party or sect. He advocates such measures, 
national, municipal, religious and social, as will best subserve the 
interests of the mass of the community, regardless of any party, 
clique or individual. As such a journal, it deserves, as it has, the 
patronage of all classes. As the better to set forth the principles 
of this paper, we quote from its salutatory a remark or two in 
reference to this point. The editor says : " The Press will not be a 
partisan sheet in accordance with the generally accepted tenets of 
either of the established political parties. Our politics and religion 
will be independent so far as the paper is concerned." * * * 
" In our advocacy of measures, be they cosmopolitan or local, we 
will only be guided by what we conceive to be the right, and will 
best conserve the true interests of this city, county, State and 
nation. In the interest of the merchant we shall advocate the best 
means of developing trade ; in the interests of all we shall, by 
using every means in our power, fight against rings, monopolies, 
and every species of fraud that has a tendency to retard or lessen 
the people's interest." 

A local journal established upon such a broad and liberal plat- 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 903 

form, and evincing the enterprise and public spirit tlie Press has, 
should receive the undivided support ot' men of all parties, creeds 
and opinions. It is not hampered or circumscribed bj partisan 
principles of any nature, save truth and probity. The Press is 
published each Thursday. Subscription, $1.50 per year. 

Arnold Hughes, editor of the Press, is a native of Missouri, grew 
up attending the common schools. He served an apprenticeship 
at the printer's trade in Milwaukee, Wis., and has since devoted 
himself to his profession with zeal and energy. As a writer he is 
original, pointed and entertaining. His locals are fresh and crisp, 
his editorials are able, logical and convincing, and as a business 
man possesses much practical knowledge. It is our wish, as it is 
that of the general public, that Messrs. Hughes & Nelson will 
make a success of their new-born enterprise. 

OTHER PAPERS. 

The RadicalioT a brief time was published as the exponent of a 
sentiment. It was edited with vim, by Charles J. Sellon, who was 
afterward a vio-orous and useful editor of the Illinois State Jour- 
nal, at Springfield, He enlisted in the Union army, but was dis- 
charged on account of deafness. He died a young man, mourned 
by his family and many friends. He was buried in the grave-yard 
of St. Stephen's Church, Pittsfield, 111. 

The Radical was suddenly reduced to The Radi, which was 
conducted by O. W. Topliff for a short time, and then was discon- 
tinued altogether. 

A Republican paper called Tlie Morning Star, was once started 
by Wm. Overstreet, in Pittsfield, but did not last long. 



CHAPTER XX. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 
RAILROADS. 

The railroad is comparatively a new enterprise to Pike county. 
In reference to means of transportation this county is greatly 
favored by nature. Indeed, there is no county in the State to 
which nature gave such abundant and convenient channels of trans- 
portation as to Pike. Here are two of the finest water courses in 
America washing its shores, aiid no portion of the county over 
half a day's drive from one of them. Without a raih'oad many of 
the northern counties of the State would yet be in their native con- 
dition. Yet Pike county could, and djd, get along very con- 
veniently without a railroad. 

As early as May, 1860, a railroad was projected, principally by 
Messrs. Starne and Hatch. This road was known as the Pike 
County Poad, and later as the Hannibal and Naples road. Some 
grading was done, but the county, at a general election, refused 
aid, and the project was abandoned until after the war, when, 
through the efforts of Judge Higbee, Scott Wike, James S. Irwin, 
Hon. Wm. A. Grimshaw, W. Steers, of Pittsfield, Messrs. Brown 
and Wike, of Barry, and Messrs. McWilliaras, Ward, Philbrick 
and others, of Griggsville, the enterprise was revived and pushed 
to completion. 

Originally about $350,000 were expended on the old Pike 
road ; and of this sum the citv of Hannibal furnished as a city 
$200,000, the townships on the'line of the road $70,000, and indi- 
viduals in Hannibal and Pike county the balance. The money 
subscribed was faithfully expended under the direction of Mr. 
Starne, the President of the road, and a competent engineer; the 
war commenced and the road failed, as did most of the public en- 
terprises of the country. It was at that time in debt to Mr. 
Clough, one of the engineers, about $1,000, and upon a suit com- 
menced by hira a judgment was rendered against the road for his 
debt. The friends of the road were anxious that it should not be 
sacrificed, and when it was sold, bid it in in thenameof Scott Wike, 
for $l,039,who transferred the certificate of purchase to the Directors 
of the old road, Messrs. A. Starne, B. D. Brown, O. M. Hatch,George 
Wike, Geo. W. Shields, J. G. Helme, James McWilliams and Scott 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 905 

Wike; and the Sheriff made them a deed Feb. 12, 1863. They 
were then incorporated as the Hannibal & Naples Railroad Com- 
pany. Mr. Shields was the Mayor of the city of Hannibal, and 
Mr. Heline a large property-holder there. They were directors of 
the old road, and were appointed by the City Council to look after 
the interests of the city. The other gentlemen were directors in 
the old road and large property-holders in Pike county. 

When the agitation incident to the Rebellion had subsided and 
the people again turned to the improvement of their homes and 
the carrying out of home enterprises, the completion of this road 
was urged. 

Enthusiastic meetings were held throughout the county in De- 
cember, 1867. The proposition by the Supervisors to bond the 
county was defeated by a popular vote Dec. 24, — 2,777 for, to 2,841 
against, one of the largest votes ever cast in the county. 

At a railroad meeting held at the court-house in Pittsfield Dec. 
30, 1868, resolutions for pushing the railroad interests of the 
county were passed, and a committee appointed, headed by Wm. 
A. Grimshaw. to " take the requisite steps to carry out the project 
of railroad connections for Pittsfield and Pike county with the 
Chicago & Alton, or the Pennsylvania Central, or any other roads 
interested and willing to co-operate with Pittsfield and Pike 
county." 

At the same time there was a project of a railroad from Loui- 
siana, Mo., to run west to the Missouri river, headed by Thomas L. 
Price, then a railroad king in the West. 

Ten miles of the Hannibal & Naples road were completed Feb. 
18, 1869, namely, to Kinderhook, and a banquet and great rejoic- 
ing were had on the occasion, in a car at Kinderhook. 

In pursuance of an official call a railroad meeting was held at 
Pittsfield, March 8, 1869, with R. A. McClintock Chairman and 
J. M. Bush Secretary, when Col. A. C. Matthews explained the ob- 
ject of the meeting. A committee was appointed, one from each 
township represented, to assess the sum of $150,000 among the 
various townships embraced in the call. The meeting passed a 
resolution indorsing the act of the Legislature providing for the re- 
funding to the several townships and counties, the contracting 
debts for railroads, the entire taxes on such railroad property, 
and the excess of all State taxes over the assessment of 1868. 

August, 1869, the Hannibal & Naples road reached a point 
within 2^ miles of New Salem; reached Griggsville in September; 
railroad completed in October; crossed the Illinois river Jan. 20, 
1870; Feb. 11, finished to Pittsfield. At that time a grand free 
excursion was given, when the following incident occurred: The 
train being gone about three hours longer than was expected, par- 
ties who had been left behind began to feel uneasy. One man, whose 
wife and son were with the excursionists, with his remaining son 
built a fire near the track; and while waiting with great anxiety 
for the return of Ihe train, the little bov started toward the track. 



906 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

The father in his agony said. " Don't, my son; don't go near the 
track; I'm afraid some dreadfnl accident has happened and you 
and I will both be orphans." When the train at last arrived all 
safe and sound, there was great rejoicing. The contract for build- 
ing the railroad from Pittsfield to tlie H. & N. road was let July 
24, 1869, to lion. A. Starne. Work was immediately begun and 
before a year had passed trains were running. 

After the Hannibal & Naples Road was completed, it was changed 
soon after to the Toledo, AVabash & Western Railway, and in 
March, 18S0, when the great Wabash line came in possession of 
the T., P. & W. Ry. and other lines, it was changed to the Wa- 
bash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway. About the time of the com- 
pletion of the IT. & N. road, other roads were projected. In May, 
1869, a line was surveyed from Rushville, via Mt. Sterling to Pitts- 
field. 

In the summer of 1869 special efforts were made by the citizens 
of the county to complete the projected railroads, and at a meeting 
of the citizens of Pittsfield and Newburg townships at Pittsfield, 
June 17, committees were appointed to devise ways and means to 
raise the amount required of them, namely, $32,000. C. P. Chap- 
man was appointed Chairman of said committee. 

In the spring of 1871, everything pertaining to the railroad 
interests of the county seemed to be lying dead or asleep, and the 
suspicion of the people began to be aroused that the enterprise was 
abandoned, when Gen. Singleton, President of the Quincy, Alton 
& St. Louis road, announced that that company were waiting to 
obtain the right of way through Quincy. This road was soon com- 
pleted, following the line of the Mississippi from the northern line 
of the county to the southern where it crosses the river at Louisiana. 

In the spring of 1872 it was proposed to build a road to Perry 
Springs, connecting with the Bob-tail to Pittsfield. At this time 
the county of Pike and the townships of Pittsfield and Newburg 
had invested $132,000 in the Pittsfield branch, with no prospect 
of dividends; but it was proposed to issue county bonds of $10,000 
to $12,000 per mile on the Pittsfield branch, on which the Wabash 
company should guaranty the interest, thus enabling them to negoti- 
ate the bonds at a fair rate. 

The Quincy, Payson & Southeastern railroad was projected to 
make a direct line to PittsfieM through Payson, thence nearly 
directly east to Effingham, to connect for Cincinnati and the East, 
but nothing definite has been done. 

The Chicago, Alton & St. Louis ran the " Louisiana," or 
"Kansas City" branch through the southern townships of this 
count}^ seven or eight years ago. This was done without local aid 
from this county, but received help from the city of Louisiana. 
This is a first-class road, and opened up a most prolific part of 
Pike county. At this time a railroad bridge was built across the 
Mississippi at Louisiana. Aug. 1,1871, a magnificent bridge was 
completed across the same river at Hannibal. 



<^ 



^ 









lC^l/J:^/^^^0 



BARRY 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 909 

SNY ISLAND LEVEE. 

Alono;' the whole of the west side of Pike county there runs a 
bayou of the Mississippi river, named by the early French Chenal 
Ecarte (crooked channel) but in English generally called " Sny," 
for short, from the French pronunciation of Chenal. This bayou 
commences in Adams county about 12 miles below Quincy, and 
runs southeasterly someAvhat parallel with the river, until it ends 
in Calhoun county, its channel being generally about midway 
between the river and the bluffs. The low land drained by this 
"bayou," "channel," " slough," "creek," etc., as it is variously 
called, comprises about 110,000 acres. This was subject to overflow 
every spring, and being the most fertile ground in the "West, it is 
very important that it be reclaimed if possible. Without improve- 
ment it is entirely useless, and even a source of malaria and 
sickness. 

Consequently, in the year 1870 a movement was set on foot to 
reclaim this vast tract of rich land by an embankment near the 
river. To aid in this great enterprise the Legislature passed an 
act, approved April 24, 1871, authorizing the issue of bonds, to be 
paid by special assessments on the lands benefited. To carry out 
the provisions of this act " The Mississippi Levee Drainage Com- 
pany " was organized about the first of August, 1871, by a meeting 
of the citizens of Pike and Adams counties, electing a board of 
directors, with S. M. Spencer, President, other officers, and a board 
of commissioners. The citizens also drew up and signed a petition 
for the appointment of the commissioners according to law, where- 
upon the County Court (R. M. Atkinson, Judge) appointed Geo. 
W. Jones, William Dustin and John G. Wheelock, Commissioners, 
Mr, Dustin's place, after his death, being filled by Benjamin F. 
Westlake. For the construction of the levee they issued bonds, bear- 
ing interest at 10 per cent., and they were sold mostly in the East- 
ern markets, some in Detroit, Mich., the interest payable annually. 
Accordingly the levee was constructed in 1872-4, at a cost of about 
$650,000. 

But the manner of collecting assessments authorized by this act 
was called in question by a case brought up to the Supreme Court 
from the Wabash river, where similar work was being done, and 
the Court decided that feature of the act to be unconstitutional. A 
similar case went up to that tribunal from this county, and the 
Court re-atfirmed its former decision. It was then thought expe- 
dient to procure an amendment to the State Constitution; the 
necessary resolution was submitted to the people by the 30th Gen- 
eral Assembly, and it was adopted by an overwhelming majority. 
Thereupon another act was passed by the 31st General Assembly, 
to make the law conform to the constitution as amended, and under 
this act the owners of lands on the Sny bottom proposed to con- 
struct a drainage district to be known as " The Sny Island Levee 
Drainage District." 



910 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, 

The levee, as at first projected, was completed, as before stated, 
but it has proved wholly insufficient, as the Mississippi flood, aided 
by hi^^h winds, in April, 1876, broke through the embankment, and 
all the low land was inundated, destroying crops, carrying away 
fences, and driving out the inhabitants. No one, however, was 
drowned, but planting was retarded. The breaches were soon 
repaired, but more lately a new company has been organized to 
improve the levee and make it perfect, that is, capable of protect- 
ing the bottom land against such a high water as there was in 1851. 

This levee is by far the largest above Yicksburg, being about 52 
miles in length, commencing on a sand ridge in Adams county, 
and extending into Calhoun county. It is constructed of the sandy 
soil along its line, and readily becomes sodded and overgrown with 
willow and other small growth. The streams which formerly 
emptied into the Mississippi now find tlieir way into Bay creek, 
and then into Hamburg bay, in Calhoun county. A few farms 
were opened in the bottom before the construction of the levee, 
but since that work was completed the land is becoming pretty 
well covered with farms, occupied by a good, industrious class of 
citizens. The time mav come when the dwellers in this land will 
become a power in the county. 

We desire here to state to the public, with some emphasis, that 
neither the county nor any municipality in the same is in any 
manner liable for the bonds issued in aid of the construction of this 
levee. Neither the State, county nor towns took any part in the 
issue of the bonds, or in the construction of the work. The enter- 
prise was a private one, and the fact that the bonds are not paid 
reflects on no one. The law under which they were issued was 
declared unconstitutional, and in such cases the bonds must fall 
with the law. 

On the completion of the levee the source of water supply for 
the Rockport mills, situated on the Sny, was of course mostly cut 
off. Consequently, about Sept. 15, 1874, the proprietors of the 
mills, Messrs. Shaw & Rupert, hired parties in St. Louis to come 
up and cut the levee, having been advised that they had lawful 
authorit}^ to "abate the nuisance" by their own act. Great excite- 
ment was occasioned -by this transaction, and during the ensuing 
litigation the mill proprietors obtained a mandamus for opening 
the Su}'; but a settlement was finally effected by a compromise with 
the drainage company, the latter paying the former $30,000. The 
mill, however, was subsequently destroyed by tire. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, 



911 



COUNTY TREASUKEr's REPORT MADE NOVEMBER 30, 1879. 

Debits. 

To amount on hand Dec. 1, 1878 $21,026.21 

To tax levied on all property for 1878 ... 10,944.27 

To money collected from other sources 4,243.55 



Total debits. 



$36,214.03 



Credits. 



County Orders and jury certificates paid $23,834.21 

Other credits 4,450.69 



Balance cash due County Dec. 1, 1879. 



$28,28490 
7,929.13 

$36,214.03 



MARRIAGE LICENSES. 



The following table gives the number of Marriage Licenses annu- 
ally issued since 1826: 



1827 


6 

19 


1845 . 


. . . . 159 


1863 

1864 


252 


1828 


1846 


161 


... 260 


1829 


21 


1847 


180 


1865 


... 380 


1830 


22 


1848 


232 


1866 


... 370 


1831 


25 


1849 

1850 


203 

199 


1867 

1868 


... 357 


1832 


47 


... 374 


1833 


34 


1851 

1852 


213 

246 


1869 

1870 


273 


1834 


50 


... 270 


1835 


49 

57 


1853 


241 


1871 

1872 


. . 258 


1836 


1854 


220 


... 271 


1837 


100 


1855 


236 


1873 


... 250 


1838 


106 


1856 


275 


1874 


... 297 


1839 


110 


1857 


377 


1875 


... 281 


1840. 


115 


1858 


259 


1876 


... 282 


1841 


121 


1859 


279 


1877 


... 285 


1842 


160 


1860 


258 


1878 


... 309 


1843. . 


147 


1861 

1862 


235 

227 


1879 

1880 to Jan. 26.... 


313 


1844 


153 


... 15 



AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. 

In 1877 the number of acres of corn raised in Pike countj were 
87,405; number of bushels produced, 2,888,802; winter wheat 71,- 
219 acres; yield, 982,453 bushels; spring wheat, QQ acres; yield 
1,682 bushels; oats, 5,559 acres; yield 122,540; rye, 414 acres ; yield 
4,371 bushels; barley, 16 acres; yield 210 bushels; buckwheat, 41 
acres; yield 421 bushels; beans, 33 acres; yield 313 bushels; Irish 
potatoes, 1,122 acres; yield 66,649 bushels; sweet potatoes, 3 acres, 
yield 243 bushels. Apple orchards 4,656 acres; yield 168,535 bush- 
els; peach orchards 202 acres; yield 2,213 bushels; pear orchards 5 
acres; yield 4 bushels; tobacco 70 acres; yield 42,265 pounds; broom- 
corn 2 acres; yield 1,000 pounds; timothy meadow 14,200 acres; 
yield 17,801 tons; clover 3,302 acres; yield 3,445 tons; prairie 
meadow 283 acres, yield 401 tons; Hungarian and millet, 60 acres, 
yield 149 tons; sorgho, 97 acres, yield 8,520 gallons of syrup made; 
vineyard 59 acres, yield 7,345 gallons of wine made; turnips and 
other root crops, 498 acres, value of crops produced $2,037; other 



912 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

fruit and berries not included above or in orchard, 85 acres, value 
$229; other crops not named above, 1,050 acres, value 16,437. 
Pasture, not including wood land, 33,228 acres; wood land, not in- 
cluded as pasture, 87,371; uncultivated land not included as wood 
land or pasture, 60,565 acres. Area in citj and town real estate 
not included above, 1,605 acres. Number of sheep killed by dogs, 
791, average value per bead $2.07; number of pounds of wool 
sheared, 49,609; number of fat sheep sold 2,378, average weight 
per head 99 pounds; number of cows kept 6,062; pounds butter 
sold 78,430; pounds of cheese sold 325; gallons of cream sold 16; 
gallons of milk sold 8,538; number of fat cattle sold 4,747; average 
gross weight 1,002 pounds; number of fat hogs sold 35,947; aver- 
age weight per head 235; number of hogs and pigs died of cholera 
30,259; average weight per head 70 pounds. Number of bushels 
timothy seed produced, 516; of clover seed 977; of Hungarian and 
millet 33; number of pounds of grapes 61,715. 

In 1878 the agricultural returns of Pike county, were as follows: 
Corn, 74.552 acres, and 2,314,209 bushels; winter wheat, 80,800 
acres and 1,092,725 bushels; spring wheat, 66 acres, 168 bushels; 
oats, 5,650 acres, 136,433 bushels; rye, 60 acres, 338 bushels; buck- 
wheat, 19 acres, 217 bushels; castor beans, 1 acre, 4 bushels ; beans, 
10 acres, 67 bushels ; peas, 10 acres, 614 bushels; Irish potatoes, 
511 acres, 34,688 bushels; sweet potatoes,16 acres, 420 bushels; apple 
orchard, 4,290 acres, fruit 60,847 bushels; peach orchard, 49 acres, 
1,085 bushels; pear orchard, 1 acre, 10 bushels; tobacco, 11 acres, 
5,500 pounds; broom-corn, 19 acres, 16,000 pounds; timothy 
meadow, 13,396 acres, 17,298 tons of hay produced; clover meadow, 
4,616 acres, 6,334 tons; prairie' meadow, 33 acres, 29 tons of hay; 
Hungarian and millet, 65 asres, 74 tons; sorgho, 152 acres, 11,017 
gallons of syrup made; vineyard, 71 acres, 958 gallons of wine 
made; turnips and other root crops, 109 acres, value of crop raised, 
$1,094; other fruits and berries, not included in above and 
orchard, 58 acres; value of crops, $734; other crops not named 
above, 2,284 acres; value of crops, $4,500; pasture, not including 
woodland, 33,773 acres; wood land, not included as pasture, 65,644 
acres; uncultivated laud, not included as wood land or pasture, 
20,346 acres. Number of sheep killed by dogs, 958; average value 
per head, $1.83, total value, $1,755; number of pounds of wool 
shorn, 47,683; number of fat sheep sold, 1,389; average weight per 
head, 70 pounds; number of cows kept, 2,891; pounds of butter 
sold, 30,941; pounds of cheese sold, 725; gallons of cream sold, 196; 
gallons ot milk sold, 10,288; number of fat cattle sold, 3,965, aver- 
age weight per head, 945 pounds; total, 3,745,527 pounds; hogs, 
number sold, 36,578; average weight per head, 240 pounds; total, 
8,676,516 pounds; number of hogs and pigs died of cholera, 30,811; 
average weight per head, 35 pounds; total number of pounds, 
1,070,901. Number of bushels of timothy seed produced, 265; 
clover seed, 1,827 bushels; Hungarian and millet seed, 33 bushels; 
number of pounds of grapes, 48,300. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY 



913 



o 
a' 



o 

CD 

o 
ir 

2 

o 

r-t- 

re 



c 



>73 

o 

< 
a 

B 

a 




P 

< 
-t 



OOOOOOCDODCOOOGOOOOCOOGCGC' 

o(X>-30sc;I*^co^^►— 05000-3 

Oh-j-^-^i— 1-1— 'tOlOOi-'O H-'t-' 

— } ^^ C3 -3 » o to o lo ii co o 

OO-3C0^^ClOJ5l>SO lO*^ 
OS OS to 00 O ►^^J^OCDOlCOiC^ 

^& 

O ^^ or O ~ -^ O O ^-' wi 

oooooooooo 
oooooooooo 

lO 6S lO t* iO (O lO lO lO H^ iO h-i 

h-i h^ r^ lO lO tf^ Ol O >-' 00 h-- iX' 

CO -3 lO -3 Ol C: or CO CO CO I— ' 00 

C0C5h-^OO5O-3OTh*^C5 lOCO 

CUtOCO'Xl-^^-^Ol-^GC'CO ht^rf^ 

■m 

I— ^ 1-* CO rf^ cj» w 00 

*>. CO h;^ 

" -3 CO 



Horses. 
Averaee Value. 



Cattle. 
Average Value. 



»— ^1— 1|— t^-^t—^^^t— i|— ^K^H* CO CO 

h-i-^-iiOK^i— iCOrf^tOlOO COC^I oi 

oi to io :c 00 cji -3 o *- lo >-^ o oneep. 

-3iLO-30-3'XCOC50JOI OOI 


CO to X or -3 C.-( CO :3 to hf^ OC -3 

C5Cll-kO»C0OIXt;^-3-3 H—-3 
C5 OT O O to Ci to OT C; to CI 05 

iooo-3»rf^iocoorf^ toes 


Hogs. 


i4^(4i.ht^tJx4^4;^4^COhf^CO »<i.h(i- 
0505Cl-JOTOtO;':CO';0 h^ o 
h-^OXtJ^H^-30-3f(^X C50 
OC/TOC^COOh^C>COOOT hf>.lO 


Carriages & "Wagons. 


-3-3X0050tO»C:>-^0 SCO 
O -3 O O ►— Ct C/T 'X CT -3 O CO 


Pianos. 



to to to CO CO to to CO CO CO 

XCCOOCOOXO^O 
-IO^^CjOIOCJCiPCJX 

e cs to CO i-i hf^ o to efi^ CO 

*'Ol^-3OXO0lOO 
-30-3t0 00500o:>0 



CO CO 
O CO 
OC Ol 
OD CT 
h-t CO 

to o 
* * 



Acres of Improved 
Land. 



to to to to ^ to to to ^-^ l-i f-^ h-- 

to iO 1-^ O ^3 >-' to O CO OO CO C5 

cooc:c;i~rf^h;^coJi.-3 cto 

~ h-i- o JO C5 c; c: C-T X to -3 oi 

cocjcoioor;c5 0top— h4-oo 

C0>*».C3O*--JOI-3X-3 CnOT 



Acres of Unimproved 
Land. 



Ci Oi 

O CO 
CO o 

oo 
o ^ 
c; to 

OC *- 

o o 
oo 



O: -3 

CO CO 

to o 

C2 CIT 

i-' to 

— t;^ 

-30 

oo 
oo 



X CO h-i- 

<zi a-.' tP- 

tt^ c^ X 

O -3 H-i 
r-^ 00 C5 

to -3 c: 

OC Ct Ci 

oo o 

o oo 



to to to 

X OC -3 
C5 CO' I-' 

hP^ t-' c;< 
C5 Or O 
to rf^ o 
-3 Or CO 

ooo 

oo o 



-3 en 

Cn O 

)-» CO 

to to 

*-00 

to to 

OO 

oo 



Total Value of Land. 



I— ^tOtOtOC0C0t<i.HJ.|— 11— i-H- 1- 1-^ 

COi— ^OlCOCOW-ltOCOCOCJl Or 

Oi-3C0lOC5tOtOO5-3XI-' X 

OSl— 'Ol-lCll— '-3C5O-30t VI 

COC1TCOCSXCI1-3H-1XOOO to 

h*^ OS Ol hf^ en CO >t^ X Ol *^ >(i. o 

OOOOOOOOOOO O 

OOOOOOOOOO o p 



Total Value of Per- 
sonal Property. 



-3 05 -3 
to (f^ to 

I— ' ClT H^ 

Xff^X 

-3 -3 ^^ 

ooo 
ooo 



05 CO h-1 CO to I-' 
CO X H-' -3 O Ol 
CO C5 rf^ o o *^ 
Oi -3 O -3 O Ci 
00 CiT 00 O CO o 
CO to O CO CO 05 

oooo oo 
o o o o o o 



-3 to 

CDOi 
Ol *^ 

o o 

oo 

oo 



Value R.R.- Property, 



X CO o 
05 H^ to 

I-" Ci H^ 

00 -3 c;t 

rf^OOCO 
OD 05 CO 
OD CO to 

ooo 
ooo 



H-i to 

05 X 
OT CO 
'X *- 
X *- 
-3 C.T 
05 to 

o o 
O' o 



*--3 
CO CO 
Orf^ 
X o 
CO to 

-3 CO 

X o 

oo 

o o 



or rf:^ >(^ 

O X Ct' 
HJ O -3 

CJ CO -3 

rfi. c;i CO 

-3 -3 O 

— 3 O CO 

ooo 

OOO 



*^ 4^ hf^ 
Ol rf^ Ol 
1— ' I— I O 
Ol C^ CO 

to to to 

X -3 X 

C5 CO to 

O'O o 
OOO 



Total Assessed 
Value of all Property 



C0OXC0XX-3 0;>f^ 0505 

IOOX05H-^COO-3CO I— tf^ 

O O -3 *>. OS CO 00 X Oi X -3 

H-'X-JCOCOXrf^OTX OiO 

OTCOCOO— 3CO-3— 3 >-^ X OS 



Acres of Corn. 



(X)-3-3-3CO-3-30SO» 

COCOlOOlOTO— 'COOi 
COOTX-SCOCOI-ktO-J 
-3tO-3 0T000010CO 



COCOCOCOCOtOH-'l-il-i 
-Sh^i^XCOrf^ODtOOIOO 

otco-JCsoicai-'QDi-' 

OD05X><i-COC;T-3COI-' 
-30tO-3CCi-'OOOT 



Ol CO 


h-i to 


CJI CO 


CO CO 


-3-3 


H-l J— I 


h*^ CO 


-3 05 


CO ^ 


CO Ol 1 



Acres of Wheat. 



Acres Other Products 



> 

GD 

o 

1^ 

w 

o 

GO 
CO 

GO 
CO 

GO 
O 



00 
o 

-3 

o 



OD 
-3 

CO 



O 
m 



914 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 



TABLE OF DISTANCES. 



On the next page is given a table of distances between all the 
towns of this county, in a condensed and available form. The names 
of the places are given in alphabetical order (except one in each), 
and the table is arranged like the multiplication tables of the old 
arithmetics of our school days in ])ioneer times. Therefore, to 
find the distance from any one place to another, you trace the 
column of figures running out from each until they meet; the num- 
ber at that point is the number of miles by wagon road, counting on a 
level, as surveyors of land do, between the two designated points. 




!-• C sr o -r- ►-• CD CO 



B 

n 



1-1 



^ CD 

"a pa 

O P 



«• : w; 2 









^ O 
C p 



c O 
ffq ^ 



a> 



a*' 



c : 



crq 



l-i lO ii> to 

^ CO to o 



O CO 



i_i 1-1 I-' to to 

CO o ex oo H- 



4^o 



to JO 

GC O 05 



lO 

00 h4^C5 



CO I—' 

CK' c: Gt 



to 

to 00 



— h— <o 
or ►*- O 



1--11— lH^h-1 h-^l— L|— l.i-i|— ^tOl— 1 

I-' O it' GC ->•} -^ OS CO Ci H-^ CO to PC' 4^ 



H-l CO 

4^ o o 



o o o -1 



hf^ to 1 

CO o to i 



■ to 



I—' H^ to to 

C5 C5 «5 O ^ >*^ 



to h-»- I— *. H^ H-t h—i 

o iji- to rf^ Of 00 oi 



l-i to 

Ci o o 



io 

to< 



to I—' — ' 

> O 00 CO 



to to '-^ K^ ^ 

to -a GO to c; tj- 



1-1 l-i to to 

00 00 cj( -a oi 



to 



00 



to HJ- 1-1 

00 hf». CO ■-' 



to H-1 CO 
CO 1-1 C5 



hf^ I-* I-' t. 

O O 00 c 



►^^ H-1 CO 

'X OS o i 



CO 

i o 



--i to to > 

^ 00 +. : 



H-i CO to 
CD OS CO -Ci 



to 1-1 
to GO 



-3 -3 CO 1 



■ to I 



• 00 



to 1-1 

O ':o Cu 



CO 



to 



to to 1-1 

> -3 ^ to 



to CO ■ 



■ CO to 

'. to CO 



H^l— iH^k-i h-il— ItO CO 

to GO to O CT CO CO O OS to 



to 



to ( 

o: ■ 



*- to to 

' o to to 



1-1 CO 



to to to 
o to to 



-C{OlCOCO-CJO»tOC.TI— lOSCOOS 



O >— ' »— ' 



CO H^ 

OS -3 w 



-^ K^ OS 4^ CO 



CO to 



to H-l 

to CO 



iO 1 

CO ' 



1-1 to to 

I h-1 CO CO 



.-3 OS 



CO h-1 to 
GO ►<;- to 



CO 
CO *» 



to h^ to 

vt^ CT Ol 



to HJ 

-30 



to 



to to 

CD to Oi 



OS -J 



lO' 



to 1-^ to 

I OT 00 o 



to 

CO 



CO 



to 1-1 hJi^ 

GO CO <X Oi Or O 



to 1-1 



Ol 1-1 to 
to rfi. CO 



to 

il 'OS 



to CO 
-3 a: to 



CO 



1-1 1-1 to 
to OS o 



to 1—11—11—1 
to CO CO OS -Cf OS 



to 1-1 



to 1-1 > 
-3 --3 00 1 



to 

-3 *. 1 



1— 1 F^ h- 1 1— 1 to 

0( OS Ol 1*^ 00 CO 



to 1-1 ^ 

1-1 OS CO -3 



to h-^ I 

OO VI I 



to to 

■ i;^ -3 



to ^ r- 
OO :4- < 



to V 



. to 

-3 



I— 1 H^ h^ to 

CO 00 OS 10 ^3 0» < 



H-l to 1—1 
i -3 to O 



CO CO 
►<:;' CO 



CO H^ I 
to VI OS I 



1— 1 K— 1— 1 CO 

coos 00 <j to 



lOi 

to t 



1 iJ^ 1-1 JO 
■ rf^ 00 OS 



1-1 CO 

o to 



r-i to to 

-3 O -3 



to 



to l-»- CO 
. 1—1 OS ^3 



00 -3 



OT 1-^ to 

O I-' -3 



to 

•CO ^^ 



to CO 
to -3 O 



H-i H-l CO I 

<j CO CO < 



OH— to 

;» l^i. -3 1-1 



rf^ to 

OS OS CO 



to -3 



to to 

c;t CO OS 



1— 1 h- 1 to 1—1 1—1 

to GO 1-1 rfi. OT Or 



to 

OS 



Ci i 

o< 



CO I— 1 h-1 

o to o 
to ^ — 

O Or CO 



to —1 

COj^ 
■|-i to 

-30 



to HA 
to -3 CO 

H-i — to 

4^ 00 O • 



CO 



to < 

to I 



■ to 



H-i to i-1 

1-A CO o 



0^ CO 
to H^ 



CO 1—1 
GO 00 OS 



OS 



to 



4^ 



CO 1-1 
00 1-1 to 



4^ CO 

OS CO 



O OS ! 



■ CO ^ 
> 4x 00 CO 



to 1-1 
VI o 



CO O OS 



to 

o 



M^ to ■ 

OS i4i. 1-1 I 



to to i 

-X to OT I 



to 1—1 

OS OS -3 



CO CO 
1—1 O 



to ^ 

o: ^ OS 



00 



*- to 

to 1-1 






OT to — ' 

O CO GO 



1—1 1—1 1—1 ^-1 1-i to to 
CO -3 4i to X 1-1 —1 



CO to 

OS ►P' 



to 

00 c;t .*.. 



to 

GO 



CO to CO 

1-1 CO o 



to t-1 /o 

to CO OT 



to CO 

00 HA 



o 
o 



Valley City. 



Time. 



bummer Hill. 



Stewart. 



Kockport. 



Pleasant Hill. 



Pittsfield. 



Perry Springs. 



Perry. 



Pearl. 



New Salem. 



New Hartford 



New" Canton. 



Nebo. 



Montezuma. 



Milton. 



Maysville. 



Marti nsburg. 



Kinderhook. 



Hull's. 



Gria-ffsville 



Florence. 



Eldara. 



East Hannibal 
Detroit. 



Cool Bank. 



Cliowrow. 
Chambersb'rg 



Bedford. 

Baylis. 

Bany. 



HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY, 



915 




O 

w 

W 
I— I 



)^ ►Kh^OOOIiOCOJOCOCOI-'OOCOCOCnH-'CCiOl*'-!-^ Ol 



No. Males under 21. 






►f^ 



No.Females under 21. 



rf^t005h-'C;0JO^>*^-5OC0OlOl0C000l-'O>-tO6SO 
Iti. ;>S(XG0OTQC'>f^tf^00CSt>SCnOii.OH^i-^h^ h^.^ O O i4i- -3 Or 



Total No. 
under 21. 



Persons 



00 i-^tootg-Qi^ocoocooco-;i-3co oocc-ioigoccocj 



?;S I Whole No. Districts. 



if^ (4^ t^i. 00 c: 1-^ 
CD Or -.3 H-i 05 OD 00 
05 1-^ W O F^ O ht^ 



t;^ 05 cs I-' CO 

tjx I— ^ Ol H- 1 to 

o lo rfi. CO to 



COCil-'Hti.tOCOtOCChf!' 
CI CO OD CO h-' to Ci C5 05 



Whole No. 
Enrolled. 



Pupils 



coi-^oc-.3~3ocooDooooi-'oa ci-ai-^c^c^-Qcatoo 



^ ?:: I No. Male Teachers. 



Q, i_i ^j. CO >f!.- o CO gs >j^ --"( at CO OS o c;tcuoco-.3tu.o«> 



o!» I No .Female Teachers. 



O 
c1 

Q 
t> 

I— I 
O 

H 

I— I 

cc 

I— I 

Q 

GD 



OlC0O-3O-Qh<i.O00-:}0DC0<J-:}GDOC0-CiOt 



CO o *^ 



No. School-houses. 



C0l-^-3C0h4^OSlOC5*..OTh^C0*.. COl-ih-^lOCOCOOOOcO 
Clt-^Ol-^t0tOCC0l-'-l-3OC5-.T?0C0OC00l«3O0DC0 
0TCCC5hf^OGC:Ol0CSt0a^05-3«0CJIl0-lH-»C0l-'Ol-'01 
tOCOOItOCil-'000«OCiOOCO-3iOOlOOCOOltCaOOI-J!|_i 



ooooooocooooooooooooo 
oocoooooooooooooooooo 



oo 



Total Receipts for 
Year Ending Sept. 
30, 1878. 



to tOlOl— 'COI-^tOtSCOtO h-i >-^ Vt h-il-'tOI-i 

OHt^ClCOOC'-.alO-JCO— '►|i.C5?OtCGOlO-3GOCOaDCO 

-5t4i.OO>^Cl«Ci«COOC;01^GOiHh-'0-30lO--1l— ' 
C0 0Th)i-CTC0O-3Ol0-.3CiOl-^t0OC0OC0CJT0D 



tOOCOOCOCJTODCTC^Jl^ 



ooooooooooooooooooooo 
ooooooooooooooooooooo 



o o 
oo 



Am't Paid Teachers. 



CO Ol C5 
CO to 'O 
tf^ CC tt^ 

o o o 
ooo 



CO c;t H-t c;? CO hfe- CO bo CO co ::; to to co to oo oo 

C.;(C;COkb.>)^tOC-T-3COOlCO>-'iXOX*-H-'iOfr, 

OCCO-.T05tC^-3>-^r-'l-^C:|.fi-ODOCOCOiXkt.C5oo 

c; Or c; c; CO o o m -3 ^5 (-^ O cs IS I-' CO o i' CI 

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO^ 
O O OOP' OOOOOOOOOOOOOO 



Total Expenses, 1878 



to 1-' <:c to OC' -1 H-i o oi « to to 

h-'tOtOCOOOOOll-'tOCOCO 

CTOOtOTOOootooicoo 
oo^ooooooooio 

oooooooooooo 
O O O O O O O' O' o o o o 



1-^ io.e© 

CiOIH-^l-'tO^rf^COi-^Ji. 

t4^ c; c: 00 tf^ Or OC' GO o 5i 

OTOlCiOtOOCJTOTOoT 
OOOOOOOOOcs 

OOOOOOOOOO 
OOOOOOOOOO 



Value of School 
Properly. 



-3 CT 



l-Lt-j.,-i.lii^-i.h-i^lSh^t(^l-^^tt^ tOi-^*^tOCSio 
-»_, C;tl-^0TfOC;TC:'Ol0OC1014^t0 00t0t0C0CiC0OT 

hfi-oi o':c-iccoO'0*^ocioooioOTOiooo<»tfi-,_i 

OJOt OC;rf^-^3-3^0lOOC^tOOO(^C^OCO-30lOO^ 

o o 
o o 



oooooooooooooooooooo 
o o o o oooooooooooooooo 



Principal of Town 
ship Fund. 



cnht^ocR-ito*>oooTOc;*^05 

ootoc;i-30TC7ioiooooc^ 

ooooooooooooo 
ooooooooooooo 



o^^;i.^^i.c;c;^-^^l-'OT 

C^iOCJTOOOOOO 

OOOOOOOOO 

OOO ~'.0 O O O O 



Highest Monthly- 
Wages Paid 
Male Teachers. 



cccot|i^coc;7*..iC^*>.Ci*>-hf'COff^ 
ciiOTC7 0oro»oo<-.aoTOc;»o 

OC'OOOOOOOOOOO 

o o o O' o o o OOO' oo o 



i;i.OTt^*'Coco*>-o>*^ 
ooicjiooTooioo 

ooooooooo 

OOOOOOOOO 



Highest Monthly 

Wages Paid 
Female Teachers. 



to rf^ CO ht^ CO *^ rfi' to CO CO CO hf». to 
CTlOOOOiOi-'OOiOCTOtH 

OOOOOOOOOOOOO 
OOOOOOOOOOOOO 



to CO hf>- hi^ CO to h^^ to to 

OOOC;iOO»OC7tC^ 

OOOOOOOOO 
OOOOOOOOO 



Lowest Monthly 
Wages Paid 
Male Teachers. 



tocotototototOh-^to^Ol-l^^lo 

OCnOOTlOOOiOTOrOTOCCnCJT 

OOOOOOOOOOOOO 
OOOOOOOOOOOOO 



ts to to to to l-i to to to 

toooooT-30!Coo 

OOOOOOOOO 

ooooooooo 



Lowest Monthly 
Wages Paid 
Female Teachers. 



916 HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY. 

PIKE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL BuARD. 

The '' Pike County Agricultural Society " was organized March 
16, 1852, at Pittsiield. D. B. Bush was called to the chair and 
Henry T. Mudd was chosen Secretary. A constitution was adopted, 
under which Michael J. Noyes was elected the first President. In 
June following resolutions were passed urging upon the Legislature 
of the State the necessit}' of encouraging agriculture, and of estab- 
lishing Agricultural Schools, and recommending that model farms 
be immediately purchased or reserved from sale out of the lands 
given to the State, on Mdiich these schools should be established, etc. 

In order to avail themselves of the benefit of the act of 1871 con- 
cerning the re-organization of County Agricultural Societies, in 
conformity to an act to create a Department of Agriculture, the 
uame of the society was changed to " The Pike County Agricultural 
Board," electing E. M. Seeley, President, and W. H. Johnston, 
Secretary, and other officers. 

This organization has held a fair every year since its formation. 
It first enclosed and furnished a fair ground in 1858. Before that 
the fairs were held in the open woods, when no admission fee could 
be charged. Expenses were defrayed by subscriptions. All the 
fairs have been held at Pittsfield except one, which was at Griggs- 
ville. The ground is just south of Pittsfield, and comprises nearly 
25 acres. It is a fine enclosure. 

The officers for 1879 were: Allen C. Rush, President ; John 
Whittleton, Vice-President; J. H. Crane, Secretary; S. Grigsby, 
Treasurer. Directors — C. B. Dustin, Frank Zerenberg, Allen C. 
Rush, K. P. Hart, Wm. R. Wills, Dan Bates, George^Watson, E. 
N. French and Henry Hall. 

The 28th annual fair was held in September, 1879, continuing 
four consecutive days. The total of the premium list oflTered is- 
$5,000. 

The society is now in a flourishing condition. 



I 



^ 





(»/r (O^^ fe^;^^^^' 



HADLEY Tf 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 



LAWS. 

The courts recognize two kinds of law, Statute and Common. 
Statute law is that which is enacted by the Legislature. Common 
law consists of all the law of England, — whether Statute, or Com- 
mon, which was in force in that country at the time of our inde- 
pendence, and recognized by our courts, and which has not since 
been repealed or disused. 

We have what is called established law. For this branch of 
common law there is no authority excepting the decisions of the 
courts; hence the value of the reported decisions which are pub- 
lished by official reporters. The law presumes that every body is 
acquainted with it. Mistakes of fact can be corrected by the courts, 
but not mistakes of law; no man being permitted to take advantage 
of a mistake of the law, either to enforce a right, or avoid an obli- 
gation; for it would be dangerous and unwise to encourage igno- 
rance of the law, by permitting a party to profit, or to escape, by his 
ignorance. One is required at his peril to know the law of his own 
country. 

JURISDICTION OF COURTS. 

Justices have jurisdiction in all civil cases on contracts for the 
recovery of moneys for damages, for injury to real property, or tak- 
ing, detaining, or injuring personal property; for rent; for all cases 
to recover damages done to real or personal property, by railroad 
companies; in actions of replevin; of actions for damages for fraud; 
in the sale, purchase, or exchange of personal property, when the 
amount claimed as due is not over $200. They have also jurisdic- 
tion in all cases for violation of the ordinances of cities, towns, or 
villages. A justice of the peace may orally order an officer or a 
private person, to arrest any one committing, or attempting to com- 
mit a criminal offense. He also, upon complaint, can issue his 
warrant for the arrest of any person accused of having committed a 
crime, and have him brought before him for examination. 



920 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

COUNTY COURTS 

Have jurisdiction in all matters of probate (except in counties 
having a population of one hundred thousand or over), settlement 
of estates of deceased persons, appointment of guardians and con- 
servators, and settlements of their accounts; all matters relating to 
apprentices; proceedings for the collection of taxes and assesments, 
and in proceedings of executors, administrators, guardians, and 
conservators, for the sale of real estate. In law cases, they have 
concurrent jurisdiction with Circuit Courts in all cases where jus- 
tices of the poace now have, or hereafter may have, jurisdiction 
when the amount claimed shall not exceed $1,000; and in all crim- 
inal offenses, where the punishmentis not imprisonment in the pen- 
itentiary or death, and in all cases of appeals from justices of peace 
and police magistrates, except when the county judge is sitting as 
a justice of the peace. 

Circuit Courts have unlimited jurisdiction. 

COMMISSIOx\ERS OF HIGHWAYS. 

The commissioners of highwavs in the different towns, have 
the care and superintendence of highways, and bridges therein. 
They have the power to lay out, vacate, regulate and repair all roads, 
build and repair bridges, and divide their respective towns into as 
many road districts as they shall think convenient. This is to be 
done annually, and ten days before the annual town meeting. In 
addition to the above, it is their duty to erect and keep in repairs 
at the forks or crossing-place of the most important roads, post and 
guide-boards, with plain inscriptions, giving directions and dis- 
tances to the most noted places to which such roads may lead; also 
to make provisions to prevent thistles, burdock, cockle-burs, mus- 
tard, yellow dock, Indian mallow, and jimson weed from seeding, 
and to extirpate the same as far as practicable, and to prevent all 
rank growth of vegetation on the public highways, so far as the 
same may obstruct public travel; and it is in their discretion to 
erect watering places for public use, for watering teams at such 
points as may be deemed advisable. Every able-bodied male inhab- 
itant, being above the age of twenty-one years, and under fifty, ex- 
cepting paupers, idiots, lunatics, trustees of schools and school di- 
rectors, and such others as are exempt by law, are required to labor 
on highways in their respective road districts, not less than one. 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 921 

nor more than three days in each year. Three days' notice must 
be given by the overseer, of the time and place he requires such 
road labor to be done. The labor must be performed in the road 
district in which the person resides. Any person may commute 
for such labor by paying the equivalent in money. Any person 
liable for work on highways, who has been assessed two dsiys or 
more, and has not commuted, may be required to furnish team, or 
a cart, wagon or plow, with a pair of horses or oxen and a man to 
manage them, for which he will be entitled to two days' work. 
Eight hours is a days' work on the roads and there is a penalty of 
twenty-five cents an hour against any person or substitute who 
shall neglect or refuse to perform. Any person remaining idle, or 
does not work faithfully, or hinders others from doing so, forfeits 
to the town $2, Every person assessed and duly notified, who has 
not commuted, and refuses or neglects to appear, shall forfeit to the 
town for every day's refusal or neglect, the sum of $2; if he was 
required to furnish a team, carriage, man or implements, and neg- 
lects or refuses to comply, he is liable to the following fines: 1st, 
For wholly failing to comply, $4 each day; 2d, For omitting to 
furnish a man to manage team, $2 each day; 3d, For omitting to 
furnish a pair of horses or oxen, $1.50 each day; 4th, For omitting 
to furnish a wagon, cart or plow, 75 cents each day. The commis- 
sioners estimate and assess the highway labor and road tax. The 
road tax on real and personal property can not exceed forty cents 
on each hundred dollars' worth. The labor or road tax in villages, 
towns or cities, is paid over to the corporate authorities of such, 
for the improvement of streets, roads. and bridges within their lim- 
its. 

The legal voters of townships, in counties under township organ- 
ization may, by a majority vote, at their annual town meeting, 
order that the road tax may be collected in money only. 

Overseers. — Their duties are to repair and keep in order the high- 
ways in their districts; to warn persons to work out their road tax 
at such time and place as they think proper; to collect fines and 
commutation money, and execute all lawful orders of the commis- 
sioners of highways; also make list, within sixteen days after their 
election, of the names of all inhabitants in his road district, liable 
to work on highways. For refusal to perform any of his duties he 
is liable to a fine of $10. 



922 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

As all township and county officers are familiar with their duties, 
it is here intended only to give the points of law w4th which the 
public should be familiar. The manner of laying out, altering, or 
vacating roads, etc., will not be here stated, as it would require 
more space than can be spared in a work like this. It is sufficient 
to state that the first step is by petition, addressed to the commis- 
sioners, setting out what is prayed for, giving the names of the 
owners of the lands, if known (if not known, so state), over which the 
road is to pass, giving the general course, its place of beginning, 
and where it terminates. It requires not less than twelve freehold- 
ers residing within three miles of the road, who shall sign the peti- 
tion. Public roads must not be less than fifty, nor more than sixty 
feet wide. Roads not exceeding two miles in length, if petitioned 
for, mav be laid out not less than fortv feet wide. Private i-oads 
for private' and public use may be laid out three rods wide, on peti- 
tion of the person directly interested; the damage occasioned there- 
by shall be paid by the premises benefited thereby, and before the 
road is opened. If not opened in two years, the order shall be con- 
sidered recinded. Commissioners in their discretion may permit 
persons who live on or have private roads, to work out their road 
tax thereon. Public roads must be opened in five years from date 
of filing order of location, or be deemed vacated. 

FENCES. 

The town assessor and commissioners of hio:hwavs shall be fence 
viewers in their respective towns in counties under township organ- 
ization. In other counties, the county board appoints three in each 
precinct, annually. 

A lawful fence is four and one-half feet high and in good-repair, 
consisting of rails, timbers, boards, stones, hedges, or any other 
material the fence viewers may deem sufficient. The electors at 
any annual town meeting may determine what shall constitute a 
leo^al fence in the town. 

Division fences shall be made and maintained in just proportion 
by the adjoining owners, except where the owner shall choose to let 
his land lie open; but after a division fence has been built by mu- 
tual agreement or otherwise, it shall not be lawful for either party 
to remove his part of said fence, so long as he may crop or use such 
lands for farm purposes, or without giving the other party one 
year's notice in writing, of his intention to move his portion of the 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 923 

fence. Adjoining owners should endeavor, if possible, mutually to 
ao-ree as to the proportion that each shall maintain of the division 
fence between their adjoining lands; and the agreement should be 
reduced to writing, each party taking a copy. When any person 
shall enclose his land upon the enclosure of another, he shall refund 
the owner of the adjoining lands a just proportion of the value at 
that time of such fence. The value of such fence, and the propor- 
tion thereof to be paid by such person, and the proportion of the 
division fence to be made and maintained by him, in case of his 
inclosing his'land, shall be determined by two fence viewers of the 
town. Such fence viewers have power to settle all disputes between 
owners as to fences built or to be built, as well as concerning repairs 
to be made. Each party chooses one of the viewers, but if the 
other party neglects, after eight days' notice in writing, to make 
his choice, then the other party may select both. It is sufficient to 
notify the tenant, or party in possession, when the owner is not a 
resident of the town in which such fences are situated. The two 
fence viewers chosen, after viewing the premises, shall hear the 
statements of the parties. In case they can't agree, they shall se- 
lect another fence viewer to act with them, and the decision of any 
two of them shall be linaL The decision must be reduced to writ- 
ing, and should plainly set out a description of the fence and all 
matters settled by them, and must be filed in the office of the town 
clerk. 

If any person who is liable to contribute to the erection or repa- 
ration of a division fence, shall neglect or refuse to make or repair 
his proportion of such fence, the party injured,after giving sixty days' 
notice, in writing, that a new fence should be erected, or ten days' 
notice, in writing, that the repair of such fence is necessary, may 
make or repair the same at the expense of the party so neglecting 
or refusing, to be recovered from him with costs of suit; and the 
party so neglecting or refusing, after notice in writing, shall be lia- 
ble to the party injured for all damages which shall thereby accrue, 
to be determined by any two fence viewers. When a person shall 
conclude to remove his part of the division fence and let his land 
lie open, and having given the year's notice required, the adjoining 
owner may cause the value of said fence to be ascertained by fence 
viewers as before provided ; and on payment or tender of the 
amount of such valuation to the owner, it shall prevent the removal. 



924 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 



A party removing a division fence without notice is liable for the 
damages accruing thereby. 

"Where a fence has been built on the land of another throuijh 
mistake, the owner may enter u}3on such ]'>remises and remove his 
fence and material within six months after the division line has 
been ascertained. Where the material to build such a fence has 
been taken from the land on which it was built, then before it can 
be removed, the person claiming must first pay for such material, 
to the owner of the land from which it was taken; nor shall such a 
fence be removed at a time when the removal will throw open or 
expose the crops of the other party; a reasonable time must be 
given beyond the six months to remove crops. 

The compensation of fence viewers is one dollar and fifty cents 
a day each, to be paid in the first instance by the party calling them; 
but in the end all expenses, including amount charged by the fence 
viewers, must be paid equally by the parties, except in cases where 
a party neglects or refuses to make or maintain a just proportion of 
a division fence, when the party in default shall pay them. 

DRAIXAUE. 

"Whenever one or more owners or occupants of land desire to con- 
struct a drain or ditch, throuuh another man's land, the riffht can 
be had only under legislative authority, or is granted or exists by 
prescription or b}' consent of the owner. 

Dripping water from one house upon another can be allowed only 
where the owner has acquired the right by grant or prescription; 
and no one has a right to construct his house so as to let the water 
drip over his neighbor's land. 

TRESPASS OF STOCK. 

"Where stock of any kind breaks into any person's inclosure, the 
fence being good and sufiicient, the owner is liable for the damage 
done; but where the damage is done bv stock runnino: at larire. con- 
trary to law, the owner is liable where there is not such a fence. 
"Where stock is found trespassing on the inclosure of another as 
aforesaid, the owner or occupier of the premises may take ju^sses- 
sion of such stock and keep the same until damages, with reasonable 
charges for keeping^ and feeding, and all costs of suit, are paid. 
Any person taking or rescuing such stock so held, without his con- 
sent, shall be liable to a fine of not less than three nor more than 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 925 



five dollars for each animal rescued, to be recovered by suit before 
a justice of the peace, for the use of the school fund. Within twen- 
ty-four hours after taking such animal into his possession, the per- 
son taking it up must give notice of the fact to the owner, if known ; 
or if unknown, notice must be posted in some public place near the 

premises. 

^ ESTRATS. 

Stray animals are those whose owner is unknown, any beasts, not 
wild found on one's premises, and not owned by the occupant. Any 
animals found straying at any time during the year, in counties 
where such animals are not allowed to run at large, or between the 
last day of October and the 15th day of April in other counties, the 
owner being unknown, may be taken up as estrays. A party who 
wislies to detain property as an estray, must show an exact comph- 
ance with the law. In order to vest the property of the stray in 
him, such acts must appear in detail on the record. 

No person not a householder in the county where the estray is 
found can lawfully take up an estray, and then only upon or about 
his larm or place of residence. Estrays should not be used betore 
advertised, except animals giving milk, which may be milKed lor 
their benefit. Notices must be posted up within five days in three, 
of the most public places in the town or precinct in which the es- 
tray was found, giving the residence of the taker-up, and a partic- 
ular description of the estray, its age, color, and marks natural and 
artificial, and stating before what justice of the peace in such town 
or precinct, and at what time, not less than ten nor more than fif- 
teen davs from the time of posting such notices, he will app y to 
have th; estray apprised. If the owner of an estray shall not have 
appeared and proved ownei-ship and taken the same away, first 
payino- the taker-up his reasonable charges for taking up, keeping, 
and advertising the same, the taker-up shall appear before the justice 
mentioned in above notice, and make an affidavit as required by 
law. All subsequent proceedings are before the justice who is la- 
miliar therewith; therefore we omit them here. 

Any person taking up an estray at any other place than about or 
upon his farm or residence, or without complying with the law, shall 
forfeit and pav a fine of ten dollars with costs. Ordinary diligence 
is required in^ taking care of estrays, but in case they die or get 
away, the taker-up is not liable for the same. 



926 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 



If" a man finds estravs in his field he is not bound to retain them 
for the owner, but may drive them ofl" into the highway without 
being liable to an action. But a person who chases a horse out of 
his field with a large fierce .dog, commits an unlawful act, and i& 
liable for any injury which the act occasions. A person who takes 
anestray to keep for the owner, but does not pursue the course pre- 
scribed by statute, is not liable to an action unless he uses the same 
or refuses to deliver it on demand. Hiding a horse to discover the 
owner is not "use." 

HORSES 

Are animals of a domestic nature. Under the age of four years 
they are called colts. A borrower of ahorse is liable for negligence, 
misuse, or gross want of skill in use. The lender is liable in case 
the animal lent is unfit ©r dangerous, as he thus may occasion 
injury. The animal should be used only for the purpose and to the 
extent stipulated, and not by a servant. 

If he dies from disease, or is killed by inevitable accident, the bor- 
rower is not liable. Defects which are manifest, open and plain to an 
ordinary observer, and those also which are known to the buyer, are 
not usually covered by a general warranty. The former requires 
no skill to discover them, and the latter may be objected to or 
acquiesced in at the time of the purchase. In the case of latent 
defects existing in such a condition that they could not be detected 
by the buyer, and are known to the seller, who fails to disclose them 
to the buyer, the latter practices a constructive fraud, unless the 
animal is sold " with all faults." By consenting to purchase the 
horse " with all faults," the purchaser takes upon himself the risk 
of latent or secret defects^ and calculates the price accordingly. 
But even this kind of a purchase would be voidable if the seller 
had purposely, and to deceive the purchaser, covered, filled up, 
patched, plastered, or otherwise practiced fraud to conceal any 
defects, and he would be liable. 

Hiring out a horse and carriage to perform a particular journey, 
carries with it the warranty of the person letting the horse and 
carriage, that each of them is fit and competent for such journey; 
but, if a horse is hired for one purpose, and is used for another and 
is injured, the hirer is liable for the damage sustained. The hirer 
is in all cases answerable for ordinary neglect. If he uses the 
hired horse as a prudent man would his own, he is not liable for 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 927 

any damage which the horse may receive. If, however, he keeps 
the hired horse after a stipulated time, or uses it differently from 
his agreement, he is in any event liable. If the hirer sells the horse, 
the owner may recover its value of the purchaser, though the pur- 
chaser had in good faith given the hirer fall value for it, as the 
hirer could give no better title than he had himself. 

Mischievous animals render their owners liable when known to 
them to be so, and they are responsible for the damage they may do 
when they permit them to go at large. Any person may justify 
the killing of ferocious animals. 

MARKS AND BRANDS. 

Owners of cattle, horses, hogs, sheep or goats, may have one ear- 
mark and one brand, which shall be different from his neighbors', 
and may be recorded by the county clerk of the county in which 
such property is kept. The fee for such record is fifteen cents. The 
record of such shall be open to examination free of charge. In 
cases of disputes as to marks or brands, such record is prima-facie 
evidence. Owners of cattle, horses, hogs, sheep or goats, that may 
have been branded by former owners, may be rebranded in presence 
of one or more of his neighbors, who shall certify to the facts of 
the marking or branding being done, when done, and in what brand 
or mark they were re-branded or re-marked, which certificate may 
also be recorded as before stated. 

ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT. 

An agreement is virtually a contract by which a certain person 
(or persons) agrees or contracts to perform certain duties within a 
specified time. Good business men always reduce an agreement to 
writing, which nearly always saves misunderstandings and lono- 
and expensive lawsuits. JSTo particular form is necessary, but the 
facts must be clearly and explicitly stated ; and there must be a 
reasonable consideration, else the agreement is void. 

Unless it is expressly stipulated that the agreement is binding for 
a longer time, the contract expires at the end of one year. Every 
agreement should state most distinctly the time within which its 
conditions are to be complied with. A discovery of fraud, or mis- 
representation by one party to the agreement, or changing of the 
date, renders the contract void. Each party should retain a copy of 
the agreement. 



928 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 



GENERAL FORM OF AGREEMENT. . 

This Agreement, made tlie third day of November, 1S78, between 
Damon Clarke of Macomb, county of McDonough, State of Illinois, 
of the first part, and William Hays, of the same place, of the 
■second part. 

WITNESSETH, That the said Damon Clarke, in consideration of 
the agreement of the party of the second part, hereinafter contained, 
contracts, and agrees to, and with the said William Hays, that he 
will deliver in good and marketable condition, at the city of Gales- 
bnrg, 111., during the month of December of this year, nine hun- 
dred bushels of corn, in the following lots, and at the following 
specified times, namely: one hundred bushels by the fifth of Decem- 
ber, tliree hundred bushels by the fifteenth of December, and the 
balance by the thirtieth of December. 

And the said William Hays in consideration of the prompt ful- 
fillment of this contract on the part of the party of the second 
part, contracts to, and agrees with the said Damon Clarke, to pay 
for said corn fifty cents per bushel as soon as delivered. 

In case of failure of agreement by either of the parries hereto, it 
is hereby stipulated and agreed that the party so failing shall pay 
to the other, one hundred dollars, as fixed and settled damages. 

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands the day and 
year first above written : Damon Clarke, 

William Hays. 

NOTES. 

A note is legal, worded in the simplest way, so that tbe amount 

and time of payment are mentioned. The following is a good form: 

$100 Chicago, III., Mav 1, 1S79. 

Thirty days after date I promise to pay F. M. Chapman? 
or order, one hundred dollars, for value received. 

S. T. Lewis. 

To make a note payable in anything else than money, insert the 
facts instead of the sum of money alone; unless paid when du3, it 
is payable in money. To hold an indorser of a note, due diligence 
must be used by suit in collecting of the maker, unless suit would 
have been unavailing. Notes payable to person named or to order, 
in order to absolutely transfer title, must be indorsed by the payer. 
Notes payable to bearer may be transferred by delivery, and when 
so payable, every indorser thereon is held as a guarantor of pay- 
ment unless otherwise expressed. 

The limit of time in which action mav be brouirht on a note is 
10 years. 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 929 

If the note is payable to a person or order, or to a person or 
bearer, to a person or his assi^^-ns, or to a cashier of an incorporated 
•company, such notes are negotiable. 

When transferring a note, the indorser frees himself from respon- 
sibility, so far as the payment is concerned, by writing on the back, 
above his signature, without recourse to me in any event. 

A note is void when founded upon fraud. Thus a note obtained 
from a person when intoxicated, or obtained for any reason which 
is illegal, cannot be collected. A note given on Sunday is also void. 

No defense can be made against negotiable paper purchased 
before maturity for good consideration in the usual course of busi- 
ness, witliout knowledge of facts impeaching its validity, except 
fraud was used in obtaining the same. Thus if A gives his note 
to B for $150, receives in consideration a shawl and five pieces of 
cloth. The former was represented to be worth $75, and the cloth 
the best imported English goods. "When, in fact, the shawl was 
only worth $8, and suits made of the cloth wore out in less than 
six weeks, long before the note was due. B, however, had sold the 
note to C, who did not know the circumstances, and before it was 
due — A would be obliged to pay it. 

JUDGMEIsT NOTE. 

For value received I promise to pay Ewing Summers, of Gales- 
burg, or order, two hundred dollars, with interest, on the first day 
of January next. And, further, I do hereby empower any attorney 
of any court of record in Illinois, or elsewhere, to appear for me, 
and after a declaration filed therefor, to confess a judgment against 
me in the above sum, as of last, next, or any subsequent term, with 
cost of suit, release of error, etc., with stay of execution until said 
first day of January. 

Witness my hand and seal at Galesburg, III, this sixth day of 
March, in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine. 
[seal] John Jones. 

INTEREST. 

Interest is the compensation which is paid by the borrower of 
money to the lender for its use. ' When the debtor expressly under- 
takes to pay interest, he is bound to pay it; but if a party has 
accepted the principal, he cannot recover interest in a separate 
action. Daring the course of dealings between parties, a promise 
to pay is implied, and the debtor is bound to pay. So also on an 



930 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

account stated, whenever the debtor knows precisely what he is to 
pay, and when he is to pay it, after a demand of payment; but 
interest is not due on a running account, even when the items are 
all on one side, unless otherwise agreed upon. Where the terms of 
a promissory note are that it shall be paid by installments, and on 
the failure of any installment the whole is to become due, interest 
on the whole becomes payable from the first default. Where, by 
the terra of a bond or promissory note, interest is to be paid annu- 
ally, and the principal at a distant day, the interest may be recov- 
ered before the principal is due. 

Interest is collectible in the followins: cases: For eroods sold and 
delivered after the stipulated term of credit has expired; if there be 
no credit, then from the time of sale; on judgment debts, from the 
rendition of judgment; on money obtained by fraud, or where ii 
has been wrongfully detained (for whoever receives money not his 
own, and detains it from the owner unlawfully, must pay interest 
therefor: hence a public officer retaining money wrongfully is lia- 
ble for the interest); on money paid by mistake, or recovered on a 
void execution; on money lent or laid out for another's use; and 
rent, from the time that it is due. 

When the rate of interest is specified in any contract, that rate 
continues until full payment is made. A debt barred by the 
statute of limitations and revived by an acknowledgment beara 
interest for the whole time. 

Computing Interest. — In casting interest on notes, bonds, etc.. 
upon which partial payments have been made, every payment is to 
be first applied to discharge the interest; but the interest is never 
allowed to form a part of the principal, so as to carry interest. 
When a partial payment is made before the debt is due, it cannot 
be apportioned part to the debt and part to the interest, but at the 
end interest shall be charged on the whole sum, and the obligor 
shall receive credit for the interest on the amount paid until the 
interest becomes due. 

The legal rate of interest is six per cent. Parties may agree in 
writing on a rate not exceeding eight per cent. If a rate of interest 
greater than eight per cent, is contracted for, the penalty is a for- 
feiture of the entire interest, and only the principal can be 
recovered. 

In computing interest or discount on negotiable instruments, a 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 931 

month shall be considered a calendar month or twelfth of a year, 
and for less than a month, a day shall be figured a thirtieth part of 
a- month. Notes bear interest only when so expressed; but after 
due they draw the legal interest, six per cent., even if not stated. 
Notes payable on demand'or at sight draw no interest until after 
presentation or demand of the same has been made, unless they 
provide for interest from date on their face. If "with interest" is 
Included in the note, it draws the legal rate from the time it is 
made. If the note is to draw a special rate of interest, higher than 
the legal, but not higher than the law allows, the rate must be 
specified. 

WILLS. 

The legal declaration of a person's mind, determining the man- 
ner in which he would have his property or estate disposed of after 
his death, is termed a will. No exact form of words is necessary 
in order to make a will good at law, though much care should be 
exercised to state the provisions of the will so plainly that its lan- 
guage may not be misunderstood. 

Every male person of the age of twenty-one years, and every 
female of the age of eighteen years, of sound mind, can make a 
valid will. It must be in writing, signed by the testator, or by 
some one in his or her presence, and by his or her direction, and 
attested by two or more credible witnesses. Care should be taken 
that the witnesses are not interested in the will. 

The pei'son making the will may appoint his or her executors; 
but no person can serve as such executor if he or she be an alien at 
the time of proving the will, if he be under twenty-one years ot 
age, a convict, a drunkard, a lunatic, or an imbecile. 

Persons knowing themselves to have been appointed executors, 
must, within thirty days after the death of deceased, cause the will 
to be proved and recorded in the proper county, or present it and 
refuse to accept. In case of failure to do so, they are liable to for- 
feit the sum of twenty dollars per month. Inventory to be made 
by executor or administrator within three months from date of let- 
ters testamentary or administration. 

The person makmg a v^ill is termed the " testator " (if a female, 
the " testatrix "). 

A will is of no force and effect until the death of the testator, 



932 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

and can be cancelled or moditicQ at any date by the maker. The 
last will made annuls the force of all preceding wills. 

A will made by an unmarried woman is legally revoked by mar- 
riage; but she can take such legal steps in the settlement of her 
property before marriage as will empower her to dispose of the 
same as she may choose after marriage. No husband can make a 
will that will deprive the wife of her right of dower in the prop- 
ert3'; but the husband can will the wife a certain amount in lieu of 
her dower, stating it to be in lieu thereof. Such bequest, however, 
will not exclude her from her dower, provided she prefers it to the 
bequest made in the will. Unless the husband states distinctly 
that the bequest is in lieu of dower, she is entitled to both. 

In case a married woman possesses property and dies without a 
will, her husband is entitled to administer upon such property in 
preference to any one else, provided he be of sound mind. 

Notice requiring all claims to be presented against tlie estate 
shall be given by the administrator within six months after being 
qualified. Any person having a claim and not presenting it at the 
time fixed by said notice, is required to have summons issued noti- 
fving the executor of having filed his claim in court. Claims 
should be filed within two years from the time administration is 
granted on an estate, as after that time they are forever barred, 
unless other estate be found that was not inventoried. Married 
women, infants, persons insane, imprisoned, or without the United 
States, in the employment of the United States, or of this State, 
have two years after their disabilities are removed to file 
claims. Claims are classified and paid out of the estate in the fol- 
lowing manner: 

1st. Funeral expenses. 

2d. The widow's award, if there is a widow; or children, if there 
are children and no widow. 

3d. Expenses attending the last illness, not including the physi- 
cian's bill. 

4th. Debts due the common school or township fund. 

5th. All expenses of proving the will and taking out letters 
testamentary or of administration, and settlement of the estate, and 
the physician's bill in the last illness of the deceased. 

6th. Where the deceased has received money in trust for any 
purpose, his executor or administrator shall pay out of his estate 
the amount received and not accounted for. 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. ^35 

7tli All Other debts and demands of whatsoever kind, without 
regard to quality or dignity, which shall be exhibited to the court 
wiUiin two years from the granting of letters. 

Award to the widow and children, exclusive of debts and legacies 
or bequests, except funeral expenses: , . , . 

1st. The family pictures and wearing apparel, jewels and orna- 
ments of herself' and minor children 

2d. School books and the family library to the value oi $100. 

3d. One sewing-machine. 

4th. Necessary beds, bedsteads and bedding for herselt an I 

^""Tth The stoves and pipe used in the family, with the necessary 
cooking utensils; or, in case they have none $50 in money 

6th 'Household and kitchen furniture to the value ot $100. 

7th! One milch cow and calf for every four members ot her 

^Ttif 'two sheep for each member of her family, and the fleeces 
taken from the same, and one horse, saddle and bridle. 

9th Provisions for herself and family for one year. 

10th. Food for the stock above specified for six months. 

11th Fuel for herself and tamily for three months. 

12th'. One hundred dollars' worth of other property suited to her 
condition in life, to be selected by the widow. • 

The widow, if she elects, may have in lieu of the said award, the 
same personal property or money in place thereof -^ ^^ ^l^^iW 
exempt from execution or attachment against the head of a family. 

GENERAL FORM OF WILL FOR REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY. 

I Samuel T. Lewis, of the city of Chicago, county of Cook, 
State oTilnois, being aware of the uncertainty o lite and in 
In L health, but of so'und mind and memory, do make and declare 
thi t! be my last will and testament, in manner lollowing to-wit 

FM ? -ive, devise and bequeath to my oldest son, Franklin 
\T T /wis th? sum of Four Thousand dollars ot bank stock, now 
^'the F&t Na'oial Bank, Chicago, Illinois, and the farm owned 
bv mvselt -in Ontario township, Knox county, Illinois, consisting 
of one hundred and sixty acres with all the houses, tenements, and 
tvv—^tl thereunto' belonging; to have and to hold unto my 
-said son his heirs and assigns, lorever. 

Second 1 ^ive, devise and bequeath to each of my daughters 
Lida Lotan Lewis, and Fannie Ant.onette Lewis, each two thousand 



934 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

dollars in bank stock, in the First National Bank of Chicago, Illinois, 
and also each one quarter section of land, owned by myself, situ- 
ated in the town of Uelavan, Tazewell county, Illinois, and recorded 
in uiy name in the Hecorder's office of said county. The north one 
hundred and sixty acres of said half section is devised to my elder 
daughter Lida Louan. 

lliird. I give, devise and bequeath to my son, Fred Davis 
Lewis, five shares of railroad stock, in the C, B. <k Q. Railroad, 
and my own one hundred and sixty acres of land and saw-mill 
thereon, situated in Astoria, Illinois, with all the improvements and 
appurtenances thereunto belonging, which said real estate is re- 
curded in my name, in the county where situated. 

Fourth. I give to my wife, Tryphena Lewis, all my household 
furniture, goods, chattels, and personal property, about my house, 
not hitherto disposed of, including ten thousand dollars in bank 
stock, in the First National Bank of Chicago, Illinois, fifteen shares 
in the Chicago, llock Island & Pacific Railroad, and the free and 
unrestricted use, possession and benefits of the home farm, so long 
as she may live, in lieu of dower, to which she is entitled by law; 
said farm being my present place of residence. 

Fifth. I bequeath to my invalid father, Samuel T. Lewis, Sr., 
the income from the rents of my store building, at Canton, Illinois, 
during the term of his natural life. Said building and land there- 
with revert to my said sons and daughters in equal proportions, 
upon the demise of my said father. 

Sixth. It is also my will and desire, that at the death of my 
wife, Tryphena Lewis, or at any time she may arrange to relinquish 
her life interest in the above mentioned homestead, the same may 
revert to my above named children, or to the lawful heirs of each. 

And., Lastly. I appoint as executors of this, my last will and 
testament, my wife Tryphena Lewis, and my eldest son, Franklin 
M. Lewis. 

I further direct that my debts and necessary funeral expenses 
shall be paid from moneys now on deposit in the First National 
Bank, Pekin, Illinois, the residue of such moneys to revert to my 
wife, Tryphena Lewis, for her use forever. 

In witness thereof, I, Samuel T. Lewis, to this, my last will and 
testament, have hereunto set my hand and seal, this third day of 
March, eighteen hundred and seventy. 

[L. S'.] Samuel T. Lewis. 

Signed, sealed and delivered by Samuel T. Lewis, asand for his 
last will and testament, in the presence of us, who, at his request, 
and in his presence, and in the presence of each other, have sub- 
scribed our names hereunto as witnesses thereof. 

Fred D. Selleck, Chicago, Illinois, 
Erastus Child, Oneida, Illinois. 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 935 



CODICIL. 



Whereas, I, Samuel T. Lewis, did, on the third day of March, 
one thousand eight hundred and seventy, make my last will and 
testament, I do now, by this writing, add this codicil to my said 
will, to be taken as a part thereof. 

Whereas, by the dispensation of Providence, my daughter Lida 
Louan, has deceased, ISTox ember fifth, eighteen hundred and seventy- 
four, and, whereas, a son has been born to me, which son is now 
christened Charles J3urchard Lewis, I give and bequeath unto him: 
my gold watch, and all right, interest and title in lands and bank 
stock and chattels bequeathed to my deceased daughter Lida Louan, 
in the body of this will 

In witness tliereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal, this fifth 
day of March, eighteen hundred and seventy-nine. 

[L. S.] Samuel T. Lewis. 

Signed, sealed, published and declared to us by the testator, 
Samuel T. Lewis, as and for a codicil, to be annexed to his last will 
and testament. And we, at his request, and in his presence, and in 
the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses- 
thereto, at the date hereof. 

Erastus Child, Oneida, 111. 
E. C. Johnson, Chicago, 111. 

DESCENT. 

When no will is made, the property of a deceased person is dis- 
tributed as follows: 

Fii'st. To his or her children and their descendants, in equal 
parts; the descendants of the deceased child or grand child taking 
the share of their deceased parents, in equal parts among them. 

Second. Where there is no child, no descendant of such child, . 
and no widow or surviving husband, then to the parents, brothers 
and sisters of the deceased, and their descendants, in equal parts, 
the surviving parent, if either be dead, taking a double portion; 
and if there is no parent living, then to the brothers and sisters of 
the intestate and their descendants. 

Third. When there is a widow or surviving husband, and no 
child or children, or descendants of the same, then one-half of the 
real estate and the whole of the personal estate shall descend to 
such widow or surviving husband, absolutely, and the other half of 
the real estate shall descend as in other cases where there is no 
child or children, or descendants of the same. 

Fourth. When there is a widow or surviving luisband, and a]>a 



936 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

a child or children, or descendants of the latter, then one-third of 
all personal estate to the widow or surviving husband, absolutely. 

Fifth. If there be no child, parent, brother or sister, or 
descendants of either of them, and no widow or surviving husband, 
then in equal parts to the next of kin to the intestate in equal 
degree. Collaterals shall not , be represented except with the 
descendants of brother and sister of the intestate, and there shall 
be no distinction between kindred of the whole and the half-blood. 

Sixth. If any intestate leaves a widow or surviving husband 
and no kindred, then to such widow or surviving husband; and if 
there is no such widow or surviving husband, it shall escheat to and 
invest in the county where the same or the greater portion thereof 
is situated. 

DEEDS. 

A deed is a sealed instrument in writing, conveying lands and 
appurtenances thereon from o<ie person to another, and special care 
should be taken to have them signed, sealed, delivered and properly 
acknowledged, with the proper seal attached. Witnesses are not 
necessary. The law in this State provides that an acknowledg- 
ment must be made before certain persons authorized to take the 
same. These officers are: Master in Chancery, Notary Public 
Circuit or County Clerk, Justice of the Peace. United States Com- 
missioner, or any Court of Record having a seal, or any Judge 
Justice or Clerk of any such court. The instrument shall be 
attested bv the official seal of the officer taking: the acknowledg- 
ment, and when taken by a Justice of the Peace residing out of the 
county where the real estate to be conveyed lies, there shall be 
added a certificate of the County Clerk under his seal of office, that 
he was a Justice of the Peace in the county at the time of taking 
the same. A deed is good without such certificate attached, but 
cannot be used in evidence unless such a certificate is produced or 
other competent evidence introduced. Acknowledgments made 
out of the State must either be executed according to the laws of 
this State, or there should be attached a certificate that is in conform- 
ity with the laws of the State or country where executed. Where 
this is not done the same may be proved by any other legal way. 
Acknowledgments where the Homestead rights are to be waived 
must state as follows: " Including the release and waiver of the 
I'ight of homestead." 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. , 93T 

To render a deed valid, there must be a sufficient consideration. 
To enable a person to legally convey property to another, the fol- 
lowing requisites are necessary: 1st, he or she must be of age; 
2d, must be of sane mind; and, 3d, he or she must be the rightful 
owner of the property. 

Any alterations or interlineations in the deed should be noted at 
the bottom of the instrument, and properly witnessed. After the 
acknowledgment of a deed, the parties have no right to make the 
slightest alterations. An alteration after the acknowledgment in 
favor of the grantee vitiates the deed. The maker of a deed is 
called the "grantor;" the person or party to whom the deed is 
delivered, the "grantee." The wife of the grantor must ackowl- 
edge the deed, or else, after the death of her husband, she will be 
entitled to one-third interest in the property, as dower, during her 
life. Her acknowledgment of the deed must be of her own free 
will and accord. 

By a general warranty deed the grantor engages to secure the 
grantee in any right or possession to the property conveyed against 
all persons whatsoever. A quit-claim deed releases what interest 
the grantor may have in the land, but does not warrant and defend 
against others. We do not give form for a deed, as printed forms 
are used by all. Deeds should be recorded without delay. 

MORTGAGES AND TRUST DEEDS 

Are conditional conveyances of estates or property by way of 
pledge for the security of debt, and to become void on payment of 
it. Special care should be taken to have them signed, sealed 
delivered, and properly acknowledged, with the proper seal attached. 
All kinds of property, real or personal, which are capable of an 
absolute sale, may be the subject of a mortgage. 

Mortgages of personal property need not be under seal. In the 
absence of stipulation to the contrary, the mortgagee of personal 
property has the legal title thereto, and the right of possession, and 
he may have an action against any one taking them from the mort- 
gagor. And although the mortgage contains no express stipulation 
that the mortgagor sliall remain in possession until default of pay- 
ment, and with a power to sell for the mortgagee's debt, the mort- 
gagee may nevertheless sustain trover against an officer attaching 
the goods as the property of the mortgagor. 



938 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

A mort^d^e must be in writing when it is intended to convey the 
legal title. It m^jst be in one single deed which contains the whole 
contract. 

Redemption must be made within one year from the sale. 
Where, however, the mortgagee takes the property for an absolute 
discharge of the debt, then the equity or right of redemption is 
barred. Satisfaction^ or release of a mortgage, may be made on 
the margin of the record, or by an instrument duly acknowledged. 
The wife need not join in this release. 

TRUST DEEDS. 

Trust deeds are taken generally in preference to mortgages, 
especially by non-residents, for in case of foreclosure under the 
power of sale there can be no redemption. Advertisement, sale, 
and deed is made by the trustee. 

Mortgages of personal property, or chattel mortgages, can be 
given for a period of only two years, and cannot be renewed or 
extended. Acknowledgment may be had before a Justice of the 
Peace of the town or district in which the mortgagor resides. If 
the mortgagor is a non-resident, then before any officer authorized 
by law to take acknowledgments. Foreclosures may be effected 
upon default, and possession, and sale of the property taken and 
made; any delay will invalidate the mortgagee's lien. 

LIENS. 

Any person who shall by contract, expressed or implied, or 
partly both, with the owner of any lot or tract of land, furnish 
labor or material, or services as an architect or superintendent, in 
building, altering, repairing, or ornamenting any house, or other 
building or appurtenance thereto on such lot, or upon any street or 
alley, and connected with such improvements, shall have a lien 
upon the whole of such lot or tract of land, and upon such house 
or building and appurtenances for the amount due him for labor, 
material or services. If the contract is expressed, and the time for 
the completion of the work is beyond three years from the com- 
mencement thereof; or, if the time of payment is beyond one year 
from the time sti])ulated for the completion of the work, then no 
lien exists. If the contract is implied, then no lien exists, unless 
the work be done, or material furnished, within one year from the 
commencement of the work or delivery of the material. As 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 939 

between different creditors having liens, no preference is given to 
the one whose contract was made first; but each shares pro rata. 
Incumbrances existing upon the lot or tract of the land at the time 
the contract is made do not operate on the improvements, and are 
only preferred to the extent of the value of the land at the time of 
making the contract. The above lien cannot be enforced unless 
suit is commenced within six months after the last payment for 
labor or materials shall have become due and payable. Sub-con- 
tractors, mechanics, workmen, and other persons furnishing any 
material, or performing any labor for a contractor, as above speci- 
fied, have a lien to the extent of the amount due the contractor at 
the time the following notice was served upon the owner of the 
land who made the contract: 

To : You are hereby notified that I have been employed 

by [here state whether to labor or to furnish material, 

and substantially the nature of the demand] upon your [here state 
m general terms description and situation of building], and that I 
shall hold the [building, or as the case may be], and your interest 
in the ground liable for the amount that may [is or may become] 
due ine on account thereof. [Signature] . 

Dated, . 

If there is a contract in writing between contractor and sub-con- 
tractor, a copy of it should be served with the above notice, and such 
notice must be served within forty days from the completion of 
such sub-contract, if there is one; if not, then from the time pay- 
ment should have been made to the person performing the labor 
or furnishing the material. If the owner is not a resident of the 
county, or cannot be found therein, then the above notice must be 
filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, with his fee, fifty cents, 
and a copy of such notice must be published in a newspaper pub- 
lished in the county for four successive weeks. 

When the owner or agent is notified as above he can retain any 
money due the contractor sufiicient to pay such claim; if more 
than one claim, and not enough to pay all, they are to be paid pro 
rata. 

The owner has a right to demand in writing a statement of the 
contractor, of what he owes for labor, etc., from time to time as the 
work progresses. 

The liens referred to cover any and all estates, whether in fee for 



940 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

life, for years, or any other interest which the owner may have. 

To enforce the liens of sub-contractors, suit must be comm^ced 
within three months from the time of the performance of the sub- 
contract, or during the work or furnishing materials. 

Hotels inn and hoarding -house keejpers have a lien upon the 
baggage and other valuables of their guests or boarders brought 
into such hotel, inn, or boarding-house, by their guests or boarders 
for the proper charges due from such guests or boarders for their 
accommodation, board and lodging, and such extras &s are furnished 
at their request. 

Stahle-keejpcTS and other persons have a lien upon the horses, 
carriages and harness kept by them for the proper charges due for 
the keeping thereof, and expenses bestowed tliereon at the request 
of the owner, or the person having the possession of the same. 

Agisters (persons who take care of cattle belonging to others) 
and persons keeping, yarding, feeding, or pasturing domestic ani- 
mals shall have a Hen upon the animals agistered, kept, yarded or 
fed for the proper charges due for such service. 

All persons who may furnish any raih'oad corporation in this 
State with fuel, ties, material, supplies, or any other article or thing 
necessary for the construction, mai'ntenance, operation oi- repair of 
its road by contract, or may perform work or labor for the same, are 
entitled to be paid as part of the current expenses of the road, and 
have a lien upon all its property. Sub-contractors or laborers have 
also a lien. The conditions and limitations, both as to contractors 
and to sub-contractors, are about the same as herein stated, as to 
general liens. 

BILL OF SALE. 

A bill of sale is a written agreement to another party for a con- 
sideration to convey his right and interest in the personal property. 
The purchaser must take actual possession of the property. Juries 
have power to determine upon the fairness or unfairness of a bill 
of sale. 

COMMON FORM OF BILL OF SALE. 

Know All Men by this instrument, that I, B. F. Lewis, of Chi- 
cago, Illinois, of the first part, for and in consideration of six hun- 
dred and fifty dollars, to me paid by Columbus C. Chapman, 
Astoria, Illinois, of tlie second part, the receipt whereof is hereby 
acknowledged, have sold, and by this instrument do convey unto 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 941 

the said Chapman, party of the second part, his executors, admin- 
istrators, and a^si^ns, my undivided half of ten acres of corn on 
my farm in the town of Deer Creek, lUinois ; one pair of horses, 
twenty sheep, and five cows, belonging to me, atid in my possession 
at the" farm aforesaid; to have and to hold the same unto the party 
of the second part, his executors and assigns, forever. And I do, 
for myself and legal representatives, agree with the said party of 
the second part, and his legal representatives, to warrant and defend 
the sale of the aforementioned property and chattels unto the said 
party of the second part, and his legal representatives, against all 
and every person whatsoever. i , . . . t 

In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my hand this tenth 
day of October, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine. 

•^ B. F. Lewis. 

DAYS OF GRACE. 

No check, draft, bill of exchange, promissory note, order, or 
negotiable instrument, payable at sight or on demand, or on pre- 
sentment, shall be entitled to days of grace. All other bills of 
exchange, drafts or notes are entitled to three days of grace. All 
the above-mentioned paper falling due on Sunday, New Year's day, 
Fourth of July, Christmas, or any day appointed or recommended 
by the President of the United States or Governor of the State as 
a day of fasting or thanksgiving, shall be deemed as due on the 
day previous; and should two or more of these days come together, 
then such instrument shall be treated as due on the day previous to 
the first of said days. 

LIMITATION OF ACTION. 

The limit of time in which action may be brought on certain 
things is as follows: Open accounts, five years; notes and written 
contracts, ten years; judgments, twenty years; partial payments or 
new promise in writing, within or after said period, will revive 
the debt; absence from the State deducted, and when the cause of 
action is barred by the law of another State, it has the same efifect 
here; assault, slander, libel, replevin, one year; personal injuries, 
two years; to recover land or make entry thereon, twenty years; and 
sealed and witnessed instruments, as action to foreclose mortgage 
or trust deed, within ten years. All persons in possession of land, 
and paying taxes for seven consecutive years, with color of title, and 
all persons paying taxes for seven consecutive years, with color of 
title, on vacant land, shall be held to be the legal owners to the 
extent of their paper title. 



94:2 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

RECEIPTS. 

Receipts should always state when received and what for; and if 
receipt is in full it should be so stated. We give two forms: 

FOR MONEY ON ACCOUNT. 

Received, Knoxville, 111., Nov. 10, 1878, of J. 0. Cover, sixty 
dollars on account. $60. J. 11. Franklin. 

FOR MONEY ADVANCED ON A CONTRACT. 

$100. Galesburg, III., June 9, 1868. f 

Received of Fernando Ross, one hundred dollars, in advance, on 
contract to build for him a brick house at No. 76 Kellogg street. 

Samuel J. Chapman. 

EXEMPTIONS FROM FORCED SALES. 

The following personal property and home worth $1,000, — Lot 
of ground and buildings thereon, occupied as a residence by the 
debtor, being a householder and having a family, to the value of 
$1,000. Exemption continues after the death of the householder for 
the benefit of the widow and family, some of them occupying the 
homestead until the youngest shall become twenty-one years of age, 
and until the death of the widow. There is no exemption from sale 
for taxes, assessments, debt or liability incurred for the purchase or 
improvement of said homestead. No release or waiver of exemption 
is valid unless in writing and subscribed by such householder and 
wife (if he has one), and acknowledged as conveyances of real estate 
are required to be acknowledged. 

The following articles of personal property owned by the debtor 
are exempt from execution, writ of attachment, and distress for rent: 
The necessary wearing apparel, Bibles, school-books and family pic- 
tures of every person; and one hundred dollars'worth of other prop- 
erty, to be selected by the debtor, and in addition, when the debtor 
is the head of a family and resides with the same, three hundred dol- 
lars' worth of other property to be selected by the debtor, — provided 
that such selection and exemption shall not be made by the debtor 
or allowed to him or her from any money, salary or wages due him or 
her from any person or persons or corporations whatever. When the 
head of the family dies, deserts, or does not reside with the same, 
the family shall be entitled to and receive all the benefit and priv- 
ilege which are by this act conferred upon the head of a family 
residing with the same. No personal property is exempt from exe- 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 



943 



cation when judgment is obtained for the wages of laborers or ser- 
vants. Wages of a laborer who is the hoad of a family cannot be 
garnisheed except for the sum due him in excess o^ $25. 

LANDLORDS AND TENANTS. 
The principal obligation on the part of a landlord, which is in 
fact always to be implied as a necessary condition to his receiving 
any rent, is, that the tenant shall enjoy the quiet possession of the 
premises,— which means, substantially, that he shall not be turned 
out of possession of the whole or any material part of the premises 
by any one having a title paramount to that of the landlord, or that 
the landlord shall not himself disturb or render his occupation un- 
comfortable by the erection of a nuisance on or near the premises, 
or otherwise oblige him to quit possession. But if he be ousted by a 
fitranger,~that is, by one having no title,— or after the rent has 
fallen due, or if the molestation proceeds from acts of a tliird person, 
the landload is in neither case responsible for it. Another obligation 
which the law imposes on the landlord, in the absence of any ex- 
press stipulation in the lease, is the paymant of all taxes chargeable 
upon the property, or any ground rents or interest upon mortgages 
to which it may be subject. Every landlord is bound to protect his 
tenant a-ainst all paramount claims. And if a tenant is compelled, 
in order'to protect himself in the enjoyment of the land m respect 
of which his rent is payable, to make payment which ought, as be- 
tween himself and his landlord, to have been made by the latter, he 
may call upon the landlord to reimburse him, or he may deduct 
such payment from the rent due or to become due. But the land- 
lord is under no obligation to make repairs, or to rebuild m case the 
premises should be burned; nor does he guaranty that they are 
reasonably fit for the purpose for which they are taken. And it is 
not in the power of a tenant to make repairs at the expense of his 
landlord, unless there be a special agreement between them author- 
izing him to do so; for the tenant takes the premises for better or 
worse, and cannot involve the landlord in expense for repairs without 
his consent. Even if the premises have become uninhabitable by 
fire, and the landlord, having insured them, has recovered the 
insurance money, the tenant cannot compel him to expend the 
money so recovered in rebuilding, unless he has expressly engaged 
to do so ; nor can he in such an event protect himself from the payment 
of rent during the unexpired balance of the term,.unless exempted 



944 " DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

tlierefrom by statute or the terms of the lease. The uninhabit- 
ableness of a house is not a good defense to an action for rent. If 
the landlord expressly covenanted to repair, the tenant cannot quit 
and discharge himself of rent because the repairs are not made, un- 
less there is a provision to that effect; and if a landlord is bound by 
custom or by express agreement to repair, this obligation, and the 
obligation of the tenant to pay rent, are independent of each other, 
so that the refusal or neglect of the landlord to repair is no answer 
to a demand for rent. The tenant is answerable for any neglect to 
repair highways, fences, or party walls. He is also liable for all 
injuries produced by the mismanagement of his servants, or by a 
nuisance kept upon the premises, or by an obstruction of the high- 
ways adjacent to them, or the like. One of the principal obligations 
which the laM^ imposes upon every tenant, independent of any agree- 
ment, is to treat the premises in such a manner that no substantial 
injury shall be done to them, and so that they may revert to the 
landlord at tlie end of the term unimpaired by any willful or negli- 
gent conduct on his part, 

A tenancy from year to year requires sixty days' notice in writing 
to terminate the same at the end of the year; such notice can be 
given at any time within four months preceding the last sixty days 
of the year. 

A tenancy by the month, or less than a year, where the tenant 
holds over without any special agreement, the landlord may termi- 
nate the tenancy by thirty days' notice in writing. 

AYhen rent is due, the landlord may serve a notice upon the ten- 
ant, stating that unless the rent is paid within not less than five 
days, his lease will be terminated; if the rent is not paid, the land- 
lord may consider the lease ended. When a default is made in any 
of the terms of the lease, it shall not be necessary to give more 
than ten days' notice to quit or of the termination of such tenancy; 
and the same may be terminated on giving such notice to quit, at 
any time after such default in any of the terms of such lease; 
which notice may be substantially in the following form : 

To , You are hereby notified that, in consequence of your 

default [here insert the character of the default], of the premises 
now occupied by you, being, etc., [here describe the premises], I 
have elected to determine your lease, and you are hereby notified to 
quit and deliver up possession of the same to me within ten days of 
this date [dated, etc]. 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 945 

The above to be signed by the lessor or his agent, and no other 
notice or demand of possession or termination of such tenancy is 
necessary. 

Demand may be made or notice served by delivering a written or 
printed, or partly either, copy thereof to the tenant, or leaving the 
same with some person above the age of twelve years, residing on 
or in possession of the premises; and in case no one is in actual 
possession of said premises, then by posting the same on the prem- 
ises. "When the tenancy is for a certain time, and the term expires 
by the terms of the lease, the tenant is then bound to surrender 
possession, and no notice to quit or demand possession is necessary. 

DISTRESS FOE KENT. 

In all cases of distress for rent, the landlord, by himself, his agent 
or his attorney, may seize for rent any personal property of his ten- 
ant that may be found in the county where the tenant resides. The 
property of any other person, even if found on the premises, is not 
liable. 

An inventory of the property levied upon, with a statement of 
the amount of rent claimed, should be at once filed with some 
Justice of the Peace, if not over $200; and if above that sum, with 
the Clerk of a Court of Record of competent jurisdiction. Property 
may be released by a party executing a satisfactory bond for double 
the amount. 

The landlord may distrain for rent any time within six months 
after the expiration of the term of lease, or when terminated. 

In all cases where the premises rented shall be sub-let, or the 
lease assigned, the landlord shall have the same right to enforce 
lien against such lessee or assignee, that he has against the tenant 
to whom the premises were rented. 

When a tenant abandons or removes from the premises, or any 
part thereof, the landlord, or his agent or his attorney may seize 
upon any grain or crops grown or growing upon the premises, or 
part thereof so abandoned, whether the rent is due or not. If such 
grain or other crops, or any part thereof, is not fully grown or 
matured, the landlord, or his agent or attorney shall cause the same 
to be properly cultivated, harvested or gathered, and may sell the 
same, and from the proceeds pay all his labor, expenses and rent. 
The tenant may, before the sale of such property, redeem the same 



D46 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

by tendering the rent and reasonable compensation for the work 
done, or lie may replevy the same. 

EXEMPTION. 

The same articles of personal property which are by law exempt 
from execution, except the crops, as above mentioned, are also 
•exempt from distress for rent. 

If any tenant is about to, or shall permit, or attempt to sell or 
remove from the premises, without the consent of his landlord, 
such portion of the crops raised thereon as will endanger tlie lien 
of the landlord upon such crops, for the rent, it shall be lawful for 
the landlord to distress before rent is due. 

CRIMINAL LAW 

Is that branch of jurisprudence which treats of criminal offenses. 
The extreme importance of a knowledge of criminal law is self- 
evident; for a mistake in point of law, which every person of dis- 
cretion not only may know, but is bound and presumed to know, is 
in criminal cases no defense. This law is administered upon the 
principle that every one must be taken conclusively to know it, 
without proof that he does know it. This doctrine lias been carried 
so far as to include the case of a foreigner charged with a crime 
which was no offense in his own country. And further, the 
criminal law, whether common or statute, is imperative with refer- 
ence to the conduct of individuals; so that, if a statute forbids or 
commands a thing to be done, all acts or omissions contrary to the 
prohibition or command of the statute are offenses at common law, 
and ordinarily indictable as such. "When a statute punishes a 
crime by its legal designation without enumerating the acts which 
constitute it, then it is necessary to resort to the common law for a 
definition of the crime with its distinctions and qualifications. So> 
if an act is made criminal, but no mode of prosecution is directed 
or no punishment provided, the common law (in the absence of a 
statute to the contrary) furnishes its aid, prescriljing the mode of 
prosecution by indictment, and its mode of punishment by fine and 
inprisonment. So far, therefore, as the rules and principles of com- 
mon law are applicable to the administration of the criminal law, 
and have not been altered or modified by legislation or judicial 
decisions, they have the same force and effect as laws finally enacted. 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 947 

The following are some of the leading principles of the criminal 
law: 

1. Every man is presumed to be innocent till the contrary is 
shown; and if there is any reasonable doubt of his guilt, he is en- 
titled to the benefit of the doubt. 

2. In general, no person can be brought to trial till a grand jury 
on examination of the charge has found reason to hold him to trial. 

3. The prisoner is entitled to trial by a jury of his peers, who are- 
chosen from the body of the people with a view to impartiality, and 
whose decision on questions of facts is final. 

4. The question of his guilt is to be determined without reference 
to his general character, previous history, or habits of life. 

5. The prisoner cannot be required to criminate himself, nor be 
compelled even to exculpate himself by giving his own testimony 
on trial. 

6. He cannot be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense. 

T. He cannot be punished for an act which was not an offense by 
the law existing at the time of its commission; nor can a serverer 
punishment be inflicted than was declared by the law at the time of 
its commission. 

Crimes are sometimes classified according to the degree of pun- 
ishment incurred by their commission. They are more generally 
arranged according to the nature of the offense. The followino- is,, 
perliaps, as complete a classification as the subject admits: 

I. Offenses against the sovereignty of the State — 1, treason; 2 
misprision of treason. 

II. Offenses against the lives and persons of individuals — 1, 
murder; 2, manslaughter; 3, attempt to kill or murder; 4, may- 
hem; 5, rape; 6, robbery. 7, kidnapping; 8, false imprisonment; 
9, abduction; 10, assault and battery. 

III. Offenses against public property — 1, burning or destroying 
public property; 2, injury to same. 

lY. Offenses against private property — 1, arson; 2, burglary; 
3, larceny; 4, obtaining goods under false pretenses; 5, embezzle- 
ment ; 6, malicious mischief. 

Y. Offenses against puhlic justice — 1, perjury; 2, bribery; 3,. 
destroying public records; 4, counterfeiting public seals; 5, jail 
breach; 6, escape; 7, resistance to officers; 8, obstructing legal 
process; 9, barratry; 10, maintenance; 11, champerty; 12, con- 



948 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

tempt of court; 13, oppression; 14, extortion; 15, suppression of 
evidence; 16, compounding felony; 17, misprision of felony. 

VI. Offenses against the jnihUo peace — 1, challenging or accept- 
ing a challenge to a duel; 2, unlawful assembly; 3, rows; 4, riot; 
5, breach of the peace; (!, libel. 

YII. Offenses against chastity— \, sodomy; 2, bestiality; 3, 
adultery; 4, incest; 5, bigamy; 6, seduction; 7, fornication; 8, 
lascivious carriage; 9, keeping and frequenting houses of ill-fame. 

VIII. Offenses against public 2>olicy — 1, false currency; 2, lot- 
teries; 3, gambling; 4, immoral shows; 5, violation of the right 
of suffrage; 6, destruction of game, fish, etc.; 7, nuisance. 

IX. Offenses against the currency, and public and private 
securities — 1, forgery; 2, counterfeiting; 3, passing counterfeit 
Tnoney. 

X. Offenses against religion and morality — 1, blasphemy; 2, 
profanity; 3, Sabbath-breaking; 4, obscenitj'^; 5, cruelty to ani- 
mals; 6, drunkenness; 7, promoting intemperance. "^' t 

XL Off'enses against the public^ individuals, or their property 
— 1, conspiracy. 

TAXES. 

The owners of real and personal property, on the first day of 
March of each year, are liable for taxes thereon. 

Assessments should be completed before the fourth Monday in 
June, at which time the Town Board of Review meets to examine 
assessments, hear objections, and make such changes as ought to be 
made. The County Board have also power to correct or change 
assessments. 

The tax-books are placed in the hands of the Town Collector on 
or before the tenth day of December, who retains them until the 
tenth day of March following, when he is required to return them 
to the County Treasurer, who then collects all delinquent taxes. 

Ko costs accrue on real estate taxes until advertised, which takes 
place on the first day of April, when three weeks' notice is required 
before judgment. Cost of advertising, twenty cents each tract of 
land, and ten cents each lot. 

Judgment is usually obtained at the May term of County Court. 
Costs six cents each tract of land, and five cents each lot. Sale 
takes place in June. Costs, in addition to those mentioned, tweu- 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 949 

ty-eight cents each tract of land, and twenty-seven cents each 
town lot. 

Real estate sold for taxes may be redeemed any time before the 
expiration of two years from the date of sale by payment to the 
County Clerk of the amount for which it was sold, and twenty-five 
per cent, thereon if redeemed within six months, fifty per cent, if 
redeemed between six and twelve months; if between twelve and 
eighteen months, seventy -five per cent., and if between eighteen 
months and two years, one hundred per cent. ; and, in addition, all 
subsequent taxes paid by the purchaser, with ten per cent, interest 
thereon; also, one dollar each tract, if notice is given by the pur- 
chaser of the sale, and a fee of twenty-five cents to the Clerk for 
his certificate. 

SUBSCRIPTION. 

The selling of books by subscription is so frequently brought 
into disrepute by agents making representations not authorized by 
the publishers, that the public are often swindled. That there 
may be more general knowledge of the relation such agents bear 
to their principal, and the law governing such cases, we give the 
following rules, which, if followed, will save a great deal of trouble 
and perhaps serious loss. 

A subscription is the placing of a signature below a written or 
printed engagement. It is the act by which a person contracts, in 
writing, to furnish a sum of money for a particular purpose: as, a 
subscription to a charitable institution, a subscription for a book, 
and the like. In the case of a book, the consideration is concur- 
rent that the publisher shall publish the book named, and deliver 
the same, for which the subscriber is to pay the price named. The 
prospectus and sample should be carefully examined before sub- 
scribing, as they are the basis and consideration of the promise to 
pay, and not the too often exaggerated statements of the agent, 
who is merely emploj^ed to solicit subscriptions, for which he 
usually receives a commission for each subscriber, and has no 
authority to change or alter the conditions upon which the sub- 
scriptions are authorized to be made by the publishers. Should 
the agent assume to agree to make the subscription conditional, or 
modify or change the agreement of the publisher, as set out by 
the prospectus and sample, in order fo bind the publishers, the 



950 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

subscriber should see that such condition or change is stated over, 
or in connection with his signature, so the publishers may have 
notice of the same. 

When several persons promise to contribute to a common object, 
desii-ed by all, the promise of each may be a good consideration for 
the ])romise of others. In general subscriptions on certain condi- 
tions in favor of the party subscribing, are binding when the acts, 
stipulated are performed. Subscription is in the nature of a con- 
tract of mutual promises. All persons should remember that the 
law as to written contracts is, that they can not he altered^ varied^ or 
rescinded verbally, but if done at all, must be done in writing. It 
is therefore important that all persons contemplating subscribing 
should distinctly understand that all talk before or after the sub- 
scription is made is not admissible as evidence, and is no part of 
the contract. Persons before signing their names to any subscrip- 
tion book, or any written instrument, should carefully examine 
what it is; if they cannot read, they should call on some one dis- 
interested who can. 

Persons who solicit subscriptions are known to the trade as can- 
vassers. They are agents appointed to do a particular business in 
a prescribed mode, and have no authority to do it in any other way 
to the prejudice of their principal, nor can they bind their principal 
in any other matter. They can not collect money, or agree that 
payment may be made in anything else than money. They cannot 
extend the time of payment beyond the time of delivery, nor bind 
their principal for payment of expenses incurred in their business. 

Where you pay money to an agent you should satisfy yourself of 
his authority to collect money for his employer. 

CONTRACT FOR PERSONAL SERVICES. 

When a contract is entire and has been only partially fulfilled, 
the party in fault may nevertheless recover from the other party for 
the actual benefit received and retained by the other party, less the 
damages sustained by such other party by reason "of the partial 
non-fulfillment of the contract. This may be done in all cases 
where the other party has received benefit from the partial fulfill- 
ment of the contract, whether he has so received the same from 
choice or from the necessities of the case. Where D hired B to 
work for him for seven moHths at $15 per month, and B worked 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 951 

for D only fifty-nine days, and then quit without any reasonable 
excuse therefor, it was held that B might nevertheless recover from 
D for what the work was reasonably worth, less any damage that 
D may have sustained by reason of the partial non-fulfillment of 
the contract, 

NEWSPAPER LIBEL. 

Allowing the most liberal rule as to the liability of persons in 
public employment to criticism for their conduct in which the 
public are interested, there never has been a rule which subjected 
persons, private or public, to be falsely traduced. No publication 
is privileged except a hona fide representation, made without 
malice, to the proper authority, complaining on reasonable grounds. 
The nearest approach to this Jicense is where the person vilified 
presents himself before the body of the public as a candidate for an 
elective office. But even then there is no doctrine which will sub- 
ject him without remedy to every species of malevolent attack. 

TENDER. 

If the tender be of money, it can be a defense only when made 
before the action was brought. A tender does not bar the debt as 
a payment would, for in general he is bound to pay the sum which 
he tendered, whenever he is required to do so. But it puts a stop 
to accruing damages or interest for delay in payment, and saves 
the defendant costs. It need not be made by the defendant person- 
ally; if made by a third person, at his request, it is sufficient; and 
if made by a stranger without his knowledge or request, a subse- 
quent assent of the debtor will operate as a ratification of the 
agency, and make the tender good. Any person may make a valid 
tender for an idiot. If an agent, furnished with money to make a. 
tender, at his own risk tender more, it is good. So, a tender need 
not be made to a creditor personally; but it must be made to an 
agent actually authorized to receive the money. If the money be 
due to several jointly, it may be tendered to either, but must be 
pleaded as made to all. The whole sum due must be tendered, as 
the creditor is not bound to receive a part of his debt. If the 
tender be of the whole debt, it is valid. If the obligation be in the 
alternative, one thing or another, as the creditor may choose, the 
tender should be of both, that he may make his choice. To make 
a tender of money valid the money must be actually produced and 



952 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

proffered, unless the creditor expressly or impliedly waives this 
production. The debtor is not bound to count out the money, if he 
has it and offers it. No conditions must be annexed to the tender, 
which the creditor can have any good reason whatever lor objecting 
to; as for instance, that he should give a receipt in full of all 
demands. The tender should be made in money made lawful by 
the State in which it is offered. Generally, a tender is valid and 
effectual if made at any time after the debt is due; and a demand 
made after the tender if for more than the sum tendered, will not 
avoid the tender. Certainly not, if the demand is for more than 
the real debt, although the excess was for another debt truly due. 

Tender of Chattels. — The thing tendered may not be money, but 
some specific article. If one is bound to deliver chattels at a partic- 
ular time and place, it may not be enough if he has them there; they 
may be mingled with others of a like kind which he is not to 
deliver. Or they may need some act of separation, or identifica- 
tion, or completion, before they could become the property of the 
other party. Generally, if no time or place l)e specified, the articles 
are to be delivered where they are at the time of the contract, 
unless collateral circumstances designate a different place. If the 
time be fixed, but not the place, then it will be presumed that the 
deliverer was to bring the articles to the receiver at that time, and 
for that purpose he must go with the chattels to the residence of the 
receiver, unless something in their very nature or use, or some other 
circumstances of equivalent force, distinctly implies that they are 
to be left at some other place. It may happen, from the cumbrous- 
ness of the chattels or other circumstances, that it is reasonable and 
just for the deliverer to ascertain from the receiver, long enough 
beforehand, where they shall be delivered; and then he would be 
held to this as a legal obligation. So, too, in such a case, the 
receiver would have a right to designate to the detiner, a reasonable 
time beforehand, a place of delivery reasonably convenient to both 
parties, and the deliverer would be bound by such directions. If 
no place be indicated, and the deliverer is not in fault in this, he 
may deliver the chattels to the receiver, in person, at any place 
which is reasonably convenient. And if the receiver refuses or 
neglects to appoint any place, or purposely avoids receiving notic(? 
of a place, the deliverer may appoint any place, with a reasonable 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 953 

regard to the convenience of the other party, and there deliver the 
articles. 

If the promise be to pay at a certain time, or deliver certain 
chattels, it is a promise in the alternative; and the alternative 
belongs to the promisor; he may do either the one or the other, at 
his election; nor need he make his election until the time when the 
promise is to be performed; but after that day has passed without 
election on his part, the promisee has an absolute right to the 
money, and may bring his action for it. A contract to deliver a 
certain quantity of merchandise at a certain time means, of course, 
to deliver the whole then. If by the terms of the contract certain 
specific articles are to be delivered at a certain time and place in pay- 
ment of an existing debt, this contract is fully discharged and the 
debt is paid, by a complete and legal tender of the articles at the 
time and place, although the promisee was not there to receive 
them ; and no action can thereafter be maintained on the contract. 
But the property in the goods has passed to the creditor, and he 
may retain them as his own. 

DRUNKENNESS 

Is the condition of a person who is under the immediate influence 
of intoxicating liquors. This condition presents various degrees of 
intensity, ranging from a simple exhilaration to a state of utter 
unconsciousness and insensibility. 

The common law shows but little disposition to afford relief, 
either in civil or criminal cases, from the immediate effects of 
drunkenness. It has never considered drunkenness alone as a suffi- 
cient reason for invalidating any act. 

When carried so far as to deprive the party of all consciousness^ 
strong presumption of fraud is raised ; and on that ground courts 
may interfere. 

Courts of equity decline to interfere in favor of parties pleading 
intoxication in tlie performance of a civil act. 

The law does, however, recognize two kinds of inculpable drunk- 
enness, viz.: that which is produced by the " uuskillfulness of his 
physician," and that which is produced by the "contrivance of 
enemies." To this may be added cases where a party drinks no 
more liquor than he has habitually used without being intoxicated, 
and which exerts an unusually potent effect on the brain in con- 
sequence of certain pathological conditions. 



954 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

MARRIAGE CONTRACT. 

Marriage is a contract, made in due form of law, by whicli a man 
and woman reciprocally engage to live with each other during their 
joint lives, and to discharge towards each other the duties injposed 
by law on the relation of husband and wife. The marriage contract 
is in law a civil contract, to which the consent of the parties is 
essential. The marriage relation can* only be entered into, main- 
tained, and abrogated as provided by law. It is dissolved by death 
or divorce. A marriage which is valid by the law of the country 
in which it is contracted; is valid in this State. To make a valid 
marriage, the parties must be willing to contract, able to contract, 
and have actually contracted. All persons are able to contract 
marriage unless they are under the legal age, or unless there be 
other disability; the age of consent at common law is fourteen in 
males and twelve in females. When a person under this age mar- 
ries, such person can, when he or she arrives at the age above speci- 
fied, avoid the marriage, or such person or both may, if the other is 
of legal age, confirm it; if either of the parties is under seven, the 
marriage is void. If either of the party is non comj^os Tnentis or 
insane, or has a husband or wife living, the marriage is void. 

The parties must each be willing to marry the other. If eitner 
party acts under compulsion, or is under duress, the marriage is 
voidable. 

The husband is bound to receive his wife at home, and should fur- 
nish her with all the necessaries and conveniencies which his for- 
tune enables him to do, and which her situation requires, but this 
does not include such luxuries as, according to her fancy, she deems 
necessaries. He is bound to lo.ve his wife and bear with her faults, 
and, if possible, by mild means, to correct them; and he is required 
to fulfill towards her his marital promise of fidelity. 

Being the head of the family, the husband has a right to estab- 
lish himself wherever he may please, and in this he cannot be con- 
trolled by his wife; he may manage his affairs in his own way, buy 
and sell all kinds of personal property, without her control, and he 
may buy any real estate he may deem proper; but as the wife 
acquires a right in the latter, he cannot sell it without her consent. 

A wife is under obligations to love, honor and obey her husband, 
and is bound to follow him wherever in the country he may go and 
establish himself, provided it is not for other causes unreasonable. 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 



955 



She is under obligation to be faithful in chastity to her marriage 
vow. A wife has the right to the love and protecting care of her 
husband; she has the right to share his bed and board; she can call 
upon her husband to provide her with the necessary food and 
clothing, according to her position in life, and if he neglects or re- 
fuses to do so, she can procure them on his account. 



MAERIED WOMEN 



May bargain, sell, and convey their real and personal property, and 
enter into contracts with reference to the same. The wife may be 
the agent of the husband, and transact for him business, making, 
accepting or endorsing bills or notes, purchasing goods, rendering 
bills, collecting money and receipting for the same, and in general, 
entering into any contract so as to bind him, if she has his authority 
to do so. And while they continue to live together, the law con- 
siders the wife as clothed with authority by the husband to buy for 
him and his family all things necessary, in kind and quantity, for 
the proper support of his family; and for such purchases made by 
her he is liable. The husband is responsible for necessaries sup- 
plied to his wife, if he does not supply them himself, and he 
continues so liable if he turns her out of his house or otherwise 
separates himself from her, without good cause. But he is not so 
liable if she deserts him, (without extreme provocation) or if he 
turns her away for good cause. If she leaves him because he treats 
her so ill that she has good right to go from him and his house, 
this is the same thing as turning her away; and she carries with her 
his credit for all necessaries supplied to her. But what the mis- 
conduct must be to give this right, is uncertain. But the law un- 
doubtedly is, that the wife is not obliged to stay and endure cruelty 
or indecency. It is also held, that if a man lives with a woman as 
his wife, and represents her to be so, he is liable for necessaries sup- 
plied to her, and her contracts, in the same way as if she were his wife- 
The statutes intend to secure to a married woman all her rights. 
But many women about to marry— or their friends for them — 
often wish to secure to them certain powers and rights, and to limit 
these in certain ways or to make sure that their property is in safe 
and skillful hands. This can only be done by conveying and trans- 
ferring the property to trustees; that is, to certain persons to hold 
the same in trust. 



956 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

A married woman ma/ sue and be sued. At the death of the 
husba:i(l, in addition to tlie widow's, award, a married woman lias u 
dower interest [one-tliird] in all real estate owned by lier husband 
after their marriage, and which has not been released by her, and 
the husband has the same interest in the real estate of the wife, 
after her death. 

SCHOOL MONTH. 

NUMBER OF DAYS IX A SCHOOL MONTH TEACHERs' HOLIDAYS. 

The law of this State says that a school month sliall comprise 
twenty-two school days, actually taught. It also provides that 
teachers shall not be required to teach on legal holidays, thanks- 
giving or fast-days, appointed by State or ISTational authority. 

SCHOQjL. children's STUDIES. 

• 

The rulings of courts are that the trustees of a school district 
may prescribe what studies shall be pursued, and may regulate the 
classification of the pupils; but that a parent may select, from the 
branches pursued, those which the child shall study, so long as the 
exercise of such selection does not interfere with the system pre- 
scribed for the school ; that the child cannot be excluded from one 
study simply because he is deficient in another; the rule requirinsr 
his exclusion is unreasonable, and cannot be enforced. 

IXFANTS 

Can make a binding contract for necessaries only. An infant can 
never bind himself even for necessaries when he has a parent or 
guardian who supplies his wants. What are considered necessaries 
depend upon the rank and circumstances of the infant in the par- 
ticular case. All his other contracts are considered voidable and 
void. An infant's contract on a bill or note is voidable. His 
liability may be established by ratification after full age. 

The confirmation or ratification must be distinct, and with a knowl- 
edge that he is not liable on the contract. A mere acknowledgment 
of a debt, or a pajnnent of a part of it, will not support an action 
an such a contract. When an infant indorses negotiable notes or 
bills he does not pass any interest in them as against himself; his 
act is voidable, but neither the acceptor nor subsequent indorser 
can oblige his infancy to evade their liability; nor can the drawer 
of a bill set up the infancy of a payee and indorser as a defense to 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 957 

an action thereon against himself. An infant may sue on a bill, 
but he sues by his guardian or next friend, and payment should 
accordingly be made to him. 

■ Parties contracting with an infant assume all the inconveniences 
incident to the protection which the law allows him. In law 
int'ancv extends to the age of twenty-one years. 

ADOPTION OF CHILDREN. 

Children may be adopted by any resident of this State by filing 
a petition in the Circuit or County Court of the county in which 
he resides, asking leave to do so; and, if desired, may ask that the 
name of the child be changed. Such petition, if made by a person 
having a husband or wife, will not be granted unless the luisband 
and wife joins therein, as the adoption must be by them jointly. 
The petition shall state name, sex, and age of child, and the new 
name, if it is desired to change the name; also, the name and resi- 
dence of the parents of the child, if known, and of the guardian, 
if any, and whether the parents or guardian consent to the 
adoption. 

The Court must find, before granting decree, that the parents of 
the child, or the survivors of them, have deserted his or her family, 
or such child, for one year next preceding the application ; or, if 
neither is living, that the guardian (if no guardian, the next of 
kin in this State capable of giving consent) has had notice of the 
presentation of the petition, and consents to such adoption. If 
the child is at the age of fourteen or upwards, the adoption cannot 
be made without its consent. 

CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS 

May be legally made by electing or appointing, according to the 
usages or customs of the body of which it is a part, at any meeting 
held for that purpose, two or more of its members or trustees, war- 
dens or vestrymen, and may adopt a corporate name. The Chair- 
man or Secretary of such meeting shall, as soon as possible, make 
and file in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of the county an 
affidavit substantially in the following form: 

State of Illinois, ] 

County. ( 

I, , do solemnly swear [or affirm, as the case may be] 

that at a meeting of the members of the [here insert the name of 



958 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

the church, society, or congregation, as known before organization] 

held at [here insert the place of meeting], in the County of , 

and State of Illinois, on the day of , A. D. 18 — , for 

that purpose, the following persons were elected [or appointed; 
here insert the names] trustees, wardens, vestrymen [or officers by 
whatever name they may choose to adopt, with power similar to 
trustees], according to the rules and usages of such [church, 

society, or congregation], and said adopted as its corporate 

name [here insert name], and at said meeting this affiant acted as 
[Chairman or Secretary, as the case may be]. 

Subscribed and sworn to before me this day of , 

A. D. IS—. [Name of affiant]' . 

Which affidavit must be recorded by the Recorder, and shall be, 
or a certified copy made by the Recorder, received as evidence of 
such corporation. 

No certificate of election after the first need be filed for record. 

The term of office of the trustees, and the general government of 
the society can be determined ]\y the rules and by-laws adopted. 
Failure to elect trustees at the time provided does not work a dis- 
solution, but the old trustees hold. over. A trustee or trustees may 
be removed, in the same manner, by the society, as elections are 
held by a meeting called for that purpose. The property of the 
society rests in the corporation. The corporation may hold, or 
acquire by purchase or otherwise, land not exceeding ten acres, for 
the purpose of the society. The trustees have the care, custody 
and control of the property of the corporation, and can, tvhen 
directed by the society, erect houses or improvements, and repair 
and alter the same, and may also when so directed by the society, 
mortgage, encumber, sell and convey any real or personal estate 
belonging to the corporation, and make all proper contracts in the 
name of such corporation. But they are prohibited by law from 
encumbering or interfering with any property so as to destroy the 
effect of any gift, grant, devise or bequest to the corporation; but 
such gifts, grants, devises or bequests must in all cases be used so 
as to carry out the object intended by the persons making the same. 
Existing churches may organize in the manner herein set forth, and 
have all the advantages thereof. 

GAME 

Consists of birds and beasts of a wild nature, obtained by fowling 
and hunting. The last few years have shown a general interest by 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 959 

the people in having wise and just laws passed for tlie protection of 
fish and game. It is apparent to all that, unless these laws are 
vigorously enforced, the time will soon come when fish and game 
will be so scarce as to be within the reach of only the wealtlij. 
Under proper regulations our streams of pure running water would 
all be filled with fish, as in other years, and our prairies, fields and 
forests alive with their great variety of game. It is a question that 
interests all, and the game laws should be enforced. 

The following are sections 1 and 6 of the Game Law of 1873, of 
this State, as amended by the act approved May 14th, 1877: 

Sec. 1. That it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to 
hunt or pursue, kill or trap, net or ensnare, destroy, or attempt to 
kill, trap, net, ensnare, or otherwise destroy any prairie hen or 
chicken, or any woodcock, between the 15th day of January and the 
1st day of September in each and every year; or any deer, fawn, 
wild turkey, ruifed grouse (commonly called partridge), or pheas- 
ant, between the 1st day of February and the 1st day of October 
in each and every year; or any quail between the 1st day of Feb- 
ruary and the 1st day of November in each and every year; or any 
wild goose, duck, snipe, brant, or other waterfowl between the 1st 
day of May and the 15th day of August in each and every year: 
Provided, That it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to 
net any quail at any time after this act shall take effect and be in 
force; and provided further, That it shall be unlawful for any per- 
son or persons who is or are non-residents of this State to kill, 
ensnare, net or trap any deer, fawn, wild turkey, prairie hen or 
chicken, rufi'ed grouse, quail, woodcock, wild goose, wild duck or 
brant, or any snipe, in any county of this State, at any time, for 
the purpose of selling or marketing or removing the same outside 
of this State. Every person who violates any of the provisions of 
this section shall, for each and every offense, be deemed guilty of a 
misdemeanor, and on conviction shall be fined not less than five dol- 
lars ($5) nor more than twenty-five dollars ($25) and costs of suit for 
each and every separate bird or animal of the above enumerated 
list, so unlawfully hunted or pursued, killed, trapped, netted, 
ensnared, or destroyed or attempted to be killed, trapped, netted, 
ensnared, or otherwise destroyed, and shall stand committed to the 
county jail until such fine and costs are paid, but such imprison- 
ment shall not exceed ten days. 



960 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

t 

Sec. 6. j^o person or persons shall sell or expose for sale, or 
have in his or their possession for the purpose of selling or expos- 
ing for sale, any of the animals, wild fowls or birds mentioned in 
section 1 of this act, after the expiration of five days next succeed- 
ing the first day of the period in which it shall be unlawful to 
kill, trap, net, or ensnare such animals, wild fowls or birds. And 
any person so offending shall, on conviction, be fined and dealt with 
as specified in Section 1 of this act: Provided, That the provisions 
of this act shall not apply to the killing of birds by or for the use 
of taxidermists for preservation either in public or private collec- 
tions, if so preserved. 

The fifteenth of January, it will be observed, is the date when the 
prohibition begins to work as to prairie chickens and woodcock; 
the first of February is the date for most other sorts of game, 
except waterfowl. And five days after the prohibition against kill- 
ing goes into force, it becomes unlawful to sell or expose for sale 
the prohibited game. 

I'RESEKVATION OF OTHER BIRDS. 

It may be appropriate to mention here that Sections 3 and 4 of 
the act of 1873, which are not changed or affected by the act of 
1877, are as follows: 

Sec. 3. No person shall at any time, within this State, kill or 
attempt to trap, net, ensnare, destroy or kill any robin, bluebird, 
swallow, martin, mosquito hawk, whippoorwill, cuckoo, woodpecker, 
catbird, brown- thi*asher, red-bird, hanging-bird, buzzard, sparrow, 
wren, humming-bird, dove, gold-finch, mocking bird, blue-jay, finch, 
thrush, lark, cherry-bird, yellow-bird, oriole, or bobolink, nor rob or 
destroy the nests of such birds, or either or any of them. And 
any person so offending shall on conviction be fined the sum of five 
dollars for each and every bird so killed, and for each and every nest 
robbed or destroyed: Provided, that nothing in this section shall 
be construed to prevent the owner or occupant of lands from 
destroying any of the birds herein named on the same, when deemed 
necessary for the protection of fruits or property. 

Sec. 4. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to destroy- 
er remove from the nests of any prairie chicken, grouse or quail, 
wild turkey, goose or brant, any egg or eggs of such fowl or bird, 
or for any person to buy, sell, have in possession or traffic in such 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 961 

eggs, or willfully destroy the nest of sucli birds or fowls, or any or 
either of them. And any person so offending shall on con\dction 
be lined and dealt with as specified in Section 3 of this act. 

MILLERS. 

The owner or occupant of every public grist-mill in this State 
shall grind all grain brougiit to his mill, in its turn. The"* toll for 
both steam and water mills, is, for grinding and boltiilg wheat, rye, 
or other grain, one-eighth part; for grinding Indian corn, oats, barley, 
and buckwheat not required to be bolted, one-seventh part; for grind- 
ing malt, and chopping all kinds of grain, one-eighth part. It is 
the duty of every miller, when his mill is in repair, to aid and assist 
in loading and unloading all grain brought to his mill to be ground; 
and he is also required to keep an accurate half- bushel measure, and 
an accurate set of toll dishes or scales for weighing the grain. The 
penalty for neglect or refusal to comply with the law is $5, to the 
use of any person suing for the same, to be recovered before any 
Justice of the Peace of the county where the penalty is incurred. 
Millers are accountable (except it results from unavoidable acci 
dents) for the safe-keeping of all grain left in their mill for the pur- 
pose of being ground, with bags or casks containing same, provided 
that such bags or casks are distinctly marked with the initial letters 
of the owner's name. 

PAUPERS. 

Every poor person who shall be unable to earn a livelihood in con- 
sequence of any bodily infirmity, idiocy, lunacy or unavoidable 
cause, shall be supported by the father, grandfathers, mother, grand- 
mothers, children, grandchildren, brothers or sisters, of such poor 
person, if they or either of them be of sufiicient ability; but if any 
of such dependent class shall have become so from intemperance, or 
other bad conduct, they shall not be entitled to support from any 
relation except parent or child. The children shall first be called on 
to support their parents, if they are able; but if not, the j^arents of 
such poor person shall then be called on, if of sufiicient ability; and 
it there be no parents or children able, then the brothers and sisters 
of such dependent person shall be called upon; and if there be no 
brothers or sisters of sufiicient ability, the grandchildren of such per- 
son shall next be called on ; and if they are not able, then the grand- 
parents. Married females, while their husbands live, shall not be 



962 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

liable to contribute for the support of tlieir poor relations except 
out of their separate property. It is the duty of the State's attorney 
to make complaint to the County Court of his county against all the 
relatives of such paupers in this State liable to support, and prose- 
cute the same. In case the State's attorney neglects or refuses to 
complain in such cases, then it is the duty of the overseer of the poor 
to do so. Tl^e person called upon to contribute shall have at least 
ten days' notice of such application, by summons. The court has 
the power to determine the kind of support, depending upon the 
circumstances of the parties, and may also order two or more of the 
different degrees to maintain such poor person, and prescribe the 
proportion of each, according to his or her ability. The court may 
.specify the time for which the relatives shall contribute; in fact it 
has control over the entire subject matter, with power to enforce its 
order. 

Every county is required to relieve and support all poor and in- 
digent persons lawfully resident therein. " Residence " means the 
actual residence of the party, or the place where he was employed; 
or in case he was in no employment, then it shall be the place where 
he made his home. When any person "becomes chargeable as a 
pauper who did not reside in the county at the commencement of 
six months immediately preceding his becoming so, but did at the 
time reside elsewhere in this State, then the county becomes liable 
for the expense of taking care of such pers(m until removed; and it 
is the duty of the overseer to notify the proper authorities of the 
fact. If any person shall bring and leave any pauper in any county 
in this State where such pauper had no legal residence, knowing him 
to be such, he is liable to a fine of $100. In counties under town- 
ship organization, the supervisors in each town are ex-officio over- 
seers of the poor. The overseers of the poor act under the directions 
of the County Board in taking care of the poor and granting tem- 
porary relief; also, in providing for non-resident persons not pau- 
pers who may be taken sick and not able to pay their way, and, in 
case of death, causing such persons to be decently buried. 

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE CONVEYANCES. 

When practicable from the nature of the ground, persons travel 
ing in any kind of vehicle must turn to the right of the center of 
the road, so as to permit each carriage to pass without interfering 



DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 963 



with the Other. The penalty for a violation of this provision is $o 
for every offense, to be recovered by the party injured; but to re- 
cover, there must have occurred some injury to person or property 
resulting from the violation. i • c, . 

The owners of anv carriage traveling upon any road m this btate 
for the convevance of passengers, who shall employ or continue in 
their employment as driver any person who is addicted to drunken- 
ness or the excessive use of spirituous liquors, after he has had 
notice of the same, shall pay a forfeit at the rate of $5 per day ; and 
if any driver, while actually engaged in driving any such carriage, 
shall be guilty of intoxication to such a degree as to endanger tlie 
safety of passengers, it shall be the duty of the owner, on receiving 
written notice of the fact, signed by one of the passengers, and cer- 
tified by him on oath, forthwith to discharge such driver. It such 
owner shall have such driver in his employ within three months 
after such notice, he is liable for $5 per day for the time he shall 
keep such driver in his employment after receiving such notice 

Persons driving any carriage on any public highway are prohib- 
ited from running their horses upon any occasion, under^a penal y 
of a fine not exceeding $10, or imprisonment not exceeding sixty 
days, at the discretion of the court. Horses attached lo any car- 
riage used to convey passengers for hire must be propei^ l^:tched, 
or the lines placed in the hands of some other person, before the 
driver leaves them for any purpose. For violation of this provision 
each driver shall forfeit twenty dollars, to be recovered by action 
cmnmenced within six months. 

It is understood by the term " carriage" herein to mean any car- 
riage or vehicle used for the transportation of passengers, or goods, 
or either of them. 

WAGERS AND STAKEHOLDERS. 

Wac^ers upon the result of an election have always been consid- 
ered a? void; as being contrary to sound policy, and tending to im- 
pair the pur ty of elections. Wagers as to the mode of playing, or 
rio the^esult of any illegal game, as boxing, wrestling, cock- 
fiditina, etc., are void at common law. , 

Stekfiolders m«stdeUve.-the thing holden by tliem to the person 
entitled to it, on demand. It is frecinently questionable who .seu- 
tit ed to it. In case of an unlawful wager, although he may be jus- 



964 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 



• 



tified for delivering the thing to the winner, by the express or im- 
plied consent of the loser, yet if before tlie event has happened he 
has been reqnired by either party to give up the thing deposited 
with him by such party, he is bound to deliver it; or if, after the 
event has happened, the losing party gives notice to the stakeholder 
not to pay the winner, a payment made to him afterwards will be 
made to him in his own wrong, and the party who deposited the 
money or thing may recover it from the stakeholder. 

SUNDAY. 

Labor of whatever kind, other than the household offices of daily 
necessity, or other work of charity and necessity, on the first day of 
the week, commonly called Sunday, is in general under penalty pro- 
hibited; but all persons do not come under prohibition. If a con- 
tract is commenced on Sunday, but not completed until a subsequent 
day, or if it merely grew out of a transaction which took place on 
Sundav, it is not for this reason void. Thus, if a note is signed on 
Sunday, its validity is not impaired if it be not delivered on that day, 

DEFINITION OF COMMERCIAL TERMS. 

$ means dollars^ being a contraction of U.S., which was for- 
merly placed before any denomination of money, and meant, as it 
means now, United States currency. & means pounds, Englisli 
money, @ stands for <2^ or ^(9/ "h iov pound; bbl. for barrel; and 
'^ for per or hy the. Thus, butter sells at 20 @ 30c. ^ lb, and 
flour at $6@10 '^ bbl. |„ stands for ^>dr cent., and ^ for number. 

In the example "May 1 — wheat sells at $1.0o@1.10, seller 
June," .seller June means that the person who sells the wheat has 
the privilege of delivering it at any time during the month of 
June. " Selling- short '' is contracting to deliver a certain amount 
of grain or stock at a fixed price within a certain length of time, 
when the seller has not the stock on hand. It is for the interest of 
the person selling " short" to depress the market as much as possi- 
ble, in order that he may buy and fill his contract at a profit. 
Hence the " shorts " are termed "bears." 

LEGAL WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 

Whenever any of the following articles shall be contracted for, 
or sold or delivered, and no special contract or agreement shall be 



BIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 965 

made to the contrary, the weight i^er bushel shall be as follows, 
to wit: 

ftys. fi>s. 

Apples, dried. 24 Hemp seed 44 

Bar?ey.. , » 48 Hilir (plastering) » 

Beans, white 60 Lime, uuslacked 80 

Beans, castor. . . , 46 Onions 57 

Buckwheat 52 Oats ^2 

Bran 20 Potatoes, Irish oO 

Blue-glass seed 14 Peaches, dried 33 

Broom-corn seed 46 Potatoes, sweet o5 

Coal, stove 80 Rye 56 

Corn, in the ear 70 Salt, fine 55 

Corn, shelled 56 Salt, coarse 50 

Corn meal 48 Turnips -55 

Clover seed 60 Timothy seed 45 

Flax seed 56 Wheat oO 

BEES. 

Bees, while unreclaimed, are by nature wild animals. Those 
which take up their abode in a tree belong to the owner of the soil 
in which the tree grows, if unreclaimed; but if reclaimed and identi- 
fied they belong to their former owner. If a swarm has flown from 
the hive of A, they are his so long as they are in sight, and may 
easily be taken; otherwise, they become the property of the first" 
occupant. Merely finding on the land of another person a tree 
containing a swarm of bees, and marking it, does not vest the 
property of the bees in the finder. They do not become property 
until actually hived. 

DOGS* 

Dogs are animals of a domestic nature. The owner of a dog has 
such property in him that he may maintain an action for an injury 
to him, or to recover him when unlawfully taken away and kept by 
another. 

When, in consequence of his vicious propensities, a dog becomes 
a common nuisance the owner may be indicted, and where one 
commits an injury, if the owner had knowledge of his mischievous 
propensities, he is liable for the injur}-. A man has a right to 
keep a dog to guard his premises, but not to put him at the 
entrance of his house, because a person coming there on lawful 
business may be injured by him, though there may be another 
entrance to the house. But if a dog is chained, and a visitor 
incautiously goes so near him that he is bitten, he has no right of 
action against the owner. 



966 DIGEST OF STATE LAWS. 

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. 

Whoever shall willfully overdrive, overload, overwork, torture, 
torment, beat, deprive of necessary and proper food, drink, or 
shelter, or cruelly kill any such animal, or work an old, maimed, 
sick, or disabled animal, or keep any animal in an unnecessarily 
cruel manner, for each and every offense shall be liable to a line of 
not less than $3 or more than $200, to be recovered on complaint 
before any Justice of tlie Peace, or by indictment. The word 
'* animal" used shall be taken to mean any living creature. 

NAMES. • 

Any person desirous of changing his name, and to assume another 
name, may file a petition in the Circuit Court of the county where 
he resides, praying for such change. Such petition shall set forth 
the name then held, and also the name sought to be assumed? 
together with his residence, and the length of time he shall have 
resided in this State, and his nativity. In case of minors, parents 
or guardians must sign this petition; and said petition shall be 
verified by the afiidavit of some credible person. A jtrevious notice 
shall be given of such intended application by publishing a notice 
thereof in a county newspaper for three consecutive weeks, the first 
insertion to be at least six weeks prior to tlie first day of the term 
of the court in which the said petition is to be filed. 



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